I am completely drooling over flex tools...should i just take the dive?

Dan Tran

Dan Tran

New member
Joined
Sep 10, 2015
Messages
1,055
Reaction score
0
Since all my RUPES tools all have been stolen plus my FLEX “Finisher”, I have been on the hunt for replacements.

With all the new releases of all the cordless tools and now a cordless 3401 AKA “The Beast” on it’s way, I have never obsessed more about FLEX tools than before. To say the least, the FLEX 3” MINI also looks sweet too!

I have been viewing TOO MANY videos of Mike Phillips & Renny Doyle demoing and discussing the neat features of these new tools and I am SOLD! On top of that, these tools all sound like PURE QUALITY machines.

I have said on this forum before and I’ll say it again, I just love the hand feel of FLEX tools in terms of the way of the tool and how they handle. Is it me or is “The Finisher” truly one smooth machine too?

Does anyone else feel the same way or am I just making this stuff up?

There are tons of different opinions here, so let’s hear it.


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
 
Take the dive.

And wipe your chin, Dan. :laughing:
 
PaulMys said:
Take the dive.

And wipe your chin, Dan. :laughing:
Click to expand...

Let me grab some shop towels to wipe my chin really quick...DONE!

My wife is telling me to stick with what I already know (RUPES), but here’s where I see my future with my business—more boating detailing for next year. FLEX seems more up to the job. Agree or disagree?


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
 
Never used any Rupes tools to be honest, but I have used Flex at my work in the past.

The things are straight up animals. Awesome tools that take a beating.
 
can't go wrong with Flex tools, excellent QC and responsive CS. with all the great choices for polishers these days, i certainly wouldn't be hesitant to buy another from them. buying with confidence isn't always there with some companies (especially when you spend over $300+ on one tool), but with Flex it is. it's money well spent IMO...
 
I like my Flex tools (3401, XFE15 15, 14-2)
They are all awesome. My 3401 has some heavy duty time logged on it over the last 10 or so years. Never had to do one thing to it. Still works like day 1.

Just got the XFE this year after my first gen Rupes died. Super smooth and works amazing.
The rotary get a lot of use on smaller panels and for true final finishing work.

I use my Dewalt 849x a lot when I’m running bigger pads or doing some heavy wool cutting.


The new Cordless beast is definitely on the must get list.
 
Flex are really good tools and they can be purchased at the 15% storewide no exclusion promotions that come up. I got a defective finisher when they first came out. It was the part that the backing plate attaches too. I called flex and they checked the serial# and sent a new tool that same day. I have not had any problems since.
 
I don’t know, but I’m interested in hearing what’s said.

I have the Duetto now and have thought about my next addition.

I’ve been really interested in the Mille because Rupes is known to have very balanced machines, and the “Beast” is known to be a beast in more ways than one.

As far as 3” options, there’s a growing base to choose from, but I’m sure either of the two are above the rest on quality. The same for the 15 and 21mm market.

It may be, do you prefer red and black, or black and white?

Or you could go with the PC, GG, ect with a 3” backing plate and a Nano




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Fortunately for me, I have a friend who is able to spare his FLEX “Finisher” + like 20 newish Lake Country Thin Pro pads.

I’ll be using these to make more money to save up. I’m super excited about ‘cutting the cord’! I know it’s a long way from now but...WORTH THE WAIT IMO!

“Dear Autogeek,

When the cordless FLEX 3401 gets released, it would be cool to include the FLEX cordless trio into a money saving PRO kit. Thanks!”—DAN TRAN


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
 
I wouldn't feel bad about an arsenal of Flex tools at my disposal.
 
I have two 3401 machines, and a 3” da from flex. Don’t know what I would do without them. My local p&s supplier let me test drive a rupes, and while it worked, it didn’t work as well as my “beasts”.
That said, I will be buying an Ibrid at some point. Only because Flex doesn’t make a comparable tool.
 
Team "Flupes" for me :laughing:. Or really whatever fits the bill and whatever I enjoy using!

Currently have:

(2) Rupes 21mk2
flex xfe-7-150
flex PE14
Adams SK mini
GG 6"

Used to have:

3401
Mille

Both the gear drive units were great. I liked some of the new features of the Mille over the 3401, but also really liked the fact that the 3401 isn't as "picky" with pad selection. In the end, as hard as it was to do, I sold the Mille as I greatly prefer long throws and rotary tools over gear driven tools. To each their own I suppose
 
DetailDrivenEugene said:
I have two 3401 machines, and a 3” da from flex. Don’t know what I would do without them. My local p&s supplier let me test drive a rupes, and while it worked, it didn’t work as well as my “beasts”.
Click to expand...

there's a reason why the 3401 has been around as long as it has. you can say I have a liking for red and black polishers (flex/griot's garage)... ;)
 
I too share in your excitement for the Flex CBEAST. :dblthumb2: I won't get it for a while after you but as you said Dan, I too am happy to wait . . . well happy enough.

I agree with what you say about a Flex & the way it just feels 'right' in hand, & the cordless tools are sublime no matter where you place your hands. I wanted the cordless tools when I first heard of them & then fell in love with them after having a play at Detail Fest, got the first XFE15 150 into NZ & seconds into having a turn with mine, my Wife Ange said she needed her own, so another on arrived within days. :buffing: Awaiting the arrival of the PE 150 in NZ at the moment & then I guess I'll have to be super patient for the CBEAST.

The XFE's get a fair amount of use & are really nice machines. Smooth, powerful & I think the battery life is very workable. Its so nice to be free of the cord . . . I know a few peope were sceptical of the idea but I also think so many people don't realise how taxing it really is to keep the cord away from the paintwork. I know its something we sub consciously do but it still requires energy - no so with the Flex corsless tools. :props:

There's still a huge need for the standard corded versions & they are my workforce at the shop & have been a reliable hard working part of shop life for a long time. Can't beat the build quality of a Flex if you ask me . . . Love the idea of the 'Pro Pack' 3 piece kit too Dan! :props: Sign me up!

Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:
 
Dan,

My experience has been that you cannot go wrong with the Flex lineup and I love each of mine. I have Rupes in the shop as well and they're remarkable when you use the entire Rupes system.

If I was starting from scratch myself... I'd build my shop around the Flex lineup. As I mentioned, I love Rupes.. my only issue has been requiring regular service. I've had to send in my Rupes 21 Mark II for service inside of year 1, and I'm in the process of sending my iBrid Nano in for the 2nd time. They seem to be like Italian cars.. beautiful, brilliant when they're running well, but can be finicky and may require regular service work.

I've had my Flex 3401 for the same length of time and had zero issues. Same with the XFE thus far (but thats a much more recent purchase).

In talks with other industry guys, I've heard very similar experiences.
 
FLEX XFE15 150 Cordless Orbital Polisher - Free Bonus!

For a limited time only, receive a FLEX 2.5 ah Cordless Battery FREE with your purchase!
$99.99 Value!
flex-xfe15-150-cordless-orbital-polisher-free-bonus-1.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top