The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new

Me Time

Me Time

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I was thinking about adding the Beast to my polisher collection. And I was wondering what are the main difference's in the old model vs. the new model.

I know there is more plastic to the new one, but does that really matter? Spec wise it seems they are almost 1 for 1. Does the new one have a better feel then the old one?

Anyone that has used both, I would like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
 
i do have both. the 3401 is built like a tank. I had it for years and many more to come. The newer model is a bit quieter, smoother, and with much improve ergonomic. the metal shroud on the 3401 gets really hot on a long session and I feel the latest model solved the issue with improve airflow with a plastic shroud. I dont see any dramatic differences in performance beyond that. I have in the past dropped the 3401 on the floor by accident and it didnt even make a dent. lol
 
I actually just kind of went through the same dilemma....

My backing plate exploded on my PCXP and I absolutely had to bang out my truck. Desperate for anything I saw a used flex online in my area. Did a bunch of checking online and there's actually a post on here somewhere from Mike saying the new unit is smoother etc but for plowing quickly through a vehicle his first choice is still the original.

I bought the used one for a couple hundred off retail from the guy and did my truck yesterday. It truely is a BEAST and my arms and fingers can hardly move this morning. It's a handful for me as a weekend warrior.

Also, the original is discontinued. Get one now or never....

I'll see if I can find the post....

Sent from my VOG-L04 using Tapatalk
 
Me Time said:
I was thinking about adding the Beast to my polisher collection. And I was wondering what are the main difference's in the old model vs. the new model.

I know there is more plastic to the new one, but does that really matter? Spec wise it seems they are almost 1 for 1. Does the new one have a better feel then the old one?

Anyone that has used both, I would like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Here is the link....

NEWS FLASH!!!!! The new FLEX XCE 10-8 125 Corded Polisher is NOW IN STOCK!

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Me Time said:
I was thinking about adding the Beast to my polisher collection. And I was wondering what are the main difference's in the old model vs. the new model.

I know there is more plastic to the new one, but does that really matter? Spec wise it seems they are almost 1 for 1. Does the new one have a better feel then the old one?

Anyone that has used both, I would like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The newer XCE is great. I've been using mine for about one month over many details and the only drawback and it's minimal, is it's a touch slower in rotational speed and orbits vs the 3401 but it's negligible and only amplified in perception since it's also noticeably quieter.

I run both models and have no problem recommending adding the newest version to your cabinet.
 
I have a 3401, had it for 7+ years and love it. Yes it gets hot but has never failed me and the results I've gotten are amazing.
 
psnt1ol said:
i do have both. the 3401 is built like a tank. I had it for years and many more to come. The newer model is a bit quieter, smoother, and with much improve ergonomic. the metal shroud on the 3401 gets really hot on a long session and I feel the latest model solved the issue with improve airflow with a plastic shroud. I dont see any dramatic differences in performance beyond that. I have in the past dropped the 3401 on the floor by accident and it didnt even make a dent. lol
Click to expand...

That's what I kind of figured with the old having some metal to its build. So it seems pretty much I can't go wrong with either. I have seen the marine version for a few dollars cheaper, it's the old model rebranded. If I pull the trigger on one, I'm leaning towards the new model.

Thanks


TTQ B4U said:
The newer XCE is great. I've been using mine for about one month over many details and the only drawback and it's minimal, is it's a touch slower in rotational speed and orbits vs the 3401 but it's negligible and only amplified in perception since it's also noticeably quieter.

I run both models and have no problem recommending adding the newest version to your cabinet.
Click to expand...

Quieter is a good thing. I'm in a loud factory 50 hours a week. And that's with earplugs.

And being we're getting older maybe the newer model won't put a whooping on me.

Thanks

TonesGTO said:
I have a 3401, had it for 7+ years and love it. Yes it gets hot but has never failed me and the results I've gotten are amazing.
Click to expand...

That's one thing I really like about them, it seems like they are the Energizer Bunny of polishers.

Thanks
 
What swayed my decision in the end was Mike saying get the old one now or never as they are discontinued. It also helped that I found a used one and got it at a decent price.

I figure if I ever want the updated version I can buy it and sell the old one for what I paid!

It's an amazing machine. I find it walked a little on me with 6.5" pads. I tried 5.5" pads this morning and it was much easier to handle. Ordered a 5" backing plate and will use that combo for now.

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DeadlySheds said:
What swayed my decision in the end was Mike saying get the old one now or never as they are discontinued.
Click to expand...


Just for the record - I've NEVER said or typed the FLEX 3401 IS discontinued. (words are important)

I have said I have been told from FLEX that their long term goal is to discontinue the aluminum head, original FLEX 3401.

That's a huge difference between saying the tool has been disconnected.


:dunno:




DeadlySheds said:
It also helped that I found a used one and got it at a decent price.
Click to expand...

That's rare. Lucky you.



DeadlySheds said:
I figure if I ever want the updated version I can buy it and sell the old one for what I paid!
Click to expand...

Agree.



DeadlySheds said:
It's an amazing machine. I find it walked a little on me with 6.5" pads. I tried 5.5" pads this morning and it was much easier to handle. Ordered a 5" backing plate and will use that combo for now.
Click to expand...

