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

I'm worn out after using the Rupes, the GG6, or the PC. Stooping over polishing a car is hard work to me. Maybe because I take every precaution and fret over every detail. But, I find it hard work. A lot for me like has to do with I have a single car garage and keep having to move the car at all kinds of crazy angles so I can polish one side while sitting down. I also have to run cords all over the place, and constantly have to wheel the car back and forth to get at my supplies.
 
Same here, I did this little Miata and only used the PC and I was beat the next day. M105 then Collinite 845



 
I followed the forum advice and purchased the PC7424xp for my first polisher...not a good choice for me. It didn't have the cutting power I needed. I stepped up the a Flex 3401vrg heavy duty and had a great time bringing a lot of cars to show car shine in record time. It's a bit noisy and can take off on you if you don't concentrate on the task at hand but it can also be ran with one hand so it's not nearly the bronco some had made it out to be. It doesn't wear me out at all but I must use good technique and we should anyway. I still had my Dewalt 849x this entire time but found I perferred the Flex except for finish polishing, jeweling, and headlights where the Dewalt works well. I thought I was done purchasing polishers. I downsized the PC to a 3 inch backing plate for small areas and had the Flex for the majority of the work.

One day an open box Rupes was offered at a price too good to pass so I received it recently. I put it to work today and what a pleasure. It's extremely quiet, well balanced, and just a pleasure to use. This may be my favorite if it cuts well. I didn't have a chance to try that out since this car is light colored and in very good shape. If I were adding to a rotary I'd take a hard look at the Rupes. I hope I didn't offend anyone and I'm certain I did but that's just my opinion and i'm entitled to it. Best wishes on your hunt.
 
When I first started detailing 8 years ago I had purchased a PC 7336 (i think that was the model). Tried it and at that moment I was not a big fan of that dual action polishers, really didn't like it at all. Don't remember having to many options to choose from. Went to a finishing store and purchased a Deawlt 849, and that was where I started my polishing journey. I was accustomed to compounding to finishing with a rotary. That being said my idea or reasoning for purchasing a DA is truly to correct light imperfections and to finish off after the rotary.

After reading the article from Mike regards to rotary and holograms. I felt like I need to invest in the simplest and most logical insurance/investment, a DA polisher. This is the position I am in and hope to make the best decision I can make. Next will be a new rotary, PE-14?

Chris
 
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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Uncomfortable? I thought it was a pleasure to use, especially after trying the GG6! The GG6 felt like I was polishing paint with a giant vibrator. The Flex is not as smooth as a Rupes but I don't feel uncomfortable at all and it's much more versatile.
 
I was having the same problem, couldn't decide. I went with the FLex and I love it. I only jerks around because the operator is not using it correctly. If its jerking then its telling u its not flat on the surface. Kinda a fail safe feature. It never stops no matter how much pressure u put on it. I am tired after using it for 9 hrs but I was tired with my old DA as well.
Now, I would like to also buy the Rupes and use it as well. The big throw on it I hear is amazing however, if your on the curvy parts of the car you will need a Flex to be efficient. Sure you can adjust your technique to make it work with the Rupes but why. Just power through with the FLex.

All, I know is its night and day from my old DA and my new FLEX and im not looking back.
Good luck in your hunt for the perfect machine. I would go with the Flex for all around use with a powerful motor and what seems to be a well made machine.
 
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