New Flex Tool XFE 7 - 15mm Long Stroke Free Spinning Orbital Polisher

I get this isn't something to be too excited about, especially if you've been in the game for a while. But not every product can be revolutionary. Flex had a bit of a hole in their product offerings. They filled it with what we can safely assume is another quality product. The consumer should be so happy to see their options expand.
 
I see a fourth Flex machine sometime in my future. Have to decide if I want to keep the G21 and add the Flex 15mm or sell the G21. I would also still like to see a smaller version of the 3401.
 
Nice work and review, Mike!
While I was hoping the new offering from Flex was a forced rotation long stroke DA, if this one is as solid as you say it is, I do have an AMG that I might try out this 'AMG of polishers' on!
 
I posted this elsewhere but here is some info I can give you

Ok so flex has 2 machines out. The XCE which is an update to the 3401. The XCE is a forced rotation DA with an 8mm throw just like the 3401. The XCE is lighter, shorter, smoother, more quiet and no long runs as hot.

The XCE has adopted the PE14 style of head along with the cooling features.

The XFE is the new 15mm free spinning DA from flex. The has nearly the same build as the XCE. The machine is very very smooth and has a solid build as you would come to expect from flex.

Both machines offer a new balancing mechanism that keeps these machines running smooth as possible. Both were designed and built in Germany

In my honest opinion I do not thing Flex needs a larger forced rotation machine. The reason being is you have a machine that is forced rotating and that keeps the pad from ever stopping. Larger throw is not always better but it does have its place. I can achieve great correction with my 3401 just like I can with a larger throw machine and I know my pad will nerve stop rotations while I'm working.
 
Thank you for the update Evan.J. I have the 3401 and it is my favorite DA. However, I was looking for another DA and looks like the XCE (updated version of the 3401) is what I am looking for.

Being lighter, shorter, smoother, quieter and not run as hot is exactly what I am looking for. Just curious and I understand if you do not have the answer....any ETA when it is coming out?

But again, thank you for your explanation.

The 3401 will still be my Main Go to DA
 
What a beast of a show car!!

Great write up as usual Mike

Loving how much Detailing is evolving to become more and more a truly professional industry.
 
craigdt said:
I always like to see another option, but I can't help but wonder how much different this really is from the forced rotation machine.

Not as intimidating to a newbie maybe? Slightly better finish quality?

Sure, the mechanics are different, but what really is the difference in the end product and the time it takes to get there?

That being said, I'm happy there is another option out there. I wonder how many people are going to howl and moan about Flex copying the idea pioneered by Rupes like they do Griots? :D
Click to expand...

Great point, will the Flex copy of a long throw free spinning da get the love the other copies of the Rupes have? :buffing:
 
Evan.J said:
I posted this elsewhere but here is some info I can give you

Ok so flex has 2 machines out. The XCE which is an update to the 3401. The XCE is a forced rotation DA with an 8mm throw just like the 3401. The XCE is lighter, shorter, smoother, more quiet and no long runs as hot.

The XCE has adopted the PE14 style of head along with the cooling features.

The XFE is the new 15mm free spinning DA from flex. The has nearly the same build as the XCE. The machine is very very smooth and has a solid build as you would come to expect from flex.

Both machines offer a new balancing mechanism that keeps these machines running smooth as possible. Both were designed and built in Germany

In my honest opinion I do not thing Flex needs a larger forced rotation machine. The reason being is you have a machine that is forced rotating and that keeps the pad from ever stopping. Larger throw is not always better but it does have its place. I can achieve great correction with my 3401 just like I can with a larger throw machine and I know my pad will nerve stop rotations while I'm working.
Click to expand...

Thanks for weighing in Evan. :iagree:

Keep up the great work at SEMA! :props:
 
Evan.J said:
I posted this elsewhere but here is some info I can give you

Ok so flex has 2 machines out. The XCE which is an update to the 3401. The XCE is a forced rotation DA with an 8mm throw just like the 3401. The XCE is lighter, shorter, smoother, more quiet and no long runs as hot.

The XCE has adopted the PE14 style of head along with the cooling features.

The XFE is the new 15mm free spinning DA from flex. The has nearly the same build as the XCE. The machine is very very smooth and has a solid build as you would come to expect from flex.

Both machines offer a new balancing mechanism that keeps these machines running smooth as possible. Both were designed and built in Germany

In my honest opinion I do not thing Flex needs a larger forced rotation machine. The reason being is you have a machine that is forced rotating and that keeps the pad from ever stopping. Larger throw is not always better but it does have its place. I can achieve great correction with my 3401 just like I can with a larger throw machine and I know my pad will nerve stop rotations while I'm working.
Click to expand...

