My review of the Rupes LHR12E Duetto

I just picked up a Duetto as well. I had to ditch the Rupes 21. I couldnt get it to work with Foam pads (rupes foam) on my 5-series bmw. The pad just wouldnt spin unless the panel was 100% flat. The washer mod helped, but I was able to cut out defects much faster and more effectively with the FLEX DA on all the curved panels (which is pretty much every single panel on the 5 series). The only problem with the flex is that it gives you a serious workout. I'm still trying to find the best pad setup to use with it to slow this down.

I'm hoping the Duetto works better for me.
 
mg6045 said:
I just picked up a Duetto as well. I had to ditch the Rupes 21. I couldnt get it to work with Foam pads (rupes foam) on my 5-series bmw. The pad just wouldnt spin unless the panel was 100% flat. The washer mod helped, but I was able to cut out defects much faster and more effectively with the FLEX DA on all the curved panels (which is pretty much every single panel on the 5 series). The only problem with the flex is that it gives you a serious workout. I'm still trying to find the best pad setup to use with it to slow this down.

I'm hoping the Duetto works better for me.
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Mike, the Duetto will work a bit better on curves, but by no means is the end all. All of the Rupes polishers lack pad spinning power, period! As you said, if the panel is 100% flat, the Rupes is golden, but how often is that? The Rupes pads are the smoothest, but do not contour well(except the white). I have two 3401's on hand, but hate fighting the polisher.


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Once upon a time i tried the Flex 3401, but that was 2 years ago.
I should probably work out and get ripped and try handling that beast again lol
 
EvolutionDetail said:
Once upon a time i tried the Flex 3401, but that was 2 years ago.
I should probably work out and get ripped and try handling that beast again lol
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You should go back to the Flex 3401 VRG....Come back to the Darkside...LOL. One of the main reasons why I think the Flex 3401 is the best DA is that it can correct on a flat or curved panel.

Additionally, I have no problems of my pads getting ripped or destroyed by the Flex.

As for struggling with the power of the machine....I have not had any problems. It does not tire me out and I have had no issues on "wearing me out".

The Flex is a great machine the best DA IMO.

I do not think you have to work out and get ripped for the Flex!....LOL But if you make the car perfect you will get the Babes!!!......LOL JK

Im the MAN
 
Mark, yesterday I polished my car with a 1 step process using the Rupes Duetto with the washer mod.

I am extremely impressed with this polisher. I really am. I'm surprised how much better it is than the LHR15 and LHR21. I was able to polish out the entire car with this machine, something that wasn't possible with the LHR21 or LHR15.

I used Menzerna Super Finish SF4000 and an Orange Flat Lake Country pad (5.5"). I started with the yellow Rupes pad, but found the Orange flat thin pad with rounded sides to work better in regards to cut and feel.

The ergonomics of this machine are amazing as well. the only thing I struggled with was the speed control. I kept on accidentally turning down the dial while I was working by holding the machine with one hand on the back side during some areas of the car. After a few panels I was able to re-teach myself to not hold the polisher from the backside. Because the speed dial is so smooth without any click's between the 1-6 setting, the only way I knew was by the sound of the machine. After spending an hour with the machine its a non issue though.

Another thing I noticed is the intelligent electronic speed controller used as the processor for the motor feedback. The machine made a lot of self adjustments during the process. I'm not absolutely sure, but I think it makes adjustments on the fly based on pressure, and the strain/load and heat on the motor as to not overheat/load the unit causing premature shutdown similar to the FLEX 3401 ESC (electronic speed control).

The machine is excellent and has really made me jump on the Rupes bandwagon now. (after my disappointing results with the LHR 21/15).

This morning i'm gonna finish up the gloss black window trim, tight rear bumper area's and rocker panels with the matching Rupes Mini 75E.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
You should go back to the Flex 3401 VRG....Come back to the Darkside...LOL. One of the main reasons why I think the Flex 3401 is the best DA is that it can correct on a flat or curved panel.

Additionally, I have no problems of my pads getting ripped or destroyed by the Flex.

As for struggling with the power of the machine....I have not had any problems. It does not tire me out and I have had no issues on "wearing me out".

The Flex is a great machine the best DA IMO.

I do not think you have to work out and get ripped for the Flex!....LOL But if you make the car perfect you will get the Babes!!!......LOL JK

Im the MAN
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I have absolutely no doubt that when it comes to all out cut, the FLEX is the most powerful DA type of machine in the industry. the only thing more powerful and effective would be a rotary type polisher. Its a real treat to be able to cut out defects that would be impossible with a traditional DA or the Rupes on some really concave area's. In the past you needed to spend much more time going over and over the area with a DA due to the fact that the only motion was jiggling. With the flex you can treat the area like a flat panel and just work the defects out with ease. But that for sure comes at a price. The machine takes more muscle to use and maneuver around. And the anti-clockwise rotation is another thing that takes a bit of getting used to. Tipping the handle up or down is the trick in not fighting the machine as you can help it walk to the left or right based on how you tip it in.
 
Glad you're enjoying the Duetto, Mike.

Ever since I discovered the 5" hybrid pads + Flex 3401, I'll use that most of the time. If I need heavy correction, I'll use the LHR21 + Meg's MF cutting/finishing pads. Or, I'll use 5" tuff buff wool pads + Flex 3401.
 
Ive actually been contemplating selling my Rupes LHR21 in favor of a Duetto due to the Duetto being more compact and I like that its comparable in size to the GG or PC. Would you take this over a LHR21? Does it have the same power as the LHR21.
 
PapaSmurf said:
Ive actually been contemplating selling my Rupes LHR21 in favor of a Duetto due to the Duetto being more compact and I like that its comparable in size to the GG or PC. Would you take this over a LHR21? Does it have the same power as the LHR21.
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The Duetto is much more comfortable/ergonomic to use than the LHR21, IMO. It definitely does not have the cutting power of the LHR21, but still can do heavy correction. Washer mod is a must.


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