5.5" pads are really the best for a PC like device. That being said, you can get results with the larger pads, it's just more difficult. It comes down to experience and technique. If your new to machine polishing I would recommend the smaller pads. However, if you only have light scratching and already ordered the larger pads, you may get away with it. Which pad? It doesn't really matter. You can get good results with all of them. If your new, I would stick with foam pads, as microfiber pads can remove a lot of clear coat, they are a bit more aggressive. I would only go with MF pads if your finish needs a lot of correction. A lot of people like the Hydrotech LC pads, there is only 3 pads (compounding, polishing, and finishing) because the give great results and don't absorb a lot of product. I think flat pads are the least expensive. They are also good, and would be great to start out with. There are CCS / Smart Pads. They hold product on the surface with little foam pockets. Honestly, I would buy whatever foam pads you can get the best deal on. As long as you use them correctly with the correct polishes it's not going to affect your results.
