Porter Cable 7424 XP or Flex VC 3401?

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cleanfreak3

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Need your opinion Mike and others. I'm new at machine polishing and am looking to purchase a machine polisher to use Wolfgang uber compound, finishing glaze, and sealant 3.0. I have a 09 black Silverado that has swirls, scratches, etc. (looks like the hand brush was always taken to it in the car wash from the previous owner:( ) This is the only vehicle I will be using the polisher on so I was wondering if I can get by using the 7424 XP being its cheaper in price. Or, am I better off spending the money on a Flex that will be better and last me forever?

Thanks!
 
I started off with the pc and recently bought the flex. Really wish I would of went with the flex out of the gate . Buy once cry once they say.
 
hoyt66 said:
I started off with the pc and recently bought the flex. Really wish I would of went with the flex out of the gate . Buy once cry once they say.
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Thanks for your input. I'm thinking the same. "You get what you pay for."
 
hoyt66 said:
I started off with the pc and recently bought the flex. Really wish I would of went with the flex out of the gate . Buy once cry once they say.
Click to expand...

:iagree:
BINGO!! Same thing here!! I rarely use the PC7424 XP. If I do use it it is for waxing or minor correcting or just to make sure I can use it in case I do not have the Flex handy. IMO, spend the money and get the Flex...that is if you can afford it. If not, the PC 7424 XP is fine. It will take considerably longer to get the finish you want compared to the Flex. You have a big vehicle and keep that in mind.
 
I would also recommend getting the HD. That 25ft cord is really nice,well worth the extra few dollars.
 
how bout a griots 6". More power the pc. But less them flex
 
cleanfreak3 said:
Was questioning that too. But I do have extension cords?
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Just make sure you're smart on extension cords. Get the correct gauge for the length you will be using.

My opinion at a minimum go with the Griot's, if you don't have an issue going for the Flex, then get the stuff you'll end up getting now.

Good luck with your decision :props: Should be a few sales upcoming.
 
I use both, Pc sees more action with the Meg's microfiber pads and applying 845 and sealants.
 
af90 said:
Just make sure you're smart on extension cords. Get the correct gauge for the length you will be using.

My opinion at a minimum go with the Griot's, if you don't have an issue going for the Flex, then get the stuff you'll end up getting now.

Good luck with your decision :props: Should be a few sales upcoming.
Click to expand...

So many choices/ decisions for a newbie :) Does the Griot's make smaller backing plate options? I just don't want to purchase the wrong polisher, and I want to get the best bang for my buck!
 
I recently had the same issue. Didn't know which way to go. I ended up going with the GG6 with the 25' cord and am very satisfied. I am not a professional but I do appreciate a quality tool and this one fits the bill for me.
 
Agreed on the Flex. I started with a Griot's and still use it, mostly for applying wax.

For compounding / polishing, I always reach for the Flex (HD is a good option, I like not having to mess with an extension cord),

Good luck!
 
cleanfreak3 said:
So many choices/ decisions for a newbie :) Does the Griot's make smaller backing plate options? I just don't want to purchase the wrong polisher, and I want to get the best bang for my buck!
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Any of the DA backing plates that work on the PC will work on the Griots. I have the GG 6" and would recommend it. Like a lot of guys here I like using it with a 5" backing plate.

The best bang for your buck would be the PC Or Griots.
AZ Mike said:
The Flex is great. The PC or Griot's 6" can run 3" pads and other things like brushes.
Porter Cable 7424 Carpet & Upholstery Brushes
Having both would be nice.
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If you don't mind spending the extra money the Flex is a great machine. The Griots can do just about anything the Flex can but the Flex will do it faster, which would definitely save you time on a full size pick up. I never thought I"d own a Flex but I found a great deal on a used one that I couldn't pass up. I still plan to use the GG 6" with a 3" backing plate for small areas and for applying wax or sealants. So maybe try the Griots and if you decide you want something more powerful go for the Flex?
cleanfreak3 said:
3inch pads can be used on the 6inch backing plate?
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You need to use a 3" backing plate. You always want to a backing plate that is smaller than the pad.
 
FocusSTguy said:
Any of the DA backing plates that work on the PC will work on the Griots. I have the GG 6" and would recommend it. Like a lot of guys here I like using it with a 5" backing plate.

The best bang for your buck would be the PC Or Griots.

If you don't mind spending the extra money the Flex is a great machine. The Griots can do just about anything the Flex can but the Flex will do it faster, which would definitely save you time on a full size pick up. I never thought I"d own a Flex but I found a great deal on a used one that I couldn't pass up. I still plan to use the GG 6" with a 3" backing plate for small areas and for applying wax or sealants. So maybe try the Griots and if you decide you want something more powerful go for the Flex?

You need to use a 3" backing plate. You always want to a backing plate that is smaller than the pad.
Click to expand...

Awesome information, thank you! I also have a Black Harley Davidson that needs attention too that the 3inch backing plate would be great.....However, will I be able to use the 6.5inch hybrid pads with the 5inch backing plate on my truck?
 
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If your budget allows, i would absolutely get the Flex for that black Silverado! Knowing what i know now nothing would stop me from getting the Flex. Yes, it is substantially more than the PC, especially when outfitted for everything you want to use it for (different size BP's, all the pads etc.) but the forced rotation coupled with a random orbit makes it almost "rotary effective" with the forgiveness of that random orbit. I would not have and use a rotary today if the Flex was out about 10 years ago.

If your budget is a very strong consideration you won't go wrong with the PC. It will just take a bit longer to get the results the Flex gives you faster. You'll learn to tweak some pad/product combos with the PC too.

But to maybe confuse you a little more, i might opt for the GG ROB. I've had a Porter Cable ROB for maybe 13-15 years and it's still rockin' but i have read here the GG PC may be just a tad stronger and it's that strength i like when correcting.
 
I started with the Porter Cable, moved up to the Griots, and now have a Flex. Now that I have the Flex, I would have a hard time going back as it is a significant improvement over the other two IMHO.
 
Puckman said:
If your budget allows, i would absolutely get the Flex for that black Silverado! Knowing what i know now nothing would stop me from getting the Flex. Yes, it is substantially more than the PC, especially when outfitted for everything you want to use it for (different size BP's, all the pads etc.) but the forced rotation coupled with a random orbit makes it almost "rotary effective" with the forgiveness of that random orbit. I would not have and use a rotary today if the Flex was out about 10 years ago.

If your budget is a very strong consideration you won't go wrong with the PC. It will just take a bit longer to get the results the Flex gives you faster. You'll learn to tweak some pad/product combos with the PC too.

But to maybe confuse you a little more, i might opt for the GG ROB. I've had a Porter Cable ROB for maybe 13-15 years and it's still rockin' but i have read here the GG PC may be just a tad stronger and it's that strength i like when correcting.
Click to expand...

Do you recommend the different backing plates for the Flex for those hard to reach places or do you work it by hand?
 
I "machine" as much as possible! My hand cannot get the results that a machine can so i personally love having my 3" backing plate. If i was getting a Flex i would absolutely get the interchangeable BP's. I like to have the wider versatility of the machine.
 
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