Looking for a new Polisher

george type-s

george type-s

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I'm in the market for a new Polisher. I currently use the Porter Cable 7424XP from start to finish. I don't plan on selling it, since I know how useful it can be to have a variety of tools at your disposal.

I've been detailing my own cars, family and friends for the past 5 years or so, I never took this beyond a hobby.

With that said, I've been doing a lot of reading and it has come down to 1 of these 3:
Makita 9227C
Flex XC 3401 VRG
Rupes LHR15ES


From what I've gathered the Makita has only one type of backing plate and the possibility of burning the paint is high.
The Flex has a variety of backing plates and is easier to use.
The Rupes trumps them all yet the pads have a tendency to get destroyed a lot faster. (Could be user error)

I just want to buy one out of these 3 machines for now, if someone can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated! :xyxthumbs:

For those wondering, the main purpose of this machine is just to be able to cut faster, I've seen the Makita in action and it literally takes half the time of my Porter Cable to do the same job. I have not seen a Flex or Rupes in person nor have I personally tried either one of these 3 machines.
 
Quiksilver5882 said:
FLEX!!! The forced rotation is amazing!
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:iagree: Flex 3401 VRG All the way. With the exception of the Mikita which is a rotary, the Flex is the ONLY DA that has a forced rotation. All others have are a free float DA. Not to bash the Rupes...but there seems to be quite a bit of problems with pads and it is not as versatile as the Flex. The Flex you can get different backing plates and go from 4" pads to 6.5"+ pads. You do not destroy pads like the Rupes.

Additionally, the Flex is less than the Rupes. I still use my PC7424 XP and have a 2 7/8" backing plate as well as 4" and 5" to tackle any other correction duties.

Like all DA's there is a learning curve and IMO the Flex is real easy to learn too. You will do correction in no time at all. You will save about 40% of your time vs the PC.

IMO get the Flex and I know there are going to be the Rupes guys saying there stuff or bash me...I say bash away.

:buffing:
 
I upgraded my PC to a flex, I'm guessing it cut my time by 1/3 for general light duty polishing, cleaning waxes, etc.

However, it will have a much greater advantage over the PC in time when doing heavier corrections, swirl removal, etc.......plus the flex is quieter & won't vibrate like the PC.
 
Another vote for the flex! I use a Flex 3401 and a Rupes mini together in perfect harmony. I really like the throw and smoothness of the Rupes big boys but they just don't cut like the Flex with wool or MF pads.
 
george type-s said:
Does it cut as fast or faster than a Makita?

How's the durability on the Flex? Thank you!
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I would say it does not cut as fast as the Makita because a Makita is a rotary polisher, completely different than a DA Polisher. However, the Flex is the closest thing to a rotary polisher except you do not have to worry about "burning the paint" as much as a rotary. So maybe the Flex would be about 85-90% as fast as the Makita. But I would believe there is a huge learning curve with a rotary. I do not know as I feel I do not need a rotary as the Flex does everything fine.

As for durability...the thing is a workhorse. I have had no issues with mine and I use it alot. The Flex 3401 VRG is made in Germany.

IMO, that would be the way to go....PERIOD.
 
I am somewhat new to detailing and although I have never used a flex the rupes 15 is incredible. However, and this critical, I think you need to get the whole system. I bought the mini also and all the rupes pads and polishes. Since you are not into production or doing this for a living and I don't either I was lookin for comfort and ease of use. Heavy correction is not necessary in my details. However I had a terrible scratch and major etching on a Cadillac and the rupes green nailed it. So I do believe heavy correction can be accomplished.

I can confirm that I can use the rupes with one hand, the vibration is minimal and the thing feels like a finely tuned machine. You don't need to apply pressure. Just let the machine work. I actually really enjoyed 6 hrs of the work today.

I am discovering that it is so key to keep the pad rotating. Further I can confirm the rupes 15 stops spinning on severely undulating panels - hence the mini for all those areas. Today i used the 15, then unpluged and pluged in the mini and keep working and vice versa. This adds cost of course but I didn't care. The larger throw is what makes this machine unique but imo I couldn't tell a large difference from a PC. Maybe the 21 would be more significant.

