Flex3401vrg or Rupes Bigfoot?

They are both around the same price, and they are both the next step up from the PC/GG.

But I agree that you can't really compare the two.

One is forced action and the other is a traditional DA.
 
Old Tiger said:
Any new insights? Havent heard much lately.
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I was trying to decide as well what to get. I really don't need any machine, as my GG6 works fine for my 2 cars. But, I bought a Rupes 15 this morning over a 3401 because everyone seems to think its easier and faster than the others.

It basically takes me a whole day to buff out my car with a Griots. I'm hoping the Rupes will speed things up a bit and not having to use as much downward force will just be less fatiguing.

I went with the 15 because I need to be able to use smaller pads, and I didn't want to lay out all the cash for a 21, a 5" plate, and more Rupes pads in 2 sizes.

Plus I figure sooner or later a 3401 will pop up for sale by someone for a good price, maybe I can grab it. Since I'm not doing any major correction work, the forced rotation of the 3401 probably wouldn't benefit me much.

Anyway, that's how I made my decision.
 
I too have both, it's a close call by I prefer the Flex.
 
swanicyouth said:
I was trying to decide as well what to get. I really don't need any machine, as my GG6 works fine for my 2 cars. But, I bought a Rupes 15 this morning over a 3401 because everyone seems to think its easier and faster than the others.

It basically takes me a whole day to buff out my car with a Griots. I'm hoping the Rupes will speed things up a bit and not having to use as much downward force will just be less fatiguing.

I went with the 15 because I need to be able to use smaller pads, and I didn't want to lay out all the cash for a 21, a 5" plate, and more Rupes pads in 2 sizes.

Plus I figure sooner or later a 3401 will pop up for sale by someone for a good price, maybe I can grab it. Since I'm not doing any major correction work, the forced rotation of the 3401 probably wouldn't benefit me much.

Anyway, that's how I made my decision.
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I too went with a Rupes LHR15ES over the Flex 3401. I attended an Intro to Buffing and Polishing course here in Southern CA and got to try out the LHR21ES. I was surprised in how there was little vibration. Just remember that the key in using this machine is light pressure and slow arm movement.
 
swanicyouth said:
I was trying to decide as well what to get. I really don't need any machine, as my GG6 works fine for my 2 cars. But, I bought a Rupes 15 this morning over a 3401 because everyone seems to think its easier and faster than the others.

It basically takes me a whole day to buff out my car with a Griots. I'm hoping the Rupes will speed things up a bit and not having to use as much downward force will just be less fatiguing.

I went with the 15 because I need to be able to use smaller pads, and I didn't want to lay out all the cash for a 21, a 5" plate, and more Rupes pads in 2 sizes.

Plus I figure sooner or later a 3401 will pop up for sale by someone for a good price, maybe I can grab it. Since I'm not doing any major correction work, the forced rotation of the 3401 probably wouldn't benefit me much.

Anyway, that's how I made my decision.
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Congrats Steve! I am sure you will be a happy camper with the RUPES!
 
I have had the opportunity to work on both. I love the Flex for the correction and the Rupes is great at finishing. Simply both are needed, but Get the Flex and as soon as you can get the Rupes.
 
I went with the Flex and what a tremendous difference it has made. I'm one of those persons that should never have purchased the PC. Many should but I was past it after one car. I made some mistakes with the PC. Pads too large was the number one issue. I don't think there's anything I couldn't tackle with the Flex 3401. It would be nice to have a Rupes 21 on those large straight van sides but there's always the larger backing plate for the Flex. The Flex definitely puts out some noise if that's a consideration but the level of shine in produces in just a few passes amazes me.
 
It seems like FLEX is getting some much deserved love again!
It has a learning curve but not as much as a rotary.
 
Old Tiger said:
Congrats Steve! I am sure you will be a happy camper with the RUPES!
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If anyone is interested in a Rupes, you should watch the Miracle Detail videos on You Tube. Paul Dalton is a top detailer in the UK and uses all Rupes stuff. He has a lot of videos using their machines and makes it look pretty effortless.

http://youtu.be/7lwWXXDs3sc
 
The Paul Dalton videos made me think on the purchase of my next machine. Next month.

Well I have about 1.5 months to decide
 
The Rupes is a very effortless machine. Once you understand the machine and how less to no pressure in the head of the machine makes it work then you will see the true power of the machine.
 
From what I've read and experienced.
I was fighting with the Flex it kept hopping on me when I tried it with a MF pad.

Was this because it had a MF pad? When I re used the Flex at the meet up. The Flex was a lot easier to use, I had a white LC foam pad attached to it.

^ was this because of the different pads?

The time I used the Rupes it felt really smooth and it had a MF pad on it also. I was able to remove sanding marks on the very curved edge of a black test panel.

(I wouldn't of attempted removing sanding marks at the very edge with a Rotary and wool pad. I always avoid edges and curves when wet sanding and buffing with a Rotary)

Also:
are MF pads ok to use on a Rupes?

From what I've read they are a struggle with a Flex (Mf Pads)

(Either or will be in my budget btw, Flex or Rupes)
 
What is there to bump :P

its been discussed and beaten to death.

just buy both!
 
That's what I did. In 3 months I bought the Rupes 15, Flex 3401 and Rupes 75E.

All of them are a pleasure to use! :)

brianch said:
What is there to bump :P

its been discussed and beaten to death.

just buy both!
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I keep eyeing the Flex. Do I need it no, but what matters is that I want it :laughing:
 
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