First let me apologize if this has already been asked but I couldn't find any such threads so I thought I'd ask anyhow. Cost not being a factor, which is the better DA polisher, Meguiar's or Porter Cable? According to my research they're both highly recommended and it probably doesn't make a difference, but I want the best bang for my buck. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Meguiar's or Porter Cable
- Thread starter mcpp66
- Start date
vtec92civic
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- Feb 4, 2008
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have you considered getting a Flex?
Rsurfer
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- Jan 26, 2007
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Read my answer before yours.
JCruiza120
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- Jul 6, 2009
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LOL I like how he wanted to simplify things by asking to change 2 choices to 1 and you guys turned 2 choices into 4 =p
I mean, I agree that you should look at all the options, I just found it comical how it played out.
I mean, I agree that you should look at all the options, I just found it comical how it played out.
Buckskincolt
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- Aug 11, 2009
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If you want a random orbital then the Griot's IMHO. But then there is the Flex that tops them all and fits between the RO's and a rotary. If you have no experience I'd stay with a RO like the Griot's or the PC/XP. My .02
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
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In an effort to be fair, let me just point out that not everyone that wants to get into machine polishing wants to, or intends to do serious correction work. Some people just want a good polisher to help make the job of applying a finishing wax, or even a cleaner/wax to their daily driver or toy a little easier.
Last night I spoke with the owner of a new-to-him 2007 black Porsche and he explained he did all his work by hand because he's read a lot of bad things about buffers and burning paint. That's actually pretty common, that is people that work by hand hearing horror stories about buffers/polishers.
I took a few moments to explain to him a little bit about paint technology and what's involved with removing swirls, (you have to remove a little paint and level the surface), and how a machine will do a better job than your fingers pushing down on some kind of applicator pad.
I shared this link with him as an example of this topic,
Man versus Machine
And then suggested perhaps looking into getting a DA style polisher just to make it easier to create a very nice finish on his black Porsche. Not a 100% swirl-free, RIDS-free, flawless finish, but a very nice looking finish which ANY of the current DA style polishers are more than capable of creating.
Summary
Not everyone needs or wants the most powerful DA style polisher on the market because their car care goals may be different than all the swirl monsters we create on this forum, i.e. swirl monster being the person that wants 100% of all the swirls out of their car's paint.
Theres room for everyone's needs and wants.
That said, side-by-side, I would have to give the edge to the Griot's polisher for power. The XP is a very close second and the Meguiar's G110 is third. First generation DA style polishers would all be at the 4th place spot, this would include the PC 7424, PC 7336 and first generation Meguiar's G100's which were re-badged PC 7424s and the current UDM which I think is a PC 7336.
If I'm wrong on any of the above someone can please feel free to correct me but I think the above is correct or close to it.
This isn't meant to lead anyone to purchase the Griot's Garage polisher over the new XP or the G110 as these tools are all more powerful than the first generation PC DA Polishers which are actually tools from the wood sanding and finishing industry.
But the question begs for an answer from someone that's used all of these polishers and my intent is to simply state the answer but do it in a way that doesn't dis everything else on the market.
So in order of most powerful to least powerful
Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher
Porter Cable 7424XP
Meguiar's G110
PC 7424, PC 7336, G100, UDM
If you're looking for a powerful DA style polisher and you're not ready to make the jump to the Flex 3401 or a rotary buffer, then either the Griot's Garage ROP or the new PC 7424XP would be a good choice. They're powerful little tools that are easy to learn how to use and master.
And just to note, I'm not trying to steer anyone away from the Meguiar's G110 as I've used this tool for years to do serious correction work and it does offer more power than first generation PC style polishers. This is more feedback and observations, not anything more.
Last night I spoke with the owner of a new-to-him 2007 black Porsche and he explained he did all his work by hand because he's read a lot of bad things about buffers and burning paint. That's actually pretty common, that is people that work by hand hearing horror stories about buffers/polishers.
I took a few moments to explain to him a little bit about paint technology and what's involved with removing swirls, (you have to remove a little paint and level the surface), and how a machine will do a better job than your fingers pushing down on some kind of applicator pad.
I shared this link with him as an example of this topic,
Man versus Machine
And then suggested perhaps looking into getting a DA style polisher just to make it easier to create a very nice finish on his black Porsche. Not a 100% swirl-free, RIDS-free, flawless finish, but a very nice looking finish which ANY of the current DA style polishers are more than capable of creating.
Summary
Not everyone needs or wants the most powerful DA style polisher on the market because their car care goals may be different than all the swirl monsters we create on this forum, i.e. swirl monster being the person that wants 100% of all the swirls out of their car's paint.
Theres room for everyone's needs and wants.
That said, side-by-side, I would have to give the edge to the Griot's polisher for power. The XP is a very close second and the Meguiar's G110 is third. First generation DA style polishers would all be at the 4th place spot, this would include the PC 7424, PC 7336 and first generation Meguiar's G100's which were re-badged PC 7424s and the current UDM which I think is a PC 7336.
If I'm wrong on any of the above someone can please feel free to correct me but I think the above is correct or close to it.
This isn't meant to lead anyone to purchase the Griot's Garage polisher over the new XP or the G110 as these tools are all more powerful than the first generation PC DA Polishers which are actually tools from the wood sanding and finishing industry.
But the question begs for an answer from someone that's used all of these polishers and my intent is to simply state the answer but do it in a way that doesn't dis everything else on the market.
So in order of most powerful to least powerful
Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher
Porter Cable 7424XP
Meguiar's G110
PC 7424, PC 7336, G100, UDM
If you're looking for a powerful DA style polisher and you're not ready to make the jump to the Flex 3401 or a rotary buffer, then either the Griot's Garage ROP or the new PC 7424XP would be a good choice. They're powerful little tools that are easy to learn how to use and master.
