New to Flex 3401 - Pads Suggestions?

K

kevin_1981

New member
Joined
Apr 11, 2014
Messages
235
Reaction score
0
Hi All,
I currently use a PC 7424xp with LC CCS as well as Hex-Logic 5.5" pads. I decided to buy a Flex 3401 on a whim off of ebay without doing much research beforehand. I didnt realize that I wouldnt be able to use my 5.5" pads unless i get a new backing plate. I am just an amateur that likes working on my own cars, and sometimes others (for free) as I enjoy doing it, and find it relieving.

My questions are:
Would I be better off keeping my current pads (I have around 12 total of various types) and buy a new backing plate, or get new pads to use with the plate that the 3401 comes with?

If you recommend a new backing plate, is there a specific model/brand? I've heard mixed reviews on the Lake Country plate

If you recommend new pads, what is the pad of preference?

Thanks in advance!
 
I use the 5" Lake Country Hybrid pads on Flex's OEM 4 3/8" backing plate
 
The only pads to run on the 3401 is the Hybrid pads.

You can run the larger 6.5" Hybrids on the factory 5.5" plate. You will need the 4" plate to run the 5" Hybrids.
 
Thanks everyone. Is it possible/recommended to use 5.5 inch pads on the 5.5" plate?
 
No not at all. That combination wont provide any protection from the plate possibly hitting the paint.

If you want to use the 5.5" pads you will need the 4-3/8" FLEX plate.
 
You know about 8 months, ago I would've disagreed with the pad selection but, many cars later with a lot reading here (Mike perfection I read a lot of your stuff and thank you) and videos here as well. You realize why. I mean, you really do as it becomes art. Just like an artist with a perfectly balanced paintbrush painting "straight lines" with control with flow.....So, it not about the power of the flex to remove scratches as you are actually creating scratches to remove scratches but with art.... Hybrid Power Systems pads are part of the puzzle and it fits right in.... Sorry, for post that kinda went out there a little bit.... But Kevin post reminded me of me three years ago when I first joined the forums here. Keep up the enthusiasm Kevin!
 
Thanks again. I didn't get the flex yet. Just won the bid yesterday. I just wanted to be prepared. I guess for now, I can use it with my megs mf cutting discs. The next car I'm working on will need them.
 
I hope you receive it soon...Hey great minds think alike as I use Meg's MF Cutting Pads for correction work and they last! Flex loves them as well.
 
Kenny94 said:
I hope you receive it soon...Hey great minds think alike as I use Meg's MF Cutting Pads for correction work and they last! Flex loves them as well.
Click to expand...

Ohhh, this is great to know! Have you ever used it with the MF finishing discs? I was thinking of buying those, but havent tried them. I was always concerned with how they will finish.
 
You really don't need MF finishing pad as nothing finishes better than a foam pad. What I would do, is the pads you now, have get used to your new flex with those pads, once they're all used up then I would go with

http://www.autogeek.net/hybrid-power-finish-pads.html

All you need is a few finishing pads... I like the black ones for Finishing. For polishing pads stay with orange and whites that's all you really need and the MF cutting pad for some correction work.
 
+1 for Hybrids. I use the 5" pads with the 4" Lake Country backing plate made for the flex (not the 4 3/8 from flex itself).
 
Hybrids for the win!! Flex, hybrids and Menz products is a killer combination. I have only used the 6.5" pads so far. I have the small plate and some 5" pads, but the bigger pads work great on my larger vehicles.
 
I always used the lake country hybrids and they were awesome. Now they came out with those force pads and they are supposed to be the same foam as hybrids but they have a cooling hole and they also have more common sizes that can be used with the flex brand backing plates which I would prefer
 
I use the CCS 6.5's now, but will be switching it up to a new setup after these go out.
 
Regarding the 3401, nothing beats hybrid pads and Michael Ploesser's 'Smack Method'. Nothing.
After you are comfortable with it, you can tweak it a bit and put your own signature on top of it, but the foundation is there.
I highly recommend reading it.
Best regards.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top