All in all it really depends on what you need it for. I detail a few cars a year and just want it to be enjoyable and easy on me. The rupes fits the bill but you need to commit to the whole system. It will run close to $800 or so. Also please get the pad washer. That thing is absolutely incredible and saves so much time. I was shocked by the cleanness of the pads.
 
Well so far it seems like Flex is the best choice. Thanks again everyone!
 
Did anyone opt for the 25ft cord one? $60 more...

Also is there a Flex Kit or just the polisher on it's own?
 
Just02896 said:
You can mod a longer cord onto the flex for less than half of the $60 up-charge.

The flex comes in kit form as well.
Flex Power Tools, Flex car polishers and buffers, circular polisher, dual action polisher, buffer, german car buffer, german car polisher, flex buffer
Click to expand...


That's what I was thinking too, I'll get the regular one.

Theirs some pretty nice packages here, any recommendations?

Thank you!


Edit:
I think I found the ideal kit:
Flex XC3401 Hydro-Tech Essentials Kit
 
george type-s said:
That's what I was thinking too, I'll get the regular one.

Theirs some pretty nice packages here, any recommendations?

Thank you!


Edit:
I think I found the ideal kit:
Flex XC3401 Hydro-Tech Essentials Kit
Click to expand...


I would get the Flex Menzerna Kit. IMO Menzerna is the best for correction work. The FG400 is incredible. I hear that Wolfgang is similar to Menzerna. As for the 25Ft cord I would save the money and get the regular. That is what the correct guage cords are for save the $60
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
I would get the Flex Menzerna Kit. IMO Menzerna is the best for correction work. The FG400 is incredible. I hear that Wolfgang is similar to Menzerna. As for the 25Ft cord I would save the money and get the regular. That is what the correct guage cords are for save the $60
Click to expand...

My mind is set for the 25ft cord, I'm definitely not buying that one haha!

I started pricing it out on other sites as well just to see who's got the best deal. I thought Hydro pads are ideal for this polisher, is that not the case?

The information that I've gathered so far is this:
Flex 3401 Regular model (25ft cord is not worth $60)
LC Hydro Pads are ideal for this polisher
5.5" Pads are suitable
4 3/8" backing plate is a must

The rest is just extras, although having the bag is nice!
 
I did same thing as you, got PC then Flex 3401 then Flex 14-2. I love them all for different reasons/use. For 3401, I use/prefer LC Hydro Pads 5-5.5" for polishing, 6.5" for sealant/wax application.
 
Long cords are nice, but are also a PITA to store. I generally have to use an extension cord anyway. I opted for the shorter cord.
 
flex. why? it has power and forced rotation (there really isn't anything you won't be able to tackle). versatile with the option to use different backing plate and pads. built like a tank and the QC is very good compared to other DA polisher in it's price range. service center in the USA if you have any problems with it later down the line.
 
Mizzoutiger said:
I did same thing as you, got PC then Flex 3401 then Flex 14-2. I love them all for different reasons/use. For 3401, I use/prefer LC Hydro Pads 5-5.5" for polishing, 6.5" for sealant/wax application.
Click to expand...

chet31 said:
Long cords are nice, but are also a PITA to store. I generally have to use an extension cord anyway. I opted for the shorter cord.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the tips!

VISITOR said:
flex. why? it has power and forced rotation (there really isn't anything you won't be able to tackle). versatile with the option to use different backing plate and pads. built like a tank and the QC is very good compared to other DA polisher in it's price range. service center in the USA if you have any problems with it later down the line.
Click to expand...

Well I'm in Canada, but I'm hoping I won't run into any issues with this machine. I plan on picking one up this week any ways, I'm just getting all the prices together tomorrow.

Thank you again for the input!
 
Just switched from a DA to a flex 3401. Best move I made. This this has power and finishes great! I use it with 5.5 in CCS pads and Menzerna products for a great combo.
 
I like my rupes 21 with 5" backing plate and pcxp with the 3" bp. Never used a flex but I'm sure both machines would make you happy.
 
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