Review: Griot's G9 - 9mm Orbit Stroke Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Review: Griot's G9 - 9mm Orbit Stroke Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips





Griot's G9 - 9mm Orbit Stroke Random Orbital Polisher

Review
Below are some pictures of a real-world paint correction I did to a blown 1979 El Camino that belongs to my buddy Ike. (thanks Ike for letting me use you Elky). But to just cut to the chase and read my thoughts on this new tool from Griot's, here you go.


LOTS OF POWER!

This is the first tool I've used in my career where I didn't feel the need to go to the highest speed setting, which is 6 on the speed dial. It's that powerful, or better said, it's spins the pad so fast. I found myself running the tool on the 5 speed setting the majority of the time. Why is this important? Because I know my audience and they are looking for power. And in the context of a free spinning random orbital polisher power means the ability to maintain pad rotation under pressure.

This tool has TONS of power.

I used this tool in its factory configuration, that is with the factory installed 6" backing plate. I know most of you that have been reading my articles or have attended any of my classes know I show and recommend 5" backing plates for tools like this. Two reasons for this are,

1: With a 5" backing plate you can use 5.5" diameter buffing pads and simply put, smaller diameter pads tend to fit thinner body panels on modern cars better. That is you can buff out a section of a panel that has an edge on one side and a raised body line on the other side so you're never buffing on top of the edge or the body line. (good best practice)

2: Smaller, thin pads are easier for tools to maintain pad rotation. While this has been an issue historically, this isn't a problem with the new Griot's G9 - like I mentioned above, it has a TON of power.


Besides the most important thing I know you are all curious about there's the other things you're looking for,

Low vibration, smooth operation. CHECK. The tool is very smooth and very low vibration at any speed during operation.

Well-built. CHECK. This new G9 polisher, like the BOSS polishers, feels so SOLID, it feels stout enough that you could drive nails through wood with it. It's as solid as ANY tool I've used and even more solid.

Ergo design. CHECK. The forward handle and rear grip give you plenty of leverage over the tool and make controlling it easy.

Switch and lock button function and location. CHECK. The speed trigger is progressive and smooth. The ambidextrous speed adjust is available on either side of the tool. The lock button is angled to match your thumb placement when buffing.

Noise level. CHECK. For this I ran this new tool side-by-side with the Griot's 6" Random Orbital Polisher, but on speed 6 and the G9 is a tick louder. My comment is, it's the side-effect of MORE POWER. And from reading comments in the detailing cyber-world since the Internet was invented, I think this is something that you folks always want - more power.

Detachable Power Cord. Check. This is a cool feature and I think everyone is going to love this new idea. Because the power cord LOCKS into the rear of the handle it won't come unplugged. Then at the end of the day you can remove the cord. This makes it easier to store the tools and makes it easier to coil-up your cord to prevent damage to the cord. (no more wrapping the cord around the tool)



From Griot's Garage


Innovative features

• Patent-Pending Fan-Cooled Counterbalance extends tool and pad life
• Quick-Connect Power Cord makes tool storage a snap
• Quick-Access Brush Ports for easy maintenance
• Temperature Management System monitors machine and shuts down when it exceeds normal operating temperature
• Unplug Safety Kill Circuit preventing inadvertent uncontrolled power


Features

• Precision wound 1000 watt -8.5amp finely balanced motor
• Low-resistance premium Japanese sealed bearings
• Constant-speed control for consistent power and rotation
• Intake vent screens to prevent internal contamination
• Precision machine gears with a 45% increase in strength over current
• Lubricated with Mobil® Mobilux™ Premium Grease


Ergonomics & Design

• Extensive double-shot rubber enhances comfort, grip, and control
• Ergonomic counterbalance shroud grip, platypus head, and rear pistol grip
• Lower finger-grips enhance control
• Comfortable, lockable on/off trigger




Review
The first car I buffed out with this new tool was a 1968 Shelby Mustang. This car was restored a few years ago and has a modern basecoat/clearcoat paint system. It had light swirls and scratches throughout the vertical body panels with deeper scratches on the hood and trunk lid. Not knowing what to expect, I did a few test spots and dialed-in a process using BOSS Creams and BOSS pads that removed a majority of all the "removable" scratches in the finish. What caught me by surprise however was after dialing-in my process on the hood, I found myself turning the speed down on the tool to buff out the rest of the car. Normally I run all my orbital polishers on the highest speed setting when doing correction work. With this new tool I turned the speed setting down to the 5 speed setting and it had MORE THAN ENOUGH POWER to maintain excellent pad rotation over all the various body panels.

