Lake Country Hybrid 3" Pad?

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JorgeSanchez

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Hello,

Long time lurker here, I been looking into a smaller polisher using a 3" pad to go with my 5" Pad Flex 3401. I haven't quite figured out which polisher to go with (PC7424, Rupes Mini, Flex Mini, etc.) but I know I am set on the 3" size. I currently run 5" hybrid pads on the Flex 3401 and wanted to have the same pads in 3" with the new polisher i decide to get. I noticed a member on this forum quoted the existence of a Lake Country Hybrid 3" pad. I did an extensive search and could not find this size in the hybrid line up, maybe he meant hydrotech? Long story short, does Lake Country make a 3" line of the Hybrids? Thanks in advance! :buffing:

Best,

Jorge
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the speedy reply, guess I will just have to get the LC flat foam 3" for now.
 
Or wait a week and see what launches at SEMA

Small pads are hot right now and I wouldn't be surprised to see several new offerings
 
That is also a great idea. Luckily I am still doing the due diligence to see which 3" pad capable polisher I plan to purchase. Thanks again for the info and insight! :props:
 
The larger machines can be converted to 3", but the Shrouds are sort of large on machines like the PC7424XP, GG6. Thus you might be banging the Shroud into tight areas like license plate cubby holes, around mirrors, etc. I bought a "PC Guard" for my PC's Shroud, but all it is, is a length of peel and stick foam rubber weatherstrip tape.

The Rupes Mini looks like a Machine I'd like having! Thing is, it is called a 3", but I see no 3" Pads sold by Rupes here on site? I only see 4"

So then what, must one then buy other brand 3" Pads? Not a problem I know, but would've assumed Rupes themselves would have these?
Anyone know?
 
Hybrid Pads were developed for use with the Flex 3401 so I wouldn't imagine that they would make a 3" Hybrid Pad (considering that the Flex can only go down to a 4" backing plate)... But SEMA is just around the corner so we will see!

If you're looking to do correction with a 3" polisher then I would recommend going with the Rupes 75E. It can be done with other machines but as it has been mentioned before the shroud becomes a problem.

I've found the Rupes 4" pads to work flawlessly and haven't had any problem with them being too big to work on pillars, bumpers, or other intricate areas.

If you're locked in on getting 3" pads then I would highly recommend the Lake Country Flat Pads, which work great on any of the 3" machines, includeing the Rupes.
 
MarkD51 said:
The larger machines can be converted to 3", but the Shrouds are sort of large on machines like the PC7424XP, GG6. Thus you might be banging the Shroud into tight areas like license plate cubby holes, around mirrors, etc. I bought a "PC Guard" for my PC's Shroud, but all it is, is a length of peel and stick foam rubber weatherstrip tape.

The Rupes Mini looks like a Machine I'd like having! Thing is, it is called a 3", but I see no 3" Pads sold by Rupes here on site? I only see 4"

So then what, must one then buy other brand 3" Pads? Not a problem I know, but would've assumed Rupes themselves would have these?
Anyone know?
Click to expand...

Hi Mark,

I believe I did run across one of your threads where you placed the padding tape around the shroud, great idea by the way and I am sure to adopt it when I decide which 3" route I decide to take.

Just like you I was pretty interested in the Rupes Mini running the 3" lake country flat pads, but then I started looking into the PC where I can convert it to a 3" as well as use it as a back up for larger pads in case the Flex 3401 decides to go out (hopefully not soon though).

Rupes not offering a 3" pad selection was also a bit confusing to me. They have the mini, duetto, 15, 21.... you would think the mini would be capable of doing the "mini" jobs (3" or less).

Thanks for your input!
 
Paul@Autogeek said:
Hybrid Pads were developed for use with the Flex 3401 so I wouldn't imagine that they would make a 3" Hybrid Pad (considering that the Flex can only go down to a 4" backing plate)... But SEMA is just around the corner so we will see!

If you're looking to do correction with a 3" polisher then I would recommend going with the Rupes 75E. It can be done with other machines but as it has been mentioned before the shroud becomes a problem.

I've found the Rupes 4" pads to work flawlessly and haven't had any problem with them being too big to work on pillars, bumpers, or other intricate areas.

If you're locked in on getting 3" pads then I would highly recommend the Lake Country Flat Pads, which work great on any of the 3" machines, includeing the Rupes.
Click to expand...

Hey Paul,

This is the route I been contemplating, I just need to figure out if I want to go Rupes mini and have the smaller form factor with the 3-4" pad option, or the PC w/ 3" BP with the option to have a back up larger diameter BP.

One reason I wanted to keep my pad models within the same product line is because I was worried the correction or polishing results would differ from model to model using the same color pads (in this case, LC Hybrid vs LC Flat pads). Would this be the case? Thanks in advance for any inputs you may have!
 
JorgeSanchez said:
Hey Paul,

This is the route I been contemplating, I just need to figure out if I want to go Rupes mini and have the smaller form factor with the 3-4" pad option, or the PC w/ 3" BP with the option to have a back up larger diameter BP.

One reason I wanted to keep my pad models within the same product line is because I was worried the correction or polishing results would differ from model to model using the same color pads (in this case, LC Hybrid vs LC Flat pads). Would this be the case? Thanks in advance for any inputs you may have!
Click to expand...

Jorge,

LC Hybrid & LC Flat pads have different foam compositions and different colors. But the main pads do match up to the Hybrid Colors:
Compound - Orange
Polish - White
Finishing - Red or Black

The only Flat 3" pad I would recommend that doesn't match the Hybrid colors is the Yellow Flat pad which is for heavy compounding.
 
