Megs G110v2 review - 2 thumbs down

SRTSean

SRTSean

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Unfortunately I've become one of the many frustrated G110v2 owners out there, and I've decided to put together this short review for others to be aware of when considering this DA polisher.

The long story short is that I have now cycled through 4 of these polishers within a little over 1 year's time, and every unit has failed. I'm a hobbyist with occasional paid clients, and do not abuse my machines or put a ton of hours on them that would justify a unit failing in anything less than 5 years.

The first three suffered from the typical power cord failure. To that point I was satisfied with the performance of the machine and was willing to overlook the power cord issue because I received a new replacement each time it went out, and because machine number four that I received was supposed to have the power cord issue finally resolved.

Machine number four became a whole 'nother can of worms as the Chinese "quality" again reared its ugly head. Since receiving this machine in April (it is an updated one with the power cord fix) I have seen it:
  • Lose all three screws holding the cover plate over the main bearing. When I tried to reuse them they weren't even the proper size and wouldn't tighten at all. I had to go out and buy new, larger screws to ensure this didn't occur again.
  • Lose all three screws which hold the counterweight together. This was actually a bit terrifying as it happened while detailing a friends car. Thankfully none of the screws caused any damage as they flew off the counterweight. Again I went out and got new screws and used locktite to ensure they didn't back out again.

Fast forward to this past weekend and I'm working on my brother's 1995 Pontiac Formula Firehawk in advance of a local Pontiac car show. I get 3/4 of the way around the car doing a simple AIO detail and I get a couple seconds of audible short circuiting, followed by a puff of smoke and complete motor failure.

I have never purchased a single other product that had so many issues pop up simply from trying to use the machine as intended. I would strongly advise anybody considering one of these machines to think again. My 10-year old original PC7424 is still going strong, even after being subject to my years as a novice and probably being dropped a half-dozen times on the ground.

Pros:
  • Adequate power (when it's not breaking down) for serious paint correction
  • Slow-start feature is nice and smooth

Cons:
  • Horrible quality
  • It's not a matter of if, but when this unit will break and leave you high and dry
  • 1-year warranty is inadequate if you buy this polisher

Final verdict:
Do not buy this machine. It even has me considering leaving all Meguiars products behind given the many other options available here at Autogeek.
 
Seems like a lot of DAs have issues like this. If my Griots ever dies, I will probably sell the replacement and get a Flex. I dont hear many people talking about them breaking down.
 
That's too bad. My only thought is if the correct extension cord is being used. 12ga cord. My dad swore about using the right size cords with power tools. He was an electrician, 50+ years. I use a 12ga cord with all my power tools. I have even noticed a significant difference with my Craftsman shop vac. 14ga wire cord, don't work as good, 12ga cord, I have to open it up and retrieve change, papers, keys etc.

I've heard the brushes go too. Most hardware stores have brushes and they can be ground to whatever size is needed. I just replaced the brushes on a 1/2 inch hammer drill that I thought I smoked. replaced the brushes, after a grinding session and now it twists out of my hand. Go figure.

Hopefully they figure it out. Meguiar's products are good. I won't abandon them.....yet.
 
Sorry to hear these machines have become such a nightmare Sean...

Unfortunately American companies have abandoned American workers and quality to reap huge rewards overseas. Low wages, no benefits, no OSHA, few laws to speak of allow the greedy few at the top to line their pockets resulting in fewer jobs and atrocious quality...

There are only 2 machines I'd consider today and they are the Flex 3401 and Porter Cable 7424xp....
 
^^^Agree 100% with you Bobby and I will be converting over to the Flex machine after I finish shopping for a house.
 
My old UDM crapped out for good. It was my stand-by unit. I have 2 of every important tool I own. I bought a flex 3401 when I was in Florida on vacation and just used it last night for the first time. It seemed to get too hot for my liking, although I was leaning on it. My Megs unit is now my backup to my Flex. I put my 3" backing plate on it for small jobs. So far, it has been fine but I don't use it for correction. That is done with a rotary. Maybe that's why I've been lucky with mine? I also take great pains not to crimp the wire when putting it away.
 
Every polisher out there has had it's fair share of issues, yes including the Flex and Griot's. I use the Griot's myself, and I'm happy with it, along with my PC. I have a Makita so I see no need for a Flex especially at that price and if you search a little not just here but other forums, you will find the Flex has had issues also.
 
Wow. There seems to be a common issue among the DA family when it comes to quality issues. I guess I'm fortunate in that I have a g100 g100v2. Both pc's. And two griots da's with no issues at all. And I'm a professional detailer so these tools have been put through alot. I hope the quality issues get resolved. Good luck
 
smack said:
Only if Flex would make a traditional D/A they would OWN the polisher market.
Click to expand...

What are the advantages of not having the forced action of the Flex?

I was always under the assumption the Flex was better at everything, with the exception you have the potential to burn paint if you dont use it properly.
 
Nappers said:
That's too bad. My only thought is if the correct extension cord is being used. 12ga cord. My dad swore about using the right size cords with power tools. He was an electrician, 50+ years. I use a 12ga cord with all my power tools. I have even noticed a significant difference with my Craftsman shop vac. 14ga wire cord, don't work as good, 12ga cord, I have to open it up and retrieve change, papers, keys etc.

I've heard the brushes go too. Most hardware stores have brushes and they can be ground to whatever size is needed. I just replaced the brushes on a 1/2 inch hammer drill that I thought I smoked. replaced the brushes, after a grinding session and now it twists out of my hand. Go figure.

Hopefully they figure it out. Meguiar's products are good. I won't abandon them.....yet.
Click to expand...
There is a problem when trying to replace the brushes in this machine. The threaded piece that holds the cover screw in place is maybe 1/16" diameter piece of plastic. When I tried to put the first one back in a piece broke out of it. With the second one I was being very gentle and cautious...it broke into 3 pieces...
Meguire's built a reputation for their quality car care products. I hope they get this fixed soon.
 
G110V2 has many unhappy customers all over the world.

Some units may last for a while, but majority of Megs 110V2 are cheaply made thus the reputation.

That's where Germans step in with their Flex range (luckily).

;-))
 
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