Next I buffed out a 1979 El Camino. This Pro Street streetrod also has a modern basecoat/clearcoat paint system and like the 1968 Shelby Mustang, it had light swirls and scratches throughout the vertical body panels with deeper scratches on the hood. (El Caminos don't have a trunk lid). For the El Camino, (pictures below), I dialed-in a process where I used the Fast Cut Correction Cream with the white aggressive foam BOSS cutting pad for the hood and this removed 99.9% of the defects, everything I was comfortable removing. I then used the BOSS Finishing Sealant and the BOSS Orange pads to knock out the vertical panels. From start to finish it took me around 2 hours to do the correction work and the polishing/sealing step. The tool easily powered-through this project. And like the Shelby Mustang, I used the 5 speed setting for the entire job as I found I didn't need to go all they way to the 6 speed setting to maintain pad rotation.

For years I've been sharing the Griot's 6" Random Orbital Polisher as THE best bang for you buck when it comes to getting into machine polishing. And it was the best bang for your buck. But now this new tool is going to take it's place as the best bang for your tool investment for this category of polisher. This is the perfect tool for hobbyist and professionals as well.

On Autogeek.com

Griot's Garage G9 Random Orbital Polisher

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Continued....



Testing out the Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher

Documenting the before condition
Under florescent lights, the paint on the El Camino looks good. That's why you can't judge paint condition using just one type of light. I would have used my Griot's Swirl Finder Light to inspect the paint on this El Camino but the one I have was a gift to me by Jeff Brown at Griot's and I take it to all my Roadshow Classes. And when I was buffing out this car, it was packed inside a tote heading back from my last roadshow class. So I broke out another swirl finder light. BIG PICTURE is in order to really see and evaluate the true condtion of car paint you need a quality swirl finder light.



Swirls and Deeper scratches
The hood had the normal light swirls any car has but there were also a lot of RIDS or Random Isolated Deeper Scratches

Driver's side sail panel

An ounce of prevention
Hard not to see the blower, carbs and air scoop sticking out of the hood. Me? I'm not going to be the guy that covers all this with splatter dots from machine polishing.

Autogeek Cover-up Towel
I use these all the time to "cover things up".

Quick, fast and easy
Now after buffing out the El Camino I won't have to go back and remove splatter dots off carb linkage using a toothbrush. Been there done that back when I was a teenage. That's when I came up with the Beach Towel Tip and then Autogeek turned my beach towel tip into the cover-up towel.

Test Spot
I practice and teach,

Use the least aggressive process to get the job done

I tried the BOSS Correction Cream on the hood and it removed the shallow swirls and scratches but left a lot of deeper RIDS behind. So I switched over to the Fast Correction Cream and the very aggressive white foam BOSS cutting pad. This worked great!

Griot's BOSS Finishing Sealant
The Finishing Sealant has some light cut, like a light cutting polish but it also has a sealant in it also, so technically it's a cleaner/sealant or an AIO. After compounding the hood I went over the hood and the rest of the El Camino using the BOSS Finishing Sealant and the BOSS orange foam correcting pad.

Results
The paint on this car is now worthy of the car.

Pads, Products & Tools
I try to always take a picture of all the pads I use when I buff out a car. Why? Because most people don't know how many pads they need and I would day from about 32 years of experience, most people don't have enough pads to buff out a car. So when purchasing a Griot's G9 polisher, be sure to get plenty of pads.

The Sun Shot
While Ike was leaving, because the sun was out, I took a moment to get the "Sun Shot". The sun is the true revealer of a quality finish.

Dang! Looks like there's a Palm Tree growing out of the hood....

Final comments....

This is a really nice tool. I'm not going to say it's a great tool for enthusiast detailers, that would be the person that just wants to detail their own cars, but not a great tool for Pro Detailers because that would not be accurate. It is a GREAT tool for enthusiasts or hobbyist detailers but it's also stout enough for professionals.

I told my friends at Griot's their price point is too low. It's too nice of a tool for such a low price. So if you're looking to get into machine polishing, or if it's time to replace or upgrade from your current polisher, you won't be disappointed in the new Griot's Garage G9.

You want power? It has the power!

On Autogeek.com


Griot's Garage G9 Random Orbital Polisher

 

[RamAirV1]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Excellent review! I am sold on this one. Is there going to be a longer power cord available like there was for the previous generation 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher?