Evan, could you please check if there'd be a 220v version for both launched at the same time as 110v ?
 
I didn't mean to sound snarky with my previous post.

I know we appreciate and thank the hard work and time that Mike Phillips invests to do professional reviews of these tools.

I suspect there are a number of reasons why Flex chose to come to market with this tool, and that this tool probably cannot be fully appreciated until a person has it in hand, and uses it.

That had I been in the market today for a free spinning DA, this would probably be on my short list of tools.

Will be interesting to see what further awaits with perhaps accessories to compliment this polisher?
 
I like the way they incorporated the counter weight. All other counter weights the weight is much more spread out because of the design. With the weight on the Flex only actually being connected in one small area (I hope people understand what I'm talking about I would have to look at a schematic to get part names) I wonder if that might help the stalling problem these machines are known to have. I guess time will tell.
It just looks to me like the design would use centrifugal force more effectively.
 
MarkD51 said:
I didn't mean to sound snarky with my previous post.

I know we appreciate and thank the hard work and time that Mike Phillips invests to do professional reviews of these tools.

I suspect there are a number of reasons why Flex chose to come to market with this tool, and that this tool probably cannot be fully appreciated until a person has it in hand, and uses it.

That had I been in the market today for a free spinning DA, this would probably be on my short list of tools.

Will be interesting to see what further awaits with perhaps accessories to compliment this polisher?
Click to expand...

BLASPHEMY!!! You are on AGO Probation!! Another outburst like that....BLASPHEMY!!!!......LOL!! All kidding aside you brought out some good points and I know I have wrote some things on this site to where I should be banned!!

I think adding another free spinning DA is a good thing. It adds choices and I look at it as a Ford, Chevy and Dodge battle. I am a Ford Mustang guy and always will be. However, the Camaro and the Challenger makes sure that the Mustang has to keep up or get trampled. All it means are great choices.

Evan.J brought up the point that Flex is bringing out 2 DA's. The XCE is something I am more interested in. That is more what I am looking for and probably you too.

But again, I read your post and I took NO OFFENSE whatsoever. I am in agreement with you that Mike Phillips, the AGO staff and Flex are hard working dedicated professionals to make the best experience for all of us AGO users.

I am waiting for Mike Phillips write up a post about the XCE. I thank EVAN.J for pointing that out to us. Either way have an awesome day and again I took no offense to your previous post!

Peace!!!
 
Hey guys I just read through this thread... couple of comments...


First... the good news is one word

Options

One thing I've noticed after years of teaching detailing classes and by this I mean having thousands of mostly guys coming to my classes excited to check out and use tools is that everyone is different.

Some people will like one type of tool while other people will like another type of tool. It's very apparent after the second day of my three day classes as I'll ask each student which tool they like the best and people are all over the board.

So this new addition to the Flex line is good news as now you have a new option that is VERY different from both the PE14 and the 3401.


Second... people have been asking for a free spinning orbital polisher from Flex for years.


In fact back in 2011 when Nick and I went to Germany to visit Flex we were invited to a meeting with the Flex engineers and the point of the meeting was the Flex engineers wanted to hear our ideas for new tools for the market place.

Here's the link to that thread... note the date...

Secret meeting with the Flex Engineers!

We told them that the market place, (that's detailers) wanted a more powerful option to the Porter Cable polisher. Sort of a Flex free spinning orbital polisher on steroids.

At that time they didn't like the idea and instead pushed forward with the Flex PE8

Now 4+ years later they've introduced a free spinning 15mm stroke orbital polisher built in German to Flex high quality standards.

To me this is great news!

Coke/Pepsi
Ford/Chevy
Toyota/Honda
Gear driven/Free spinning



Options

Your choice.


:dblthumb2:
 
Clockwise is good. At least for right handed folks like me.
 
Okay so the two new polishers will be offered alongside the 3401 and PE-14?

Each of the 4 machines catering for a different market?

3401 and PE-14 for the professional hardcore market

XFE and XCE for the casual hobbyist

If the above is true than this new offering makes alot of sense and Flex has covered all bases :xyxthumbs:
 
I think XFE and XCE for both professional and enthusiastic too. I don't believe flex will target only the enthusiastic - may be I could be wrong!
 
I currently own a 3401 and it works great. I am interested in the XFE and reviews/specs once it is out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Is this similar to the 3401 forced rotation but with a 15 throw? I know they had another model on display at Sema as well. Car looks great Mike and knowing flex, another great tool to get.
 
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