Stuck On New Polisher FLEX/RUPES

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Dayonta675

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Hey guys been using the Porter Cable for a few years now and it's time to upgrade. Finally!

I'm stuck between the:

FLEX 3401
RUPES 21 /W 5inch BACKING PLATE

Any advice?
 
Griots new (most likely 21mm) polisher is coming out tomorrow, just wait a day.
 
Are you in Daytona?

If you'd like to make a trip to Orlando, you can get some hands on with a Griots and Flex before you make a decision.

Happy to help if you like...
 
Get the Flex, it won't stall. When you need to push down hard, or need to tilt the pad into the paint to get more bite, the Flex won't mind a bit. I can't say the same for my two Rupes.
 
flex + interchangeable BP's = :dblthumb2:
 
I always knew the Flex was the better machine, but for some reason I want the Rupes lol. Thanks for the offer rms64. I'm a few thousand kms north.
 
Dayonta675 said:
I always knew the Flex was the better machine, but for some reason I want the Rupes lol. Thanks for the offer rms64. I'm a few thousand kms north.
Click to expand...

Don't think you'll be disappointed with the Rupes either. :xyxthumbs:

Well...if you're ever IN Orlando...lol...
 
Dayonta675 said:
I always knew the Flex was the better machine, but for some reason I want the Rupes lol.
Click to expand...

is it better? depends on the person who is using it and what they are comfortable with. is it more versatile? absolutely. it's forced rotation (gear driven) which means it will not stop under load and you can use a variety of backing plates and pads (4"- 6.5"). IMO, the flex QC is better than the rupes and just feels like a tank and more solidly built. if you can, try both of them out and decide then. good luck!
 
Thanks for the info gents, the new GC coming out tomorrow think it'll be any good? I just want something that really poops all over the PC. I think I'll grab the flex on monday
 
Dayonta675 said:
Thanks for the info gents, the new GC coming out tomorrow think it'll be any good? I just want something that really poops all over the PC. I think I'll grab the flex on monday
Click to expand...

I still use my PC 7424 XP for applying sealant/wax and an occasional light correction. It still has its uses. It will always have a place in my detail arsenal.

However, that being said you will be telling yourself....why didn't I upgrade a long time ago. You will cut your correcting time in 1/2!!
 
Dayonta675 said:
I always knew the Flex was the better machine, but for some reason I want the Rupes lol. Thanks for the offer rms64. I'm a few thousand kms north.
Click to expand...

I have three Rupes and have no desire to own a Flex, LHR 15 Duetto and Mini and rarely use the LHR15 and I get excellent results with them. It's a matter of preference. The Rupes are smooth and effortless and once you get used to them no issues with stalling. The key to the Rupes is let the machine do the work and be sure to select the right pad and product combo.
 
The Flex 3401 is forced rotation dual action, so I'd say it has a larger learning curve with controlling it compared to the Rupes. The Rupes is a free floating DA, so it will feel more natural moving from the PC to the Rupes. The Rupes will also be smoother on the hands compared to the Flex and the PC. The learning curve with the Rupes comes from maintaining the rotation throughout those curved panels, where the Flex 3401 has no issues with that by design. Both are great tools.
 
Loach said:
The Flex 3401 is forced rotation dual action, so I'd say it has a larger learning curve with controlling it compared to the Rupes. The Rupes is a free floating DA, so it will feel more natural moving from the PC to the Rupes. The Rupes will also be smoother on the hands compared to the Flex and the PC. The learning curve with the Rupes comes from maintaining the rotation throughout those curved panels, where the Flex 3401 has no issues with that by design. Both are great tools.
Click to expand...

Perfect Comparison.......:dblthumb2:
 
I haven't used a flex, but I do own a PC. Bought a rupes BF 21 and later the rupes mini. Since that time I have worked on 3 vehicles, one my daughter abused and have to say the rupes worked great. The 21 is so easy to handle, smooth yet enough power for the work I have done. Never had an issue bogging down. As another poster mentioned, let the machine do the work. Mini is really quite powerful but still easy to work with. Glad I went with the rupes. I have not tried other non rupes pads. No issues with these either.
 
If I want the 5inch backing plate for the Flex should I buy the factory one or a lake country one? Difference?
 
If someone has a problem with their Rupes "bogging down" they need to go to Mikes boot camp and learn how to use a tool.
 
Dayonta675 said:
If I want the 5inch backing plate for the Flex should I buy the factory one or a lake country one? Difference?
Click to expand...

FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate, FLEX

The FLEX XC 3401 VRG Mini Backing Plate is 4 3/8 inches in diameter and allows you to use 5 or 5.5 inch pads with your FLEX XC3401 polisher. The plate is designed specifically for this polisher, and creates the forced rotation that sets the FLEX apart from other dual action buffers.
 
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