RamAirV1

 

[Thomkirby]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Thanks Mike that answered my questions, yes we all like or truly love power in our tools. It will not replace the new Cordless Beast on my want list but this one is going to be coming into my toy chest soon! And when they have both power cords this is really a sweet option. By the way I did ask if their existing 3-in pad kit will work and the answer is a big NO. I guess too much power can be a bad thing on small pad and mostly the air cooling with the 6 or 5 inch backing plates.

Oh what fun your classes are going to have when you get refreshed tools in 2020!

KIrby

 

[Hermes1]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Thank you Mike for a thorough review. Now I am really looking forward to receiving mine.

 

[Bruno Soares]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Thanks for the review Mike. This G9 seems so awesome it almost makes me wish I didn’t have a Boss G15. This is a great tool for the enthusiast that will have a single polisher because he/she doesn’t detail a large amount of cars. Sure makes the future look great for updates they’ll put in place for a refreshed line of Boss polishers.

 

[Bruno Soares]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Excellent review! I am sold on this one. Is there going to be a longer power cord available like there was for the previous generation 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher?

RamAirV1

Yes, an optional 25ft cord can be purchased.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Ding dang - forgot to mention what the 9 means in the G9

9mm Orbit Stroke

The Griot’s Garage 6” Random Orbital Polisher is 8mm orbit stroke length.


Most tools like the Griot’s Garage 6” Random Orbital Polisher are 8mm. So this is a new change feature about this tool that separates it from all the 8mm tools.

Still considered a short stroke polisher.

 

[Aaryn NZ]

Ahhh, very interesting. :xyxthumbs:

Great write up Mike. rops:

Is that really the price??? $149.00 Far out, that’s incredible value. A shame these won’t come down here . . . Actually, it’s a shame a lot of the Griot’s Garage line doesn’t are it down here to be honest.

I’m digging the cord idea & it really makes sense & a bit odd now that this hasn’t been done before. Interesting that despite recent trends they have gone to a small throw configuration, any reason given for this? The tool appears short but that may perhaps be because of the detached cord, any chance of a side by side picture with another tool please? It looks comfy, & I see they have a grip around the head of the tool also.

Pretty cool, I like it.

Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

 

[MarkD51]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Thanks for the review Mike. This G9 seems so awesome it almost makes me wish I didn’t have a Boss G15. This is a great tool for the enthusiast that will have a single polisher because he/she doesn’t detail a large amount of cars. Sure makes the future look great for updates they’ll put in place for a refreshed line of Boss polishers.

I said the same thing to myself since I already have a Boss-15, a PC7424XP, and the GG3. Of course $150 won't break my bank account, but seems I have enough for the time being.

This new G9 appears to be the new gold standard for an entry level Polisher. I'm guessing that this machine will eventually replace and obsolete the GG6.

For those who already own a GG6, looks like there's various options, some might choose to simply convert and dedicate their GG6 or PC-etc to the use of smaller Plates and Pads.

Not that it's recommended by Griots, but since the G-9 does possess the same spindle size as other common D/A's, it "might" work OK with maybe a very small size reduction in backing plate to 3-7/8", thus using 4" Pads without harm being done?

Hope I haven't committed some sin by mentioning this? LOL

I'd imagine there will be some who might try this for the heck of it.

This machine isn't like the Rupes, where some people then felt a need to do the washer mod for additional backing plate clearance.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Excellent review! I am sold on this one.

I'm thinking they may want to put in a fresh order for more units, maybe put on another shift of workers.

Is there going to be a longer power cord available like there was for the previous generation 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher?

RamAirV1

Yes.

At the time I was shown the prototype and then later sent a production unit, the cords were not yet available.

Thanks Mike that answered my questions, yes we all like or truly love power in our tools.

I've never met anyone that wanted a tool with LESS power. :laughing:

By the way I did ask if their existing 3-in pad kit will work and the answer is a big NO. I guess too much power can be a bad thing on small pad and mostly the air cooling with the 6 or 5 inch backing plates.

Besides that, when you put a small backing plate and pad on a full size tool, when working horizontal panels, the tool becomes,

Tippy


Come to think of it, I have an article on that topic,

Tippy - Using small pads on comparatively large tools

Oh what fun your classes are going to have when you get refreshed tools in 2020!

