Got my FLEX 3401 today!

jankerson

jankerson

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Got my FLEX 3401 today!



Well got mine today. :dblthumb2:

After using the G110V2 for more than 7 years now.

I don't know why I waited so long. :wow:

This thing reminds me of using a rotary so there wasn't really any learning curve.

Just a great product all around.

Used it today to start polishing out my truck with the WG Finishing Glaze and LC Tangerine Hydro-Tech Pads. Have a little left to go yet, will finish it up tomorrow morning.

Had already Use the G110V2 and CYAN Pads with WG Total Swirl Remover, had some minor things left over from that after I was finished.

Well the 3401 with the Tangerine Pads and WG Finishing Glaze took care of all of that, powerful machine with no doubt. And the forced rotation really does make a difference, a very large difference in performance.






:buffing:
 
Re: Flex 3401

Very nice! You'll be set for a long time with that Beast
 
Re: Flex 3401

I think so, should last me forever.

The power of this thing when compared to the G110V2 is just amazing.

I can use it like a rotary, I love that, yeah. :buffing:

Need to polish the Jeep next after I get the truck done. Will be less work as it doesn't need too much, garage kept while the truck sits out in the weather.
 
Re: Flex 3401

I had the opportunity to try some of the top machines before making my decision to purchase the 3401. Once I used that one I knew I would buy it.
 
Re: Flex 3401

I am a HUGE fan of the 3401. I will not use anything else. I will upgrade to the new one eventually...hopefully next summer.
 
Re: Flex 3401

jankerson said:
Well got mine today. :dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Congratulations!



jankerson said:
powerful machine with no doubt.

And the forced rotation really does make a difference, a very large difference in performance.
Click to expand...


And this is why I call it the BEAST!


Zero pad stalling and once you invest some hours behind the tool you can truly make it dance on paint.


:buffing:
 
Re: Flex 3401

Mike Phillips said:
Congratulations!






And this is why I call it the BEAST!


Zero pad stalling and once you invest some hours behind the tool you can truly make it dance on paint.


:buffing:
Click to expand...



Thanks Mike. :)

Working on the Jeep now. Using WG Uber Compound with a White LC Force Polishing Pads. The Compound is getting old so I figured I would use it like a polish to use the old up and there are some defects that it's knocking down. Too deep to take them completely, scratches. I will finish it out with the Finishing Glaze after using the LC Soft Blue Finishing pads. The Jeep isn't in bad shape, but it's been awhile (YEARS) since I have done any machine paint work on it. Defiantly some dirt in there as you can see from the white pad so yeah it's time.





 
Re: Flex 3401

richy said:
I am a HUGE fan of the 3401. I will not use anything else. I will upgrade to the new one eventually...hopefully next summer.
Click to expand...


Don’t be so hasty buddy. I just got the new Supa Beast. It’s definitely more ergonomic, quiet, touch smoother and no hot metal shroud to deal with.....I miss the extra power from the Beast. While some claim it is marginal, it matters to me. That marginal amount adds time, while not much, compound that over a years worth of details.

I suggest to buy a backup 3401 over the new machine.


While I am a huge Flex fan, I personally feel the new replacement has fallen a hair short. They fixed many issues and the new model is fantastic.... but I’m a speed guy...... I feel the need....THE NEED FOR SPEED!!!
 
Re: Flex 3401

Dr Oldz said:
Don’t be so hasty buddy. I just got the new Supa Beast. It’s definitely more ergonomic, quiet, touch smoother and no hot metal shroud to deal with.....I miss the extra power from the Beast. While some claim it is marginal, it matters to me. That marginal amount adds time, while not much, compound that over a years worth of details.

I suggest to buy a backup 3401 over the new machine.


While I am a huge Flex fan, I personally feel the new replacement has fallen a hair short. They fixed many issues and the new model is fantastic.... but I’m a speed guy...... I feel the need....THE NEED FOR SPEED!!!
Click to expand...


I heard both, the noise they make, the newer one has a higher pitched sound, I wouldn't be able to stand that personally.
 
Re: Flex 3401

Dr Oldz said:
but I’m a speed guy...... I feel the need....THE NEED FOR SPEED!!!
Click to expand...


I hear you on the speed, here's what I wrote in May of this year,


FLEX Power Tools Nicknames - All cool tools should have a nickname - not a part number -Mike Phillips


Specifically, post #3


Mike Phillips said:
Continued....


Some people have asked or wondered about the differences between the 3 different version of the original 8mm gear-drive BEAST.



BEAST = 480 RPM and 9,600 OPM

Supa BEAST = 430 RPM and 8,600 OPM

CBEAST = 380 RPM and 7,600 OPM



Here's my take on the above 3 gear-driven tools


The BEAST
If I REALLY want to bust out a job and plow through it as fast as humanly possible I use the BEAST.


The Supa BEAST
If not trying to hit Warp Speed - I grab the Supa Beast, much more enjoyable to use. Amazing tool. Smoother, quieter, lighter and cooler than the original.


The CBEAST
If I have an easy job, that means the car has only light swirls, scratches, etc. and I'm not in a hurry then I grab the CBEAST.
Click to expand...



I too am all about speed, as in how fast can I plow through a car.

That said, I still find myself grabbing the new Supa BEAST with a 6" backing plate more and more for the 4 new benefits over the 50 more RPM of the older BEAST.

One thing for sure...


ITS NICE TO HAVE CHOICES




:)
 
Re: Flex 3401

This,

The Flex 3401, all brawl no stall!


Still love mine!


:dblthumb2:
 
Re: Flex 3401

Mike Phillips said:
Congratulations!






And this is why I call it the BEAST!


Zero pad stalling and once you invest some hours behind the tool you can truly make it dance on paint.


:buffing:
Click to expand...



Finished up the Jeep today, the 3401 really cuts down the time spent on the paint compared to the G110V2 I was using.


I would say it cut my time about in half from what I was used to. :buffing:


The pads not stopping is a massive time saver really.

It just powers right on through it, and it's nice to be able to use the edge and or 1/2 of the of the pads and still have the down pressure, big time saver right there.
 
Re: Flex 3401

Rsurfer said:
Cordless?
Click to expand...

HELL NO! I am not interested in a cordless machine. My 3401 is older but keeps working just fine. Replaced brushes and that's all it's needed. My only complaint against the 3401 is the heat it can generate when correcting a bad paint. I sure hope the new one is better for that.
 
Re: Flex 3401

jankerson said:
I would say it cut my time about in half from what I was used to. :buffing:

The pads not stopping is a massive time saver really.
Click to expand...

Yup. This is why I go gear-driver orbital.

Buffing out a car already takes a long time. Gear-driven orbital enables you to do the work as fast as humanly possible while still putting out swirl-free, pro quality results.


jankerson said:
It just powers right on through it, and it's nice to be able to use the edge and or 1/2 of the of the pads and still have the down pressure, big time saver right there.
Click to expand...


Yup again...


Edging with the FLEX 3401 at one of our detailing classes

How to use the Flex 3401 to remove swirls & water spots

watermark.php




Note the hand positions for this type of work - my getting away from holding the front of the tool - I can more easily see the contact area of the pad to not only keep the pad where I want it - but also keep it away from where I don't want it - the edge of a panel.

watermark.php




:)
 
Re: Flex 3401

Love my Flex! Been using it for quite a while (7+ Years)! Love it. It's definitely showing some signs of wear and tear but it still ROCKS! One day, I may buy another.

But welcome to the Flex crowd! KEEP ON ROCKING!
 
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