Metabo or the new Flex?

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Crazy Amos

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Ok so after getting the 3401 and using it, I have decided I like the ergonomic feel of it much better than the traditional stick or bail handles found on rotarys. If I can get by with just using my flex, I always favor that over my rotary because of it.

I am looking to buy either the new flex or the metabo and would like to know if anyone has experience with the metabo to kinda give me a run down on it.

The two are pretty close to being comparable to each other but the metab is $100 cheaper.

My dad has a Makita I use when I can and when I can't use it I use a Kawasaki. My neighbor has a dewalt that I have used a couple times just to try out and I have found i prefer my flex over any of them.

My question is to the guys with experience with the metabo and/or 3403. Which should I choose? Metabo or the new flex and why?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
To me it's a no brainer but hay i ain't lending out my brain today
 
If your job is detailing then a $100 is cheap to have a product you like and can use well. If your just doing your own car then that may be harder to justify.

I would look at it as a long term investment. That makes the difference all but pointless. You have found the one you like and just need to bite the buffer.
 
Jons6.7 said:
If your job is detailing then a $100 is cheap to have a product you like and can use well. If your just doing your own car then that may be harder to justify.

I would look at it as a long term investment. That makes the difference all but pointless. You have found the one you like and just need to bite the buffer.
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Totally agreed. The extra $100 will pay for itself quickly if you're doing work for customers and can justify that you'll be using the rotary often enough.
 
Can I ask why you would choose the flex over the metabo? They are both pretty close to one another in features and weight.
 
tfullercdi said:
Can I ask why you would choose the flex over the metabo? They are both pretty close to one another in features and weight.
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For me, the main factor is heat. I've heard in the past that the Metabo rotaries were known to have problems with overheating if they were pushed hard for long buffing sessions. The new Flex is supposed to have been engineered to have superior internal cooling to prevent that from happening. Only time will tell if their new design is as effective as they claim.
 
This post may ruffle a few feathers but I'm hoping it grabs the attention of a few people. After chatting with several people, the following is my view on a few popular machines.

The lightweight rotaries go into thermal shutdown when used for extensive heavy corrections or use. The Metabo falls into this category along with the Flex 3403. The exception here is the new Flex due to the improved cooling system.

The Makita is a very popular choice due to it's increased power over the lightweight machines. To me it appears that the Makita falls into a medium duty category even though it has the ability to correct "hard" paints.

The DeWalt, Dynabrade, and Milwaukee machines appear to fall into the heavy duty category due to the increased torque and the ability to handle any task thrown at it. After consulting with several detailers, these machines are best suited for working on "hard" paint continuously because they don't go into thermal shutdown.

I'm in a similar situation, which machine do I want? The real question should be - which machine do I need? Make sure you check out the article by Mike Phillips about choosing the right polisher for your project.


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Thanks guys, this is the info I was looking for.

According to this, my best option is the new flex. I really like the way they are designed because they are so much more comfortable to use hours on end.

It would be nice if all of them would have the option of the molded grip....
 
Hey Richard, have you heard anything about the new 3M rotary? I messed with it a bit at a car show recently and thought it was like the Milwaukee...........
 
No I have not, sorry. After reviewing the information it sounds like a heavy duty machine. Maybe give Mike Phillips a buzz?

Also, keep in mind that my post above is just an opinion. I'm hoping that other people chime in with their opinion too, even if they disagree.


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I understand but also agree.

Hopefully Mike can give us a review on them. He may not be able to because a conflict of interest; ita tricky when you have to be careful as to not make a product look better than the other when sell so many different types.

Thanks for the honest input. I'll create a post later asking about both the new flex and 3M. I can get a killer deal in a 3M right now but the sale ends the 31st-it would be nice to take advantage of it.
 
tfullercdi said:
He may not be able to because a conflict of interest; ita tricky when you have to be careful as to not make a product look better than the other when sell so many different types.
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Actually I think selling many different types makes it EASIER to post up honest reviews, if anything. Each different machine has strengths and weaknesses, and as long as those pros/cons are presented in an unbiased manner, it's all good. After presenting the facts, it's up to each individual to determine which machine's strengths best fit their usage needs.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Actually I think selling many different types makes it EASIER to post up honest reviews, if anything. Each different machine has strengths and weaknesses, and as long as those pros/cons are presented in an unbiased manner, it's all good. After presenting the facts, it's up to each individual to determine which machine's strengths best fit their usage needs.
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That's good news because I wasn't sure how that worked.

I know Mike has been using his new flex in everything. He probably has more hours with it than anyone else around and can give the best info on it.
 
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