Kirby

I'll be sending the link to all three of my current write-ups on this new tool to upper management at Griot's. As mentioned in #5 this thread,


Griots Garage




I have many friends at Griot's that are former co-workers from when we all worked at Meguiar's. One of the challenges that I need to accomplish is to get 20 of these tools into our garage. That's a LOT of tools, but my classes average from 15 to 25 people and my classes are on your feed, hands-on car detailing classes, you know, you've been to three of them.

I need 20 of these new polishers so when I teach a class, each student has their own tool so as a class, we can work through the detailing process on the cars we detail in the class. In the past, Griot's has been very good at supplying tools at their cost to Autogeek for our classes because in part, they understand the value in getting their tools, pads and products into the hands of people taking our classes.


My next class is coming up in just a few weeks, I'll see what I can do to get more of these tools here at Autogeek's Show Car Garage for that class, and definitely more for next year's 3-day classes, which are always in January, May and September.

Thank you Mike for a thorough review. Now I am really looking forward to receiving mine.

Be careful on speed 6, she's a monster!

Thanks for the review Mike. This G9 seems so awesome it almost makes me wish I didn’t have a Boss G15.

Yeah, I've been reading lots of comments like this but... you can never have too many tools. If nothing else, get the G9 for correction work and use the 15mm for finishing work.

This is a great tool for the enthusiast that will have a single polisher because he/she doesn’t detail a large amount of cars.

I agree but just after buffing out 2 full size cars, my opinion is this tool will compete head-to-head with any tool on the market in the detailing industry and I would go as far to say the build quality is even better than many tools on the market right now.

Sure makes the future look great for updates they’ll put in place for a refreshed line of Boss polishers.

Yeah.... I can't share what's coming up next but suffice to say, Griot's doesn't have employees that clock in to get a pay check each week, they have staff that are passionate about cars and love their work. Huge difference. And the difference leads to cutting edge tools, products and accessories to make detailing cars both fun and profitable.

Yes, an optional 25ft cord can be purchased.

Hate to say it, but I would love to see all companies copy Griot's in this aspect.

Consider my situation, I have over 200 TOOLS in the garage and whether I'm holding a class at Autogeek in Stuart, Florida or holding a class at an offsite location for our Roadshow classes, I have to deal with a LOT of cords. Being able to remove them would make everything easier and be much better for the cord itself.

I'm not sure who's idea this was at Griot's but it's a homerun in my book. I always say,

The little things are the big things

Ahhh, very interesting. :xyxthumbs:

Great write up Mike. rops:

Is that really the price??? $149.00 Far out, that’s incredible value.

Yeperdoo! I wasn't the only one here at Autogeek that thinks the price is too low. I would say to anyone thinking about getting this tool, I would get it sooner than later as I do think it would be simply a good business practice for Griot's to raise the price. It's worth it. The value is there. (Keep in mind, I don't have a marketing background, so take what I say with a grain of salt)

A shame these won’t come down here . . . Actually, it’s a shame a lot of the Griot’s Garage line doesn’t are it down here to be honest.

I can assure you MANY of upper management at Griot's has already read both my write-ups and as I update them, they will follow the discussion. So your voice is being heard.

And to all my friends at Griot's, I personally vouch for Aryan's professionalism and also that he is a significant Influencer not only in New Zealand but in the Detailing Cyberworld. Even if Griot's never becomes available in New Zealand, if someone at Griot's reading this wants to get some air-time for their products, I can send you Aaryn's shipping address.

I’m digging the cord idea & it really makes sense & a bit odd now that this hasn’t been done before. Interesting that despite recent trends they have gone to a small throw configuration, any reason given for this?

Keen observation Aaryn.

First let me say, I'm NOT a proponent of

Jumping on the bandwagon


By this I mean, just because there's a trend for long stroke orbital polishers doesn't mean that's the right direction to go. In fact, had I been consulted, I would have recommended testing out 7mm and 6mm orbit stroke tools.

Why?

Because when you have a long orbit stroke polisher, the outer edge of a buffing pad has LEVERAGE over the reciprocating components and this leverage causes PAD STALLING. And I'll guess 99.9% of everyone reading this knows what pad stalling is and understands that when the pad is stalling out, in other words NOT rotating, you are simply wasting time because you, or more specifically, your tool/pad/product isn't doing anything.

So in theory, if you reduce orbit stroke length, you reduce the likelihood of pad stalling. If fact, I see this with the Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher which has a 5mm orbit stroke length. It's almost like a safe rotary polisher. Imagine a full size tool with a short obit stroke length?