MarkD51 said:
The larger machines can be converted to 3", but the Shrouds are sort of large on machines like the PC7424XP, GG6. Thus you might be banging the Shroud into tight areas like license plate cubby holes, around mirrors, etc. I bought a "PC Guard" for my PC's Shroud, but all it is, is a length of peel and stick foam rubber weatherstrip tape.

The Rupes Mini looks like a Machine I'd like having! Thing is, it is called a 3", but I see no 3" Pads sold by Rupes here on site? I only see 4"

So then what, must one then buy other brand 3" Pads? Not a problem I know, but would've assumed Rupes themselves would have these?
Anyone know?
Click to expand...

Those Rupes pads are 3" at the velcro, and 4" at the face.
 
Paul@Autogeek said:
Jorge,

LC Hybrid & LC Flat pads have different foam compositions and different colors. But the main pads do match up to the Hybrid Colors:
Compound - Orange
Polish - White
Finishing - Red or Black

The only Flat 3" pad I would recommend that doesn't match the Hybrid colors is the Yellow Flat pad which is for heavy compounding.
Click to expand...

That is what I was thinking, thanks for the confirmation Paul! I'll take a look into the yellow flat pad but lately I been thinking of moving over to MF pads for heavy corrections after realizing how hard it was to correct a black BMW 335i.
 
JorgeSanchez said:
lately I been thinking of moving over to MF pads for heavy corrections after realizing how hard it was to correct a black BMW 335i.
Click to expand...

The 3" Megs DAMF Cutting pads are a defect destroyer.

Be careful, especially on plastic bumpers, as they do generate more heat than foam.
 
AGOatemywallet said:
The 3" Megs DAMF Cutting pads are a defect destroyer.

Be careful, especially on plastic bumpers, as they do generate more heat than foam.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tidbit AGOatemywallet, on a side note, what are some techniques to avoid burning through the clear coat when using MF pads on bumpers? I assume you were referring to burning the clear when you stated that MF pads generate more heat than traditional foam pads.
 
JorgeSanchez said:
Thanks for the tidbit AGOatemywallet, on a side note, what are some techniques to avoid burning through the clear coat when using MF pads on bumpers? I assume you were referring to burning the clear when you stated that MF pads generate more heat than traditional foam pads.
Click to expand...

Work an area larger than normal

Swap pads often to let them cool

Blowing out with compressed air helps cool the pad and BP

Use your hand to constantly check for heat build-up

Watch the amount of downward pressure. Remember it is focused on a much smaller are than a 5" pad


More likely to "twist" paint than "burn" it
 
Look into the LC Hydrotech low pro pads. They work great on Rupes mini, converted PC's and GG6's. Even work ok on GG3. Also as stated, the Megs MF discs work well also.
 
fly07sti said:
Look into the LC Hydrotech low pro pads. They work great on Rupes mini, converted PC's and GG6's. Even work ok on GG3. Also as stated, the Megs MF discs work well also.
Click to expand...

How thick are they?

The thinnest 3" Hydrotech pads I have are 3" × 7/8".
 
dlc95 said:
How thick are they?

The thinnest 3" Hydrotech pads I have are 3" × 7/8".
Click to expand...

7/8" is pretty low profile. Depending on the machine that they are being used on, you don't have to use any pressure. Just the weight of the machine is more than enough. I use them on my Rupes mini and and my Kompakt and love em.
 
MarkD51 said:
The larger machines can be converted to 3", but the Shrouds are sort of large on machines like the PC7424XP, GG6. Thus you might be banging the Shroud into tight areas like license plate cubby holes, around mirrors, etc. I bought a "PC Guard" for my PC's Shroud, but all it is, is a length of peel and stick foam rubber weatherstrip tape.

The Rupes Mini looks like a Machine I'd like having! Thing is, it is called a 3", but I see no 3" Pads sold by Rupes here on site? I only see 4"

So then what, must one then buy other brand 3" Pads? Not a problem I know, but would've assumed Rupes themselves would have these?
Anyone know?
Click to expand...

Paul@Autogeek said:
Hybrid Pads were developed for use with the Flex 3401 so I wouldn't imagine that they would make a 3" Hybrid Pad (considering that the Flex can only go down to a 4" backing plate)... But SEMA is just around the corner so we will see!

If you're looking to do correction with a 3" polisher then I would recommend going with the Rupes 75E. It can be done with other machines but as it has been mentioned before the shroud becomes a problem.

I've found the Rupes 4" pads to work flawlessly and haven't had any problem with them being too big to work on pillars, bumpers, or other intricate areas.

If you're locked in on getting 3" pads then I would highly recommend the Lake Country Flat Pads, which work great on any of the 3" machines, includeing the Rupes.
Click to expand...

I've had the Rupes Mini for a year and a half or so. It is an awesome machine and worth every penny. I use the Rupes pads for polishing and some Buff and Shine 4" pads for LSP's. I also use the machine as my preferred method for applying all LSP's. It's fast, lightweight, nimble and very smooth. I couldn't imagine not having this tool in my detailing arsenal. A 3" BP on a PC or GG6 just isn't even close to the Mini in so many ways. It will tear up LC 3" pads very easily if run to fast as they heat up really quickly. On this machine for polishing your better off sticking with the Rupes pads, they hold up better. I blew out a number of 3" LC pads.
 
Rupes Mini Pads:

Just to add a note the Rupes Mini pads vs. other guys 3" pads. The Rupes pad being beveled allows you to cut into tight areas more easily than say the 3" pad. The Rupes pad base is 3" but being wider at the surface contact point it is actually better than a 3" pad. It allows you to get in to the tight area while minimizing banging the polisher into say a mirror or tight bumper area. I share this from personal experience. You can also see your work better because of the beveling of the Rupes pad. I'll take the Rupes 4" pad over the other 3" pads all day long.
 
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