Having a hard time trying to decide, Rupes 21 or 3401...?

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Chiuy

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I recently decided to get back into detailing and pursue it as a business again. With the new technology and innovation this day and age I have been having more difficulties deciding on equipment more than ever. I love my rotary and have years of experience with it. I feel like I am missing out with some of the new DA that are available to me. I guess my biggest question is how did you decide? I see both the pros and cons, and don't have the opportunity to try them out. I do feel like there is a place for every tool but currently would like to purchase a 7424xp or GG for light duty work along side a higher end DA to fill in the gap as far as correction power.

Chris
 
Chris. I have been suggesting to people who are proficient with a rotary to go the Rupes route.
There are going to be varying opinions on here as it largely depends on what you feel most comfortable with.
That being said, a rotary buffer in the hands of a skilled user can achieve excellent and swirl free results. Along with the option to interchange backing plate/pad sizes.
I have several rotaries. The flex 3401. Several da polishers as well as the Rupes 21,15 and lhr75. So that's where my opinion comes from as I have and still use them all depending on the job at hand.
The Rupes fills the gap between a rotary and standard da very well. And is an excellent choice when performing AIO services. I hope ive been able to shine some light for you on your decision. Good luck!!!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AG Online
 
I've made it well known that i do not like the current Rupes Bigfoot Polishers in my Flex vs Rupes comparison thread.

But before making a decision, wait until the SEMA convention is over. Rupes will introduce another polisher. Hopefully there will be others too.
 
I have been leaning towards the 3401 but have been hearing about so many people switching over to the Rupes and all this "hype" with it which is giving me second thoughts. Are we sure there will be new polisher being introduced from Rupes? How about Flex, anything new?

Chris
 
Can't help much on which one is better, the Rupes or Flex, however I corrected a car with the Flex and was a bit wore out when I was done, it grabs and at times feels "Jerky"back and forth, I'm sure it takes time to master it.
But I've read all positive things of the Rupes, also read that people are switching to the Rupes over the Flex.

PC or GG6?

Well I own both,hands down the GG6 is superior over the PC.
I can honestly say I wouldn't get rid of my GG6 for a Flex.
Bottom line is that all of them are fine machines, it's a question of which one fits you best.
 
I own both, both have different specialties. If I have acres of flat panels, the rupes is what I grab. I use it for wax/lsp application as well. Also you can't use the rupes in small areas. Flex is great around curved panels and for powering through the convex/concave surfaces. I will say I used the flex last weekend with a white pad and Wolfgang finish glaze and my arms were worn out. I did my truck and car. The flex is grabby in certain directions which is probably a learning curve.

Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
 
I will voice my opinion......I agree with Mike....wait until SEMA......I have several machines, Flex, Makita 9227c and Porter Cable 7424XP.....My favorite is the Makita.....very disappointed with the Flex especially the amount of $$.
 
Chiuy said:
I have been leaning towards the 3401 but have been hearing about so many people switching over to the Rupes and all this "hype" with it which is giving me second thoughts. Are we sure there will be new polisher being introduced from Rupes? How about Flex, anything new?

Chris
Click to expand...
I'm in the same boat, The Love - Hate for the Flex 3401 is mind boggling. I guess I will wait another week and see.


with all of the people that hate the Flex I'm surprised I don't see more for sale??
 
Love my Rupes! But it all depends on your budget, what you're doing, what you want to do. Its big money, but any tool is worth the cost!
 
The Flex 3401 is so uncomfortable to use. How anyone likes the feel of the polishing action is beyond me. JMO.


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FivePoint.0 said:
The Flex 3401 is so uncomfortable to use. How anyone likes the feel of the polishing action is beyond me. JMO.


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Click to expand...

:iagree:I'm with you Mark. I much rather use a GG6 and put up with the vibration than fight the machine all day long. Give me a PE14-2-150 and a GG6.:props:
 
Looks to me that I should wait for Sema. Hopefully it will be a no brained decision. Thank you guys for all the info.

To be continued...
 
you're going to get a mixed bag of opinions, the best thing to do if possible is to try both and see how YOU like them and then decide...
 
... I'm a rotary advocate. I don't do a job with out my rotary. A rupes is a great tool and I have both 21 and 15, also had a flex. I had a 75 and a TA50 (1" pneumatic is best for taking out dust, polishing, it has it's place).

For cutting, old fashion wool and rotary beats everything.

Do get a DA for paint cleanses and wax spreading.
 
I've never used the Rupes, but it's mind boggling how people say they're worn out after using the flex and how they have to fight with it? I'm scrawny and don't have any problems with it at all. I'm not worn out after polishing... Idk where people get that from. I mean, not everyone could be weaker than me right? ;) I came from megs da and absolutely hated how the machine would slow on me from too much pressure/curved panels etc. I be loved every minute with my flex since about 30 min into using it for the first time lol. I'd like to try the Rupes just to compare, but I doubt that will happen any time soon.

-Beach
 
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