As for using Microfiber Pads on gear-driven, forced rotation tools like the Flex 3401, the thicker pads work better because they glide over the surface better.
Thin micorifiber pads are grabby, that is when buffing it will feel like the polisher is grabbing the surfce and yanking your around.
I PURPOSEFULLY had two experienced detailers test out both thin and thick LC MF Pads when we did the extreme makeo er to a 2012 Dodge Challenger and then asked them to post thier experience for all to read.
There's so much information in the Thursday night project write-ups,
a person just has to know where to look... here you go...
2012 Dodge Challenger + Menzerna Color Lock Makeover
Test Spot
Next up we did some testing and I had Robert and Paul compare the Lake Country Ultra Microfiber Pads on identical tools, the Flex 3401.
The difference was that one polisher had the THICK LC Ultra Microfiber Pad and the other polisher had the THIN Ultra Microfiber Pad.
If you want to know which one works best I'll let you post the question and I'll let Robert and Paul tell you their opinioins...
After some testing we buffed out the car using Menzerna SI 1500 with Lake Country Ultra Microfiber Pads on both the Flex 3401 and the Griot's DA Polisher and then followed that using Lake Country 5.5" white foam polishing pads with Menzerna SF 4000 and then sealed the paint using Menzerna Color Lock machine applied using Lake Country 5.5" Blue Finishing Pads on Griot's DA Polishers.
Here's Robert testing out the thick LC Ultra MF Pads and Paul testing out the thin LC Ultra MF Pads
Robert is very good behind any polisher and always focuses on using good technique...
Look at the THICK foam core for this MF Pad...
Below is the thin MF pad as the foam core is much thinner than the thicker version...
NOTE: The linting is normal when breaking in a new LC Ultra Microfiber Pad
Then I had both guys switch keeping all other variables the same except the thickness and thinness of the foam backing of the pads.
Robert with the thin pad...
Paul with the thick pad...