You have plenty of machines, but we can never have too many.
I have both Flex and Rupes and I use the Rupes with the MF / Wool, and the Flex for Hybrid Foam / Wool.
The Flex is a very consistent tool and for sure adds to the arsenal of any detailer. With foam pads and the evenness of forced rotation you'll get a lot of great results doing fast turnarounds like 1-step polish, and even achieve an even finish everytime.
Machine is so powerful you can stand over it and it'll never bog down (sure, does not means it's necessary to exert such force).
The LC 4" changeable plate is the exact fit for 5" hybrid pads. The 5" hybrids presents a 4" velcro face, beveled edge and 5" face.
They (5" hybrids) are my favorite by far for the 3401, depending on pressure exerted during polishing cycle you can use virtually any of the pads to achieve a 'like finishing pad finish'. For sure, you have to pair it with quality polishes, like Menzerna ones. Recommended are FG400 and SF4000 duo, but PF2500 also acts as a great 'in between' product. Many also 'crave' for the SF4500, I never used it but am to receive a sample soon and I'm 'craving to try as well!'.
I have the 4 3/8 plate, it's useful to have, but not the one you'll reach first.
Flex and Hybrids = 4" changeable plate for 5" hybrids, 5.5" (STANDARD plate) and 6.5" Hybrids.
Those are the main plates you may use.
With the 4" you can also pair 4" CCS pads, without a margin (being the same size of plate), but working carefully (just paying attention to the task at hand) I bet you'll never do wrong with it.
The MF discs are not the greatest for the Flex, but may work depending on test spot results. I've read some 'Thicker MF' works better with the forced rotation, while for the Rupes I've ordered recently the Meg's X-Tra cut discs...
Honestly, don't bother not using the MF with the Flex when you have the Rupes for that. The Hybrid Wool pad is the 'Flex's Microfiber pad' ahhaha
The most 'useful' hybrid pads in my opinion are the Foam Orange and White. Have plenty of them.
The gray / black finishing pad is a dream to use. If you have time and are being paid for, you'll like using it. If you are doing 1-2 steps polishing, at maximum, generally the finish you get with white pad and SF4000 will be enough in 99.9% cases.
The blue are interesting, and if you like to collect colored foam pads you can get one or two to test them out.
The yellow is cool, but if I've used it more than once it's too much. To be an in between white and gray, the yellow pad is the most rigid polishing pad I've seen. I prefer using white on lower speeds / pressure than reaching for the 'strange' yellow.
Please, notice, this is 'My taste'. I like CCS Pads, Flat Pads, have many and use when possible, but I always reach the 5" hybrids first because they are really useful, and a pleasure to use.
Please, let me know if you need some further help, I typed somewhat fast but willing to lend you a hand.
You can take a look at my shownshine threads to see pictures of the Flex and Hybrids in action, like this one:
(get 2 if you're lazy enough to switch backing plates)
J/k apart (hehe), having both sizes ready for action is extremely helpful and gave me an edge on my business - like I've said on the start, we can never have too many.
I still use (and LOVE) the Rupes 21 with the MF,
While prefer using the Flex for the remaining polishing steps. Whenever the test spot indicates Flex + Hybrid Foam are enough, I generally won't get the Rupes from the cabinet.
Reinforcing, I LOVE the Rupes 21, and in no way it's substitute a Flex, either a Flex substitute a Rupes. Both are partners in detailing arsenal.
Let us know,
Kind Regards.
