Rupes Bigfoot or Flex 3401 for enthusiast?

Methodical said:
Instead of creating another thread on the same topic, I thought I'd ask my question here, which may also help the OP and others.

Question. I too am looking to upgrade from the PC. I've been bouncing between the Flex and Rupes. Here's my concern. I already have an investment in foam pads (4", 5.5" and 6.5") and polishes and sealants. I want to be able to utilize these products and not have to reinvest in these products.

I've read that you have to, or it suggested at least, that you use Rupes pads, polishes, sealants etc. with it's machine. Is this true or can you use non-Rupes pads and polishes with the Rupes. I like what I hear about this machine, but don't want to have to reinvest in the accessories (more $) just to be able to use one machine.

Thanks...Al
Click to expand...

I have a Rupes 15 and I use both Rupes and 5.5" LC flat pads on it (with the appropriate backing plate). Also use the standard array of Menzerna and Wolfgang products for polishing with the machine.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using AG Online
 
I have the Flex 3401, Rupes LHR 21, Rupes Duetto and Rupes 75E.

The Flex 3401 is the last machine I will grab for.


If you plan on using 5" pads, go with the LHR15. When using a 5" backing plate on the LHR21 with 5" foam pads, it's not very smooth. 5" MF pads work great, however.
 
IMO the Flex is the way to go. The Flex is probably the closest thing to a rotory polisher. It is a direct drive DA and can save you a lot of time. Even though the Rupes is a great machine in itself, the Flex has more options (backing plates, pads, etc) than the Rupes. I have a PC 7424 XP and since I bought the Flex I no longer use it. The Rupes is not a direct drive DA like the Flex. IMO go with the Flex. Either way you will be very happy with either.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
IMO the Flex is the way to go. The Flex is probably the closest thing to a rotory polisher. It is a direct drive DA and can save you a lot of time. Even though the Rupes is a great machine in itself, the Flex has more options (backing plates, pads, etc) than the Rupes. I have a PC 7424 XP and since I bought the Flex I no longer use it. The Rupes is not a direct drive DA like the Flex. IMO go with the Flex. Either way you will be very happy with either.
Click to expand...

I love mine, quaility tool :buffing:
 
i use the Cyclo model pro-5 and its great on most everything expect some places under the mirrors and a few other places like the front bumper openings and tight areas. i recently bought the Flex 3401 DA lets see how much better this machine is better that the Cyclo. i am trying to build up the tools in my garage to expand on my little detailing business.
 
KenR said:
I have a Rupes 15 and I use both Rupes and 5.5" LC flat pads on it (with the appropriate backing plate). Also use the standard array of Menzerna and Wolfgang products for polishing with the machine.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using AG Online
Click to expand...

Thanks. That's good to know.
 
FivePoint.0 said:
Wrong. The Rupes 21 is definitely closer, if not on par with a rotary. ;)
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If you put enough pressure on the Rupes you can stop the DA from moving with the exception of the smaller rotation. Similar to the PC 7424 XP. With the Flex no matter how much pressure you put down on the machine it will keep on doing what it is supposed to do.

That said, the Rupes is still a Good DA. I just preferred the Flex over the Rupes because of that. IMO the Flex is more closer to a rotary than the Rupes for that reason.

Either way you can't go wrong.

Bottom line everyone has there opinions and they are all good. It just makes us better at what we do.

Again, FivePoint.0 my opinion.

Have an awesome day!!

:xyxthumbs:
 
Remember the famous phrase "fix again Tony " I would not spend 400 + for a machine made in Italy.
 
Evenly the lowly PC 7424XP can get the job done so it is not a matter of capability just as a BMW will get you from point a to b the same as a Ford Fusion. It is how you get there (fast, smooth, etc) and the driving style you prefer.
 
slimnib said:
Remember the famous phrase "fix again Tony " I would not spend 400 + for a machine made in Italy.
Click to expand...


LMAO!!! There is another saying, but I will make it so where I will not get booted from this thread... FIAT

Frackin Italians Attempting Technology. You know which word you can change to make it meaningful....LOL

I remember having a Triumph TR8 and that piece of junk taught me how to become a mechanic as it was so unreliable and a piece.

My friend had the Fiat X19 and he became a good mechanic too!! We had a contest to see which car was more unreliable!! We both won as we soon just JUNKED both!!

BTW, that time I was younger and I had a full head of hair!! Now I am follically challenged!!

Im the MAN
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
If you put enough pressure on the Rupes you can stop the DA from moving with the exception of the smaller rotation. Similar to the PC 7424 XP. With the Flex no matter how much pressure you put down on the machine it will keep on doing what it is supposed to do.

That said, the Rupes is still a Good DA. I just preferred the Flex over the Rupes because of that. IMO the Flex is more closer to a rotary than the Rupes for that reason.

Either way you can't go wrong.

Bottom line everyone has there opinions and they are all good. It just makes us better at what we do.

Again, FivePoint.0 my opinion.

Have an awesome day!!

:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...
:props: :dblthumb2: :dblthumb2:

Take a look at this article by Todd Helme.

The Rupes LHR21 can spin as fast as a rotary @ 1200 RPM's. The 3401 cannot top 480 RPM's.

Autopia Guide to Rupes BigFoot Polishers! - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum
 
Methodical said:
Instead of creating another thread on the same topic, I thought I'd ask my question here, which may also help the OP and others.

Question. I too am looking to upgrade from the PC. I've been bouncing between the Flex and Rupes. Here's my concern. I already have an investment in foam pads (4", 5.5" and 6.5") and polishes and sealants. I want to be able to utilize these products and not have to reinvest in these products.

I've read that you have to, or it suggested at least, that you use Rupes pads, polishes, sealants etc. with it's machine. Is this true or can you use non-Rupes pads and polishes with the Rupes. I like what I hear about this machine, but don't want to have to reinvest in the accessories (more $) just to be able to use one machine.

Thanks...Al
Click to expand...

IMO any pad or polish you use will be fine on the rupes. I feel like that is just a suggestion due to their research and development and also to make more money. Similar to when you read a bottle of shampoo. On the bottle it will say "best when used with (brand) conditioner".

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using AG Online
 
brondondolon said:
IMO any pad or polish you use will be fine on the rupes. I feel like that is just a suggestion due to their research and development and also to make more money. Similar to when you read a bottle of shampoo. On the bottle it will say "best when used with (brand) conditioner".

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using AG Online
Click to expand...


Isn't anything anyone sells just to make more money? What would be the point of selling anything, if not to make more money? Maybe they are selling the machines themselves just to make more money?
 
It's not a marketing ploy by Rupes. Their pads ARE the smoothest with their machines. However, switch to a 5" BP on the 21, you can throw that out the window. If you want to use 5" pads(Rupes or non), I'd suggest the LHR15.


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