Looking to upgrade from the PC

schambers

schambers

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Looking for recommendations on a new DA. Would keep the PC in use but as a dedicated 3". Pads I have on-hand are 5.5' Hybrids and 5.5" Thinpro's. Would be hard for me (not saying impossible) to buy all new pads to accommodate a new DA, but it would take some time. Have been doing my best to read as many threads as possible when DA's are talked about but I know I've missed plenty. So if you were to jump up from a PC, what would you get and why? Pro's and Con's?

Open to any of these:
Flex 3401
Griots Boss
Makita
Rupes

Greatly appreciate your feedback....


Gene
 
Will read the replies with great interest. Doubt I can justify an upgrade over my GG6, which is more than adequate for my non-pro needs. But interested in what I would move to.

Those who recommend an upgrade, would be great if you could specify 15 or 21 and why. Not clear to me which I would want.
 
schambers said:
Looking for recommendations on a new DA. Would keep the PC in use but as a dedicated 3". Pads I have on-hand are 5.5' Hybrids and 5.5" Thinpro's. Would be hard for me (not saying impossible) to buy all new pads to accommodate a new DA, but it would take some time. Have been doing my best to read as many threads as possible when DA's are talked about but I know I've missed plenty. So if you were to jump up from a PC, what would you get and why? Pro's and Con's?

Open to any of these:
Flex 3401
Griots Boss
Makita
Rupes

Greatly appreciate your feedback....


Gene
Click to expand...

I started with the PC and still use it. I use the 3" and 4" pads and use it mainly for my LSP step. I looked and was considering many DA's, however, I went with the Flex 3401. The reason being because it was the only "forced Rotational Orbit" DA (that I assume has changed). All others were free float and not to say anything wrong with them, they are ALL free floating DA's.

To me it was the best thing I did for upgrading. The Flex is a Beast and can tackle any detailing with ease and can complete any compound/polishing in 1/2 the time. It will keep on going even on a curved panel (work on a Porsche 911 for example) and chug away. Again, that is me. I do not know what you want to accomplish, however, that would be something I would seriously consider.

I know there is the Boss, Rupes and many others, but I would look into this one as something you should put on the top of your list.
 
Rupes or Flex 3401.

Even the Duetto from Rupes is a pretty significant jump in performance. I personally can't see the advantage other the 21 over the 12 at this point. The shop I help out has the 21 molded.

The Flex 3401 features gear driven, forced rotation. It's kind of like a rotary buffer, but a lot easier for the novice.

They're definitely pro grade tools, and help in the journey to beautiful paint. They're both smoother, and quiter.
 
 
My vote would also be Rupes. Great tools and a complete polishing system. With all the pad and polish choices Rupes makes it easy even for non pros.
 
Yeah, this is kind of a "read, read, and read some more" to make your choice type of deal.

All depends on your personal needs.
 
get the BOSS G15 or G21 (both these can use their interchangeable 5" & 6" backing plates which will allow you to use different size pads), keep the PC dedicated for the smaller pad setup...
 
I would suggest a rupes 15 mk II. It's a great machine, powerful, smooth but also you can use your thin pro pads. A lot of people will suggest getting the whole rupes system but I'm personally not a fan of rupes polishes. I prefer less oily and more water based but again, personal opinion.
 
I'd typically say G21 with a 5in BP
But leaning towards the Makita PO5000c now adays
Get the Griot HD 3in Backing plate for your PC
 
dlc95 said:
Rupes or Flex 3401.

Even the Duetto from Rupes is a pretty significant jump in performance. I personally can't see the advantage other the 21 over the 12 at this point. The shop I help out has the 21 molded.

The Flex 3401 features gear driven, forced rotation. It's kind of like a rotary buffer, but a lot easier for the novice.

They're definitely pro grade tools, and help in the journey to beautiful paint. They're both smoother, and quiter.
Click to expand...

And to explain why...

Being realistic, I could probably do everything I need to between my Makita 9237, and Porter Cable 7424xp. With the Lake Country Purple Thin Foamed Wool, and the myriad of microfiber pads available on the market, the Porter Cable can reach pretty far into the correction territory in pretty efficient time. Obviously the PC can spin 5.5" pads with no issue, so in my book, that makes it a very versatile tool. No to mention that I can also scrub carpets with it too.

For those bigger/harder jobs, the Makita rotary with wool Meguiar's pads can handle all that, and be followed with the PC.

I got that Idea from Mike Phillips. Made a ton of sense.

The reason I went with Rupes, was because they're great innovators, and manufacturers. They control everything in house, and they made a high performance tool with a body style that I especially enjoy using (LHR12E Duetto). The first product I ever used from Rupes was their microfiber pads. From then on I was hooked.

It hasn't been all champagne and roses though. Many a time I thought I'd have to sell the machine. From not understanding that the anti-spin shroud needed to stay lubricated, from not understanding how to prime their pads, to excessive dusting due to overpriming/overloading their microfiber pads.... It too me a good while (cars) to get it down. Now that I have a good grasp, I've been using the system in both my retail business, and at a friend's production shop, and it's been a phenomenal difference.

I had the Flex, and sold it. However, I'm in the market for another one. Like Rupes, Flex builds their tools themselves, and does a great job with it. I always found the 3401 to be really smooth, and comfortable to use. A true blend of rotary power, and random orbital "safety" makes it a great choice for people wanting to bridge that gap of rotary and random orbitals.
 
What's the risk with a Flex? I'm concerned that as a newbie non-pro it has the potential to burn through clear on high spots/ridges. The other machine will slow down or stop when you hit those areas. Hard to get them done, but also safer. Valid concern? Not that big of a deal?
 
RippyD said:
What's the risk with a Flex? I'm concerned that as a newbie non-pro it has the potential to burn through clear on high spots/ridges. The other machine will slow down or stop when you hit those areas. Hard to get them done, but also safer. Valid concern? Not that big of a deal?
Click to expand...

it's just good practice to keep any polisher moving and not hammer on one spot for a long period of time especially on edges/high spots. the flex is about 3X more ($389) than a traditional PC-style DA (get the same results but can take a little longer) and for someone who is not only on a budget but only is going to use a polisher a few times a year, then it might not be the best choice. i've said it many times before, and that is every detailer/enthusiast should own at least 1 PC-style DA in their arsenal. you can always upgrade and add another polisher (or two or three lol) to compliment it...
 
The GG6 is a pretty awesome tool. I've been a fan of the PC for a long time now, but since using the Griot's tool at the shop, it feels more refined, smoother and robust. The warranty is great too.

I don't get done with my job any faster, but where I use the PC at speed 6, I'm at speed 4 with the Griot's.

When Scott and I are working together on a car, we're usually done at around the same time.
 
The gg6 is really a great tool and w a lifetime warranty how can you go wrong. However I get the want to upgrade or add something else to your lineup.

I once had a rupes 21 and mini but foolishly sold them as I felt I didn't need them anymore. Fast forward to this month and I purchased a 15 mk2 and mini again. The rupes definitely are nice machines and you feel the quality of build while using them. However the cost can be a lot to stomach. I briefly considered the g15 from autopia when they had a no exclusions sale but was able to score the rupes on eBay lightly used from an autopia auction for a great price.

My main piece of advice before you buy one is do your research. Read what others had to say and come to your own informed opinion. Look at the tool as a long term investment to help ease your mind into spending 350+ on a polisher lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thanks to all for your input on this. I think this is going to just come down to picking one and going with it. I think I will end up either going with the Flex or the Rupes 15 MK II. Either one is going to greatly increase my productivity and correction abilities. Again, thank you for your input.
 
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