Looking to buy new DA, need advice

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apme123

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So I currently own the HF DA, while it works quite well in regards to correction it leaves my hands tingly and numb after a day of polishing. I am stuck between a Flex 3401 vrg and a griots boss 21. So here are the requirements, The smoothest in regards to use! I also heard that the long throw DAs don't require any downward pressure, that would be a major plus. Is that true?? Please let me know and thanks for all your help.
 
Griots G21 and I have THREE Rupes DA's. This pounds the Rupes 15/21

 
I like the griots warranty. So what's smoother, almost vibration free and requires almost no downward pressure to use. I guess I am looking for something which is more pleasurable to use.
 
I have the G15 and have found it unbelievably smooth even without Griots pads (just use my B&S 5.5") and you are right--very little downward pressure required and it corrects about 50% faster than my GG6.
 
Thread hijack -I was planning on getting the G15 this week. I'm a weekend warrior and I do a few jobs on the side and the increased throw of the 21 to the 15 isn't a huge deal to me - should I still opt for the G21?

I still get an increased throw with the 15 but it seems a little more... versatile and manageable then the G21. I'm coming from a Flex 3401.
 
So g21 with a 5" backing plate will be smother the a flex 3401.
 
Heisenberg said:
Thread hijack -I was planning on getting the G15 this week. I'm a weekend warrior and I do a few jobs on the side and the increased throw of the 21 to the 15 isn't a huge deal to me - should I still opt for the G21?

I still get an increased throw with the 15 but it seems a little more... versatile and manageable then the G21. I'm coming from a Flex 3401.
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You are more then welcome to hijack ;):buffing:
 
The increased throw is a HUGE DEAL. Take it from someone who didn't think so when he bought a Rupes 15 vs the 21. The big difference is that Griot's has accommodated for the difference and the G21 has perfect balance running either backing plate. I have used both backing plates on my G21, go for the BIG THROW!!
 
The g21 is very smooth especially with there low profile pads.

However the low profile pads are almost useless on contoured edges. As for the inner flex pad to help yes it works.

However it rips so easy at a speed of 4 with heat.

So its kind of useless.

Keep a few hydrotechs in your arsenal I use those on curve panels as the thicker pad helps
 
Has anyone tried megs MF pads or Buff and Shine MF pads on the G21? If you have does the smoothness change?? Any extra vibrations?
 
apme123 said:
Has anyone tried megs MF pads or Buff and Shine MF pads on the G21? If you have does the smoothness change?? Any extra vibrations?
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The buff and shine pad is thicker which will cause more vibration.

The meguiars MF disc is smooth it can get grabby on certain paints however it is fairly smooth. On the majority of paints.

But the thick pads such as the buff n shine are useful for contour curves as it spins more then the thinner ones do
 
custmsprty said:
The increased throw is a HUGE DEAL. Take it from someone who didn't think so when he bought a Rupes 15 vs the 21. The big difference is that Griot's has accommodated for the difference and the G21 has perfect balance running either backing plate. I have used both backing plates on my G21, go for the BIG THROW!!
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You got it. :xyxthumbs:

Thanks for the tip.
 
apme123 said:
So g21 with a 5" backing plate will be smother the a flex 3401.
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Not that I have the G21, but it'd be hard for it to be rougher overall than the 3401. When using the 3401 it is clear, EARLY ON... that it's a beast of a machine. It's like moving from a smooth air ride sports car to a high torque diesel truck. It doesn't have crazy vibrations that shake you to death, but it has a very definite 'beefiness' to it. You KNOW it's there, and it'll move around on you more than any other DA type machine with just the slightest 'tilt' one way or another.

OTOH, it requires very little pressure (if any at all at times), and using that 'tilt' to move it around is something that you can use in your favor. Although... I tend to hold mine sideways (rather than pointing outwards) for much better control.
 
If u intend on spending around the $400 mark the only names that should be in the premium price category are premium brands...Flex and Rupes. Don't pay close on $400 for a $100 Chinese made machine regardless of what people tell you, you still getting short changed.

Changing from an HF to a GG instead of a Rupes/Flex is not an upgrade.I'd have no issue if the GG was $150. I wouldn't buy a Hyundai for Mercedes/Ferrari money no matter what the internet tells me.
 
Zubair said:
If u intend on spending around the $400 mark the only names that should be in the premium price category are premium brands...Flex and Rupes. Don't pay close on $400 for a $100 Chinese made machine regardless of what people tell you, you still getting short changed.

Changing from an HF to a GG instead of a Rupes/Flex is not an upgrade.I'd have no issue if the GG was $150. I wouldn't buy a Hyundai for Mercedes/Ferrari money no matter what the internet tells me.
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The griots g21 has a lifetime warranty, much better then the rupes. We aren't talking about the gg6 here. I want something with a 21mm throw, plus the g21 has a much more powerful motor. Now the flex has always been nice and the forced rotation can power through anything. It does help that Griots is a US company. FLEX 3401 VRG OR GRIOTS G21 that is the question.
 
I have the "first" model/version of G110. It's got allot of miles on it, I find changing speed, a little hard.

Is there any practical advantage, in replacing it with one of those fancy models?
 
apme123 said:
The griots g21 has a lifetime warranty, much better then the rupes. We aren't talking about the gg6 here. I want something with a 21mm throw, plus the g21 has a much more powerful motor. Now the flex has always been nice and the forced rotation can power through anything. It does help that Griots is a US company. FLEX 3401 VRG OR GRIOTS G21 that is the question.
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Lifetime warranty doesn't equate to premium. GG will never be in the esteemed company of Rupes/Flex no matter what the colour,wattage,warranty states. Get the Flex instead as you paying premium so receive premium. Don't fall prey to marketing ploys or hype.
 
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