Spend some time with it - then pick up some of the new RUPES 7" pads and put the factory backing plate back on and buff out a car or two.


:buffing:
 
Me Time said:
I was thinking about adding the Beast to my polisher collection. And I was wondering what are the main difference's in the old model vs. the new model.
Click to expand...


In post #3 of this article I share all the specs for all the gear-drive FLEX tools as of the current offerings on September 14th, 2020


FLEX Power Tools Nicknames - All cool tools should have a nickname - not a part number -Mike Phillips


Some people have asked or wondered about the differences between the 3 different version of the original 8mm gear-drive BEAST.



BEAST = 480 RPM and 9,600 OPM

Supa BEAST = 430 RPM and 8,600 OPM

CBEAST = 380 RPM and 7,600 OPM






Here's my take on the above 3 gear-driven tools


The BEAST
If I REALLY want to bust out a job and plow through it as fast as humanly possible I use the BEAST.


The Supa BEAST
If not trying to hit Warp Speed - I grab the Supa Beast, much more enjoyable to use. Amazing tool. Smoother, quieter, lighter and cooler than the original.


The CBEAST
If I have an easy job, that means the car has only light swirls, scratches, etc. and I'm not in a hurry then I grab the CBEAST.


:buffing:
 
Mike Phillips said:
Just for the record - I've NEVER said or typed the FLEX 3401 IS discontinued. (words are important)

I have said I have been told from FLEX that their long term goal is to discontinue the aluminum head, original FLEX 3401.

That's a huge difference between saying the tool has been disconnected.


:dunno:






That's rare. Lucky you.





Agree.





Spend some time with it - then pick up some of the new RUPES 7" pads and put the factory backing plate back on and buff out a car or two.


:buffing:
Click to expand...
Sorry!

The statement was "If yes, get the BEAST first. FLEX is going to discontinue it. So get one, get two - get em while you can.

Ask yourself,

When is the last time a saw someone selling their FLEX 3401?"

I interpreted that to mean the machine is discontinued....not that it will be discontinued. Either way, I have one now!

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DeadlySheds said:
Sorry!

The statement was "If yes, get the BEAST first. FLEX is going to discontinue it. So get one, get two - get em while you can.

Ask yourself,

When is the last time a saw someone selling their FLEX 3401?"

I interpreted that to mean the machine is discontinued....not that it will be discontinued. Either way, I have one now!
Click to expand...

It's all good,

I just don't want to be blamed by FLEX or anyone else for starting, The Great FLEX 3401 Panic in 2020


:laughing:
 
Mike Phillips said:
It's all good,

I just don't want to be blamed by FLEX or anyone else for starting, The Great FLEX 3401 Panic in 2020


:laughing:
Click to expand...
Hahaha I read it as having been discontinued, and looking online they are not in stock anywhere in Canada that I can find. New one or old.....

So even though they may not yet be discontinued, finding a new one to order in Canada right now won't be easy....

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DeadlySheds said:
Hahaha I read it as having been discontinued, and looking online they are not in stock anywhere in Canada that I can find. New one or old.....
Click to expand...


Supplies for all tools and many other products, both hard goods and liquids are in short supply due to Covid-19 and it's impact on all aspects of manufacturing as well as shipping.

Consumer demand is also a factor - just try to find 9mm ammo for a "good" price anywhere.


DeadlySheds said:
So even though they may not yet be discontinued, finding a new one to order in Canada right now won't be easy....
Click to expand...

You done did right by snagging the used one at a good price.


:)
 
I'd suggest trying pads with a center hole on the Flex machines. They seem a little easier to control at high speeds. (this is based on my experience with a long throw machine)
 
DUBL0WS6 said:
I'd suggest trying pads with a center hole on the Flex machines. They seem a little easier to control at high speeds.
Click to expand...


For tools that have a bolt in the center of the backing plate holding it to the tool - with a hole in the center - the heat coming from the backing plate has no where to go so it goes into the air.

Less heat-wear to the pad itself.


:)
 
Mike Phillips said:
It's all good,

I just don't want to be blamed by FLEX or anyone else for starting, The Great FLEX 3401 Panic in 2020


:laughing:
Click to expand...

Great, there were the rumors that Mike was hoarding and selling toilet paper on the black market during Covid-19, now he has started the "great Flex pandemic of 2020".

Where will it end?????? :laughing::poke::laughing::laughing:
 
DUBL0WS6 said:
I'd suggest trying pads with a center hole on the Flex machines. They seem a little easier to control at high speeds. (this is based on my experience with a long throw machine)
Click to expand...
I was using Lake County 6.5" flat pads with the hole. Still found it walked on me. But I'm also a rookie.

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Me Time said:
now he has started the "great Flex pandemic of 2020".

Where will it end?????? :laughing::poke::laughing::laughing:
Click to expand...


Even though it was never my intention to create a run-on the 3401 - my guess is there has been an effect.

People are talking about it. People are thinking,

If I'm going to get one - I better get one while I can...


Just a side-effect.


:)
 
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