And just to note, I'm not trying to steer anyone away from the Meguiar's G110 as I've used this tool for years to do serious correction work and it does offer more power than first generation PC style polishers. This is more feedback and observations, not anything more.
- Thread starter
- #11
Another question, if I am a swirl monster and want a 100% swirl-free finish, then I would want a more powerful DA? I also assume that a more powerful DA carries more risk of paint damage if it's not handled properly? I guess I'm looking for the best "middle-ground" option for swirl removal and safety to the paint.
- Thread starter
- #12
I don't think more powerful directly equates to better finish. It does however give you more options with regards to keeping larger pads rotating during correction and the amount of pressure your able to apply to the finish. You could achieve similar results with any of the machines listed but it will take you longer (working slower with smaller pads). If speed is your goal then take that into consideration.
Hope this helps
Craig
Mike Phillips
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- Dec 5, 2022
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vwgtivw
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- May 27, 2006
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What about the Cyclo know one ever give the old Cyclo any love
. The PC style machines are great but, for me it leaves me wanting more power and less vibration. So I moved up to the Cyclo which to me has a little more power than the old PC and a lot less vibration (using Edge pads)but no variable speed. But when I bought the Flex it was like heaven less vibration, more power and variable speed. The Flex does have its learning curve with its force rotation but it quick. So IMHO if detailing is truly something you like doing and money is no object I would get the Flex and if you are worried about pad options get The Edge adapter then you can go from 4" to 8" pads with a push of a button. Just my $.02.
. The PC style machines are great but, for me it leaves me wanting more power and less vibration. So I moved up to the Cyclo which to me has a little more power than the old PC and a lot less vibration (using Edge pads)but no variable speed. But when I bought the Flex it was like heaven less vibration, more power and variable speed. The Flex does have its learning curve with its force rotation but it quick. So IMHO if detailing is truly something you like doing and money is no object I would get the Flex and if you are worried about pad options get The Edge adapter then you can go from 4" to 8" pads with a push of a button. Just my $.02.
Nappers
Member
- Jun 16, 2009
- 531
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My only experience is with my G100.
It's taken me a while and I'm sure if I attended an Open Garage of some type I would have the long extenstion cord wrapped around my neck by Mike himself.....
But, I've conquered most of my inabilities with exception to patience. The G100 although the least strongest machine among them, it's a great learners tool and stronger than the 6" oribital found at most retail stores that have no correction power at all.
My G100 spins 6" pads great, it spins the Soft Buff 2.0 7" pads with the W68DA backing plate. I had problems with the pad using the W67DA backing plate and use that one with my older pads. I plan on using the W67DA with some 5.5" pads when I get them someday.....
The G100 is kinda noisy but not irratating, I have 4 girls and a boy in the middle so, a little machine noise is nothing.....
My G100 is a re-labeled PC 7335 which is in the same family as the 7336/7424.
It works great with some patience and learning of product use and on a prepped surface.
Polishing paint is a combination of several factors, paint condition, correct product use, patience, machine and pad selection and did I mention patience? Kind of like a computer, you don't have a fast computer simply by having the fastest processor, the video card, FSB, Memory and fast/large hard disk drive is what makes it fast (or not).
I like the PC brand but the Griots looks good too! I'm not sure I'm ready for the Flex or need a flex for my own hobby and a car here and there for cash.....
Some good choice here and really can't go wrong with them.
Keep reading reviews of people and Mike's write ups using the products and get your pocket book out!
Have fun!
Aaron
It's taken me a while and I'm sure if I attended an Open Garage of some type I would have the long extenstion cord wrapped around my neck by Mike himself.....
But, I've conquered most of my inabilities with exception to patience. The G100 although the least strongest machine among them, it's a great learners tool and stronger than the 6" oribital found at most retail stores that have no correction power at all.
My G100 spins 6" pads great, it spins the Soft Buff 2.0 7" pads with the W68DA backing plate. I had problems with the pad using the W67DA backing plate and use that one with my older pads. I plan on using the W67DA with some 5.5" pads when I get them someday.....
The G100 is kinda noisy but not irratating, I have 4 girls and a boy in the middle so, a little machine noise is nothing.....
My G100 is a re-labeled PC 7335 which is in the same family as the 7336/7424.
It works great with some patience and learning of product use and on a prepped surface.
Polishing paint is a combination of several factors, paint condition, correct product use, patience, machine and pad selection and did I mention patience? Kind of like a computer, you don't have a fast computer simply by having the fastest processor, the video card, FSB, Memory and fast/large hard disk drive is what makes it fast (or not).
I like the PC brand but the Griots looks good too! I'm not sure I'm ready for the Flex or need a flex for my own hobby and a car here and there for cash.....
Some good choice here and really can't go wrong with them.
Keep reading reviews of people and Mike's write ups using the products and get your pocket book out!
Have fun!
Aaron
tenorplayer23
New member
- Jun 21, 2009
- 301
- 0
Mike, All,
I haven't read through all these responses nor all the various comparison threads/asks on the site, BUT, aside from the specs on these three machines, is there a significantly, noticeable difference between the different power level DA's? Aka, do you find that the Griot's actually has more torque than the PCXP in real correction work?? It's probably been answered somewhere................
Thx.
See ya.
I haven't read through all these responses nor all the various comparison threads/asks on the site, BUT, aside from the specs on these three machines, is there a significantly, noticeable difference between the different power level DA's? Aka, do you find that the Griot's actually has more torque than the PCXP in real correction work?? It's probably been answered somewhere................
Thx.
See ya.