Original Vs Current Rupes Microfiber Pad Observations

[dlc95]

Full disclosure, I'm using the tools as intended from the manufacturer, with their proprietary pads and compounds. Of all the systems I have from Meguiar's, 3D, and Menzerna - on either the Flex 3401, or PC 7424, the Rupes system is typically winning in both cut, and finish. This makes for a very efficient process, saving a lot of time and energy. I've been using the two versions opposite each other since the summer of 2017. Today I was compelled to share my experiences.

The Coarse (Blue) pads:
Overall, the cut of the new pads is significantly reduced compared to the original. For example - I can compound all of the defects out of a given section completely with the original version in two, maybe three section passes. The new pads couldn't get the job done before the compound was exhausted. I eventually dialed in a process of two section cycles consisting of four section passes each. That's a total of eight passes with a pad cleaning and reloading in between compared to two or three total section passes the original pads + Zephir took. Finish was similar, cut was way off.

That was a very hard pill to swallow. Especially considering the originals aren't currently available.

The medium (yellow) pads:
Consistent with the cutting pads, defect removal was severely reduced. The original yellow pads were very effective for me in time saving one step applications. Again, defect removal could be completed in about three or four passes, excellent finish (most times. Some finishes would micromar). The new version took multiple passes, and after three section cycles, I had to switch back to the originals. I wanted to finish the job before next winter..

In conclusion, I'm definitely not a fan of these new versions. I use them on the PC a lot with M100, or M205, and they seem good in that situation, but as far as with the Zephir, and Keramik they incredibly inefficient for my situation.

 

[Joel1979]

How would you rank Meguiars mf pads? Those original Rupes mf pads.were not very durable. Hopefully the new foamed mf pads will rock

 

[dlc95]

How would you rank Meguiars mf pads? Those original Rupes mf pads.were not very durable. Hopefully the new foamed mf pads will rock

The megs are great, but I'd have to do a side by side using the same juice.

I agree about the durability. I scalped a good half dozen of the original cutting pads by over brushing them. Part of the problem was that I'd over work the compound - "cooking" the abrasives into the fibers. Those would be a nightmare to clean.

If Rupes is using the same microfiber materials they're currently using, with a foam interface used on their wool, it will probably reduce their cutting ability even further.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

That’s interesting, as Jason Rose was a big part of developing the newest Rupes MF pads.


Sent from my iPhone using Autogeekonline mobile app

 

[Joel1979]

Yeah and those white rupes microfibers seems very similar to ones on megs microfober pads. Rupes woolpads area great though.

 

[rlmccarty2000]

I used the new Rupes microfiber pads and I didn’t think they cut as fast as the Meguires microfiber pads. I really like the Rupes wool pads too.

 

[Eldorado2k]

Step up to the Lake Country HDO Heavy Cut Microfiber Pads.

They’re a clear cut above past renditions of microfiber pads because they were engineered for modern day long throw polishers. They feature a cooling chamber, fibers that don’t matt down quite like the other microfiber pads + they’re built tough and won’t delaminate, and best of all they cut like a chisel and finish down like a foam polishing pad.

Top of the line pads. IMO it gets no better.

6.5 inch Lake Country HDO Fiber Heavy Cutting Pad

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

and finish down like a foam polishing pad.

I wouldn't go that far. With that light colored paint, haze isn't going to be clearly evident. Try that same combo on black paint and it won't finish like a foam polishing pad.

 

[Eldorado2k]

I wouldn't go that far. With that light colored paint, haze isn't going to be clearly evident. Try that same combo on black paint and it won't finish like a foam polishing pad.

Challenge accepted. I’ve got a black car lined up this week.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Challenge accepted. I’ve got a black car lined up this week.

Prep wipe must be done.

 

[Eldorado2k]

Prep wipe must be done.

That stipulation didn’t seem to apply to my “light colored paint”.
There’s alot of people who are quik to point towards light colored or white colored vehicles as if we or in this case I can’t spot haze just because the paint is white and I disagree with that.

That’s like saying someone could pour you a drink with some store brand whiskey & cola and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between that and the good stuff because it’s mixed with cola.. You can’t hide cheap booze the same way white paint can’t hide haze... Either you know what you’re doing and achieve good results or you don’t no matter what color vehicle you’re polishing.

We can see regardless of what color the paint is.

 

[Eldorado2k]

*knock on wood* lol.

 

[Bill D]

Different lighting plays a role in how well you can see remaining defects. If you inspect with enough different lighting sources for enough time you can spot them no matter what color the paint is. Sometimes the inspecting is the longest part of the entire detail.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Either you know what you’re doing and achieve good results or you don’t no matter what color vehicle you’re polishing.

Couldn't disagree more. Haze will DEFINITELY be harder to spot on light colors as opposed to dark. Especially light metallics.

 

[Eldorado2k]

Couldn't disagree more. Haze will DEFINITELY be harder to spot on light colors as opposed to dark. Especially light metallics.

Yea but it’s still visable. All it takes is a close look or proper lighting. It’s not invisible.

 

[dlc95]

Step up to the Lake Country HDO Heavy Cut Microfiber Pads.

They’re a clear cut above past renditions of microfiber pads because they were engineered for modern day long throw polishers. They feature a cooling chamber, fibers that don’t matt down quite like the other microfiber pads + they’re built tough and won’t delaminate, and best of all they cut like a chisel and finish down like a foam polishing pad.

Top of the line pads. IMO it gets no better.

6.5 inch Lake Country HDO Fiber Heavy Cutting Pad

I have the standard ones, without the hole, and yes, they cut like crazy. I'd have to A/B them with the others. I bought them intending to use on the PC. So far, the original Buff and Shine pads are my favorite on the PC.

 

[dlc95]

I wouldn't go that far. With that light colored paint, haze isn't going to be clearly evident. Try that same combo on black paint and it won't finish like a foam polishing pad.

If I see a white-ish, or bluish halo after paint prep, it isn't a show car finish for me. Easy to see on dark, but my car is white, and my girl's is bright yellow. I can see it clear as day.

 

[Joel1979]

Btw have anyone tested Lake Country low lint foam interface woolpads? How do they compare to Rupes wool pads?

 

[dlc95]

Btw have anyone tested Lake Country low lint foam interface woolpads? How do they compare to Rupes wool pads?

I tried one, but didn't have any Rupes wool to use it against. I used it with M100 on a 3401, and it quickly removed all the defects from some pretty "resistant" GM paint.

For being "low lint", they still linted - even after seasoning them. Not as bad as the Megs W-4000 though.