LC Pads for Flex 3401

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smriddler

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I'm looking to purchase a set of LC pads for my Flex. What size is best? Is it better to go smaller or go large? Also, which colors will I use the most? I am aware that the pads have different scales of aggressiveness, but which ones do I absolutely need, and which ones will I almost never use. Also, which type of pads should I get? I was looking for those rounded ones but I cannot find them on the internet. Any help is appreciated, I am brand new to this.

Thank you!!
 
The Hybrid pads are a perfect match for the 3401.0 You need the 6" with the standard BP. Orange is enough cut for most jobs. They also finish great. I would go with blue tfor a finishing pad.
 
IMO id get 3 orange, 3 white and one gray or blue pads. All of them in 6.5 Lc ccs pads. Or you can get some of the other pads as old tiger said.
 
Thanks guys! Are Hybrid and CCS two different models? Also, why do you think I need three of each? Do they really get used up that quickly?
 
Im watching this thread too, because i just sold my PC today and will be replacing with the flex 3401.

I never used anything bigger than the 5.5 with the PC, so im just curious why such big pads with the flex? im assuming because it has more power (direct drive) than the PC?
 
primo spaghetti said:
Im watching this thread too, because i just sold my PC today and will be replacing with the flex 3401.

I never used anything bigger than the 5.5 with the PC, so im just curious why such big pads with the flex? im assuming because it has more power (direct drive) than the PC?
Click to expand...

I use 6.5" pads with my Flex without any issue.The PC is not powered enough to spin 6.5" properly when doing paint correction.
 
I just ordered a 3401 on Friday. I asked Nick about backing plates and pads. This is our conversation.

Nick@Autogeek said:
TheCougarGuy said:
Nick,

I have been eyeing the 3401 for a long time now. I switched over to 5.5" pads for my Griot's a while back and have quite collection of pads now.

Is it better to stick with the 6.5" pad on the 3401 or switch to the 4 3/8 backing plate so I can use my 5.5" pads? Also, I know Mike is a fan of the Hybrid 5" pads. What are you thoughts on them and which colors are best to get?

Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Here's the thing...

If you already have a large collection of 5.5" pads, definitely get the 4 3/8" backing plate...

However! The 5" Hybrid Pads are the cat's meow on that machine. Personally, that's all I use.
Click to expand...

Nick@Autogeek said:
TheCougarGuy said:
Can you use the 5" hybrids on the 4 3/8 backing plate or are they meant to be used with the 4" system?
Click to expand...

4" system
Click to expand...
 
I have a somewhat off-topic question about the Flex Polisher. I wanted to confirm that it is actually a DA Polisher. I keep seeing different models of the 3401 (XC3401, 3401 VRG, etc). Does the 3401 come in a non-DA model? I would like to make sure I get a DA polisher.
 
smriddler said:
I have a somewhat off-topic question about the Flex Polisher. I wanted to confirm that it is actually a DA Polisher. I keep seeing different models of the 3401 (XC3401, 3401 VRG, etc). Does the 3401 come in a non-DA model? I would like to make sure I get a DA polisher.
Click to expand...

The 3401 is a DA. The 3403 is a rotary.
 
smriddler said:
I have a somewhat off-topic question about the Flex Polisher. I wanted to confirm that it is actually a DA Polisher.
Click to expand...

Yes, watch this video...

Video: All about the FLEX-3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher


The Flex 3401
Flex3401.jpg

Here's a video Yancy and I made showing the primary differences between three different drive mechanisms between popular polishers for machine buffing paint.

  • Flex 3401 - Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher.
  • Rotary Buffers - Direct Drive Single Action Polisher.
  • PC style DA Polishers - Porter Cable 7424XP, Meguiar's G110v2 and Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher.

All about the FLEX-3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher
[video=youtube_share;EAmojb8XIuk&hd=1"]All about the FLEX-3401 Forced Rotation Dual...[/video]​





smriddler said:
Does the 3401 come in a non-DA model? I
Click to expand...

No.

Also, I am a big fan of the hybrid pads for the Flex 3401 and rotary buffers...


New Menzerna FG 400 - One-Step Show Car Makeover


This is the 6.5" Hybrid White Polishing Pad on the Flex 3401...
1957_Belair_Mike_Phillips_004.jpg





This is the 5" Hybrid White Polishing Pad on the Flex 3401...

1957_Belair_Mike_Phillips_020.jpg






:)
 
I've been thinking about buying a Flex 3401 currently have a PC and Dewalt, both very good polishers but for some reason I am interested in the Flex.

My question is whats the best bang for the buck just buy the 3401, backing plate and hybrid pads seperately or maybe get the package deal that includes the 6.5 LC CCS pads, XMT pad cleaner & conditioner plus Flex bag (only $20 more than the bare tool). Then pony up for the Hybrid pads and different backing plates.

For my PC I use 5.5 LC CCS pads and have plenty I do like this pad for the PC. I also use LC CCS 4" pads on the rotary.

I'd love to see a package deal on the 3401, Hybrid pads and backing plate sine it's a recommended combo (why recreate the wheel).

What have you guys done who have moved over to the FLEX?
 
I have the flex XC3401 and I got the package deal with flex bag and the CSS pads.
I have recently switched to the hybrid pads and I personally prefer the hybrids better.
Might as well get the package deal,,never know when you will need the bag and pad cleaners ect
 
billmac said:
:iagree: Thats the best value for sure (349.00 deal)
Click to expand...

I ordered that kit for $339.00 during the buffer sale a week ago. Even though I'm going to use smaller pads on it, I think it was the best value.

It's being delivered today so I'm looking forward to trying it out.
 
RMM said:
Mike Phillips' recommends 5" Hybrids, like Nick. But you will have to buy the LC Backing Plate System (FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System).
Click to expand...

This is the setup I'm using and really like the 5" hybrid pads. They also seem pretty durable (more so then the HT versions) though I also bought the 4 3/8" bp so I could integrate the 5.5" HT with my new Hybrid pads. Did not purchase the gray hybrid as I have plenty of Crimson HT pads.
 
I got a flex 3401 with several 6.5 inch ccs pads. Now I'm tempted to try the 5" hybrid pads, but do I have to get the LC system or will the flex 4 3/8" be just as good?
 
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