Is the 3401 anyone elses default/go to polisher?

[CEE DOG]

I would have to say that until you have used and practiced with all machines, it hard to take the opinion as fact more so an assumption (not being rude, so please dont fret).

There is an assumption that both machines replace the Flex. I might suggest the exact opposite, I find the Flex replaced my Hitachi and original PC (and UDM too). That being said, I still recently got a PC-XP and plan to test it well.

As far as cost ... well depends on who you know and what you paid, I suppose.

I agree as well. I bought the Flex on a price match for a very fair price.

 

[Zivman]

:iagree:

I do agree. But it is difficult for a person to have access to all machines to have enough seat time with each to make a decision based on real world experience. I would love to have a griots, rotary and a flex all at my disposal.

 

[A4 1.8tqm]

Flex is my go-to, but it's also all I've ever used. Here's what I've said about it in the past..

Any of the polishers sold here will give excellent results in the right hands. So abilities of any machine aside, I'll say the Flex 3401 (only polisher I've used to date) is a sturdy, precision built machine that is comfortable to use. The speed selection dial, variable speed trigger and trigger lock are conveniently placed, you can do it all with just your right hand in it's natural position on the handle. Forced rotation ensures constant speed for even correction and reliable results (I figure this only really matters for heavy correction). It's a tool I'm proud to own and highly recommend it to anyone who can justify the cost. :xyxthumbs:

 

[Zivman]

Well I own both and I just did my daughters black Escape that we recently bought, it was in VERY bad shape. We tried both machines and the flex killed it hands down. The Groits is a great finisher and you can put a small back plate / brushes on it which is why I bought it, but aside from that between the two the flex is a clear winner for me.
Mike

Looks like I will have an opportunity to try out a flex. Family member just ordered me one. Happy day!

 

[INMY01TA]

I don't touch my Porter Cable at all anymore since getting my Flex. It's one of the older PCs that bogs when you put any pressure at all on it tho. I hear newer ones do not do this. I'd still use it for applying wax as it's lighter than the Flex but as it is I find my old PC useless.

 

[rjom]

I have a Flex, but find I can not do without the PC and 4 inch pads to get into the narrow places. I use both all the time.

 

[Dubbin1]

I have a Flex, but find I can not do without the PC and 4 inch pads to get into the narrow places. I use both all the time.

Yup I use my PC just for the 4" pads on the same jobs I use my Flex on.

 

[mchess1]

Got my 3401 about the time the new PC and GG were being rolled out. I am so glad I spent the extra $$ on the Flex.

I do wish I would have jumped on the Griots 3" polisher over Father's Day weekend. It would be nice to have the access to those smaller spots.

 

[AeroCleanse]

For correction I always break out the Makita rotary. The 3401 might be a great machine, but I can't justify the expense of buying one.

 

[BobbyG]

For a DA polisher my Flex 3401 is on the front lines over the Porter Cable 7424. There is absolutely nothing wrong the the Porter Cable but the Flex is a more powerful polisher and puts the power where I need it.

For initial paint correction I start with my Makita 9227 then switch to the Flex 3401 until I get to the wax stage. If I get into some hard to get spots then I'll switch to the Porter Cable 7424 and a small pad which makes those troublesome areas very easy to deal with.

I apply all waxes with my Porter Cable 7424 with either a blue or red LC pad.