That said, I'm not an engineer and Griot's has probably already tested various options for orbit stroke length and found smaller is not the correct direction to go for other reasons. One thing for sure, as I mentioned at the beginning of this review, this new tool has a TON of POWER and has no problem maintaining pad rotation with a 9mm orbit stroke length.

The tool appears short but that may perhaps be because of the detached cord,

I thought so too when I first used the prototype. I would use the word stalky, or stubby. The compact size keeps the tool in the same basic size category as the current Griot's Garage 6" ROP and the detachable cord will require less space for storing in a detailing bag or case.

any chance of a side by side picture with another tool please? It looks comfy, & I see they have a grip around the head of the tool also.

Pretty cool, I like it.

Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

Give me a few minutes and I'll take a side-by-side picture of it next to the current GG6 and the BOSS 15 and 21

This new G9 appears to be the new gold standard for an entry level Polisher.

Well said.

As mentioned above, I would discount this tool as limited to hobbyist. The build quality and power will enable it to compete head-to-head with your pick of any other free spinning, random orbital polisher.

Not that it's recommended by Griots, but since the G-9 does possess the same spindle size as other common D/A's, it "might" work OK with maybe a very small size reduction in backing plate to 3-7/8", thus using 4" Pads without harm being done?

Hope I haven't committed some sin by mentioning this? LOL

I'd imagine there will be some who might try this for the heck of it.

Some reading this don't know how long I've been teaching classes, as I type this would 32 years, my first class was 1987. Some reading this might also not know how long I've been posting how-to articles to the Internet, 1994 that I can legitimately document, as I type this in 2019, that's 25 years. Maybe not as long as some people, but probably longer than most people and here's what I know.

The people in the car detailing world tend to be an ornery group of people that simply won't follow recommendations. Not going to happen. So "yes" I do see people going against the recommendation of NOT using the Griot's 3" HD backing plate on this tool and then recommending it to the rest of the world. Lots of experts in the online detailing world, just visit Facebook. Be careful who's advice you follow and if you go outside the manufacturers recommendations, it's all on you and the guru you follow. :laughing:



Besides the above, there's the old saying,

Use the right tool for the job

This machine isn't like the Rupes, where some people then felt a need to do the washer mod for additional backing plate clearance.

Correct. The shroud does not make contact with the backing plate. This speedster can run full out without any hindrance.


Nice comments and questions everyone, stay tuned....

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

any chance of a side by side picture with another tool please?

Ask and you shall receive....


Size comparison shot

The above are all the current electric tools Griot's offers. The new G9 is the 4th tool over from the left.

 

[JustJesus]

Re: Review: Griot's G9 Random Orbital Polisher by Mike Phillips

Yeah, I've been reading lots of comments like this but... you can never have too many tools. If nothing else, get the G9 for correction work and use the 15mm for finishing work.

Absolutely agree!! Love having tool options

Excellent write-up, Mike. This looks to be a wonderful tool.

Thanks for that pic of the machines next to each other. Helps give us a visual of how they 'size' up with each other.

 

[rangerbay]

Ask and you shall receive....


Size comparison shot

The above are all the current electric tools Griot's offers. The new G9 is the 4th tool over from the left.

I thought it was the third tool from the right!

 

[MarkD51]

I thought it was the third tool from the right!

Yes, you are correct. I think Mike P said the 4th from the left, same thing.

 

[MarkD51]

I think I'll wait just a little bit, but knowing me, I'm just goofy enough to go ahead and also buy the G9! Maybe a nice Christmas Present to myself, or maybe a sweet offer will emerge from now till then?.

Then the icing on the cake would be the nice Griots Metal Wall Rack to store them all on.

 

[Donnym]

For an enthusiast with a PC 7424XP and a G15, would there be any real advantage to adding the G9 to the tool box?

 

[Rsurfer]

For an enthusiast with a PC 7424XP and a G15, would there be any real advantage to adding the G9 to the tool box?

Not unless you can't control yourself.

 

[Donnym]

Not unless you can't control yourself.

Hey Hey now, let's not bring my weaknesses into it.

 

[charliehaley]

Mike,

In your opinion is this a large upgrade over the original PC? I am starting to get back into the detailing hobby and broke out my old trusty PC. It got the job done but I did have issues with pad stalling at certain angles. Will the G9 greatly reduce this?