Initial Impressions -- Flex Dual Action Buffer

ScottB

ScottB

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I finally got my hands on one of these buffers, and gotta say overall I suspect my PC will make its way back into the box. It is a very impressive machine and the initial use was flawless. I tried to read the somewhat lacking directions, and decided to just tighten the head and "gettur done".

Pro's
Speed --- This puppy can move and certainly offers more power and speed (also heat transfer) than UDM, or PC.

Dedicated Drive --- even with some pressure, the Flex kept on trucking and really got the job done without issue.

New Backing Plate -- I presume I have the new backing plate and had no backing plate contact, and the velcro attached to the pad like superglue.

Con's
Bale Handle -- while this is a cool design and really thought it would help. On higher areas like the roof, I would have preferred the standard handle and more control. At speed, this puppy will try and get away if possible.

Weight -- When wife took it out of the box, she remarked your arms are gonna hurt. Unscientifically this puppy feels about 1 1/2 to 2 times with weight of PC. I believe its even heavier than the Hitachi Rotary living in our garage.

Hook/Loop Pads --- darn I cannot tell you how much it sucked to go back to traditional pads after using the Edge system on PC for past two years. Trying to center the pad , and not being able to flip at 1/2 point was really missed.

That said, again the Flex is a much more powerful and user friendly unit for those wanting something like a PC on steriods. The Flex does get a bit hotter after running for awhile too. In closing, can someone remind me what the settings equate too in orbits ....
 
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killrwheels@autogeek said:
In closing, can someone remind me what the settings equate too in orbits ....
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Thanks for the review Scott :cheers:
Here you go:
normal_PC_-_Flex_02.jpg
 
Man, I really wanted one, but like that country song about the best things sometimes are those unanswered prayers. I could not afford to go in the hole for a Flex when I already have a PC and Makita. I found that I could get a lot more correction out of my PC by switching to LC 5.5" and 4" low profile LC pads. I got some great advice from another detailer about my Makita - take the handles off and hold it like you would a PC, it even has little places for your fingers under the spindle. I switched to 3M Extra Cut and Ultrafina and their pads - under good move, (update - changed to 105 for the compound).

Anyway, I guess the Flex is a good machine and from all the positive reviews - it is very popular. For me, I'm saving up for a carpet extractor and or a vapor steamer.
 
God I want one bad, the faster correction and smoother feel is what I am looking for. I like my UDM and all but the Flex
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
Con's

Hook/Loop Pads --- darn I cannot tell you how much it sucked to go back to traditional pads after using the Edge system on PC for past two years. Trying to center the pad , and not being able to flip at 1/2 point was really missed.

....
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Thats what held me off, I love the Edge system, don't care for hook/loop pads now. Hopefully Edge has an adapter in the works for the Flex.
 
Surfer said:
Thats what held me off, I love the Edge system, don't care for hook/loop pads now. Hopefully Edge has an adapter in the works for the Flex.
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Aaron has told me they are in the works.... haven't heard from him in awhile but from the initial timing he gave me it should be coming real soon!!:D
 
MotorCity Honda said:
Aaron has told me they are in the works.... haven't heard from him in awhile but from the initial timing he gave me it should be coming real soon!!:D
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With the Edge adapter, what size pads will you be able to use with it?
I favor the smallr pads for the work I do. Being able to use 6.5 to 5.5" pads will be a plus. I'm just playing the waiting game right now before I order my Flex. I want everything I'd need in one shot :cheers:
 
I LOVE MINE TOO !but the negative is not being able to use my 5.5 pads.
 
ZoranC said:
What is a dedicated drive?


PC is officially 5.75 lbs, XC 3401 VRG is 5.75 lbs, and Hitachi SP 18VA is 6.2 lbs. As I have all 3 I have went and did quick "in hand compare" and neither one of them feels noticably heavier than the other.
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Maybe dedicated drive was the wrong choice in words .... the motor feels much more substantial and powerful. I also like the triggered power option offered. Hope that helps. I still think the Flex feels heavier and my wrists seem to agree this morning. No itching hands however .....
 
Be patient my Edge Heads, we are just about to complete and launch the first version within a few weeks!
 
Killr,

Glad you finally got a Flex 3401. I really like mine, but I agree, it does take a little more care and "manpower" to operate than a PC or a UDM. I believe the OPS for the Flex and UDM are about the same for the different speeds with both topping out at 9600 OPS. Someone correct me on that if I'm wrong.

As was pointed out earlier the PC is decidedly slower.

I too am anxious to see the Edge adapter. I did not realize what a perfectly centered pad could do, until I converted with on my UDM.
 
I dont believe the UDM orbits much faster than the PC, I believe its the motor that a bit larger thats all.
 
The Edge said:
Be patient my Edge Heads, we are just about to complete and launch the first version within a few weeks!
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Yeh hurry up lol. PC wouldn't do squat on mothers black C6 Z and red C4. F'n GM clear coat :D
 
ZoranC said:
According to the specs it does.
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I dont want to start any buffer wars as all are nice choices. I have a Flex (now), PC, UDM, and Hitachi rotary. I did not find the UDM that different from PC and went back to it. After using the Flex one time, I can tell you it surely will be used more often.


Electronic variable speed 2,500-6,000 OPM (UDM)
No-load Speed: 2,500-6,000 RPM (PC)

2560 - 6700 (G110)
Orbit rate, without load 3200-9600 rpm (Flex)
 
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Thanks for info on the UDM speeds and the point about speed vs. power. The UDM's power is what I notice over the PC. For paint correcting, the Flex is obviously quicker and the OPS are too.

Just for grins, I gave the two a quick weigh in without backing plates and with the cords resting off the scale. Used a cooking scale that runs 0 to 6 lbs.

My UDM weighed 4.8 lbs and the Flex 5.6 lbs. The spec on the Flex w/o cord is 5.5 lbs (2.2 kilos). I think I read the UDM and PC spec is 4.75 lbs.
 
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