Upgrading my DA polisher

What kind of correction are you going to do?
And if it's your own cars you will work on what hardness of the clearcoat do you have?

If you are going to do some light polishing I would throw in Rupes Duetto.
If you are going to do some light compounding I would get a Rupes 15mm mkII.
If you are going to do some heavy compounding sometimes a Rupes 21mm mkII with a 5"backing plate to cut fast. And the 6" backing plate when you polishing.
An option in the thoughts of smooth running polishers. A combo of Rupes Agile(Mikes nickname) LH19E rotary polisher to compound and a Duetto to clean up and polishing with.
If you have problems with keeping the pads spinning on free spinning DAs and like to grind through. The new Rupes Mille seems very intresting.
The Rupes mini or Flex XFE7-12 mini polisher or the Rupes ibrid nano is tools that are going to make your work easier and a greater work too.

Going with the Rupes system is a smart way to begin with. And then look into different types of pads and polishes. The Rupes yellow and white system is great while the others can be improved. Their UHS system is very intresting to do one step compound/polish on hard clearcoats and most the ceramic clearcoat paints. You do come along way with the system but what fun is that lol.

Just some thoughts I have gone through. I ended up with a copy of the 21mm longthrow polisher and a 5" backing plate then a mini polisher. Because of the small amount of cars I work on and the kind of correction they often need to have. An upgrade of the 21mm longthrow polisher is in my mind if I'm going to do more cars. But have beginning to lean on a Duetto instead to get a smoother running polisher. Cause the polishes and the pads now days is of high quality and effective with the right setup.
 
SWETM said:
What kind of correction are you going to do?
And if it's your own cars you will work on what hardness of the clearcoat do you have?

If you are going to do some light polishing I would throw in Rupes Duetto.
If you are going to do some light compounding I would get a Rupes 15mm mkII.
If you are going to do some heavy compounding sometimes a Rupes 21mm mkII with a 5"backing plate to cut fast. And the 6" backing plate when you polishing.
An option in the thoughts of smooth running polishers. A combo of Rupes Agile(Mikes nickname) LH19E rotary polisher to compound and a Duetto to clean up and polishing with.
If you have problems with keeping the pads spinning on free spinning DAs and like to grind through. The new Rupes Mille seems very intresting.
The Rupes mini or Flex XFE7-12 mini polisher or the Rupes ibrid nano is tools that are going to make your work easier and a greater work too.

Going with the Rupes system is a smart way to begin with. And then look into different types of pads and polishes. The Rupes yellow and white system is great while the others can be improved. Their UHS system is very intresting to do one step compound/polish on hard clearcoats and most the ceramic clearcoat paints. You do come along way with the system but what fun is that lol.

Just some thoughts I have gone through. I ended up with a copy of the 21mm longthrow polisher and a 5" backing plate then a mini polisher. Because of the small amount of cars I work on and the kind of correction they often need to have. An upgrade of the 21mm longthrow polisher is in my mind if I'm going to do more cars. But have beginning to lean on a Duetto instead to get a smoother running polisher. Cause the polishes and the pads now days is of high quality and effective with the right setup.
Click to expand...

I generally work on Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Cadillac vehicles. The occasional VW and Toyota. Thanks so much for the info. I’ll have to check out all of the Rupes line.


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Rupes has a factory in the USA if buying American pushes you toward one polisher over another. Nothing wrong with buying Chinese stuff (I’ve got an iPhone). Just a factor for your decision.
 
Dan Tran said:
To give you a more specific answer, here was my initial observation in a nutshell:

Griot’s system:

It’s super user friendly even for a novice in terms of everything.

Rupes system:

The truth was originally, I didn’t care for the systems pads—particularly the green one and the blue one.
However, once I read through the book Mike Phillip published about the Rupes system more thoroughly and also after watching a video of Dylan on YouTube about how to prime the rupes pads....

The more and more I used them, the more I grew fond of Rupes.

All in all, they both delivered great results.

I will say that I never tried rupes MF pads but the Griot’s MF pad is killer (IMO)




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I had an exceedingly difficult time becoming acclimated with the Rupes system.

I considered selling my Duetto on more than one occasion.

From de-lubing the shroud, resulting in zero rotation, and black rubber all over my work surface, to not knowing how to really prime the pads.... It frankly was a bit of a hassle.

Today, those same polishes, pads, and tools are what helps me deliver my best results. I can make the Megs and Menzerna work small miracles with the PC or 3401, but the Rupes gets me there in less time, comfortably.

And those Rupes microfiber pads, the original, are still my favorite. I'll be scouring the Earth for them. I don't care much for the new ones.
 
Maxreed241 said:
I’m thinking about upgrading to a better DA polisher within the next year hopefully. Right now I have the Meguiar’s MT 300. It’s a nice machine just a little too much vibration for my liking. I would also like a bigger throw in my next DA. What are you favorite DA polishers? If you can include the size pad you are using and what type of pads that would be great too.

Thanks so much in advance!


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To answer this directly.

My favorite is probably a toss up between the Rupes Duetto, and the original Porter Cable 7424.

I use the 6" (5" backing) Rupes pads on the Duetto. I use 5", 4", and 3" plates on the Porter Cable. I use a 6" plate for sanding. Be forewarned that 6" plates and pads on the 7424, at high speeds will feel like driving over Michigan roads at the end of winter - pothole city. The 6" weight helps a bit, but would work better if the backing pad was lighter (than the LC, or B&S).

The 7424 is a work horse. I can scrub tall sorts of surfaces with different brush attachments. I can comfortably sand paint. I can compound, polish, and wax paint as well. Of all my tools it gets used the most. It is simple, light weight, durable, reliable, and small. However, that is technically a backwards move from where you're coming from.

The Duetto and Mini that I use are higher performing. I've used them with different pads and polishes, but kept going back to their system. It just works better for me.
 
As the BOSS polishers and Rupes polishers are so close that everyone will basically say it boils down to personal preference, I don't see the logic in picking a 1 year warranty over a lifetime warranty. They'll both do the same things in the same ways. I've always used Griot's polishers so I'm happy with their performance and build qualities as well as their customer service. Both the BOSS polishers are much smoother and quieter than any of the GG6's I've had and still have today.
 
RZJZA80 said:
As the BOSS polishers and Rupes polishers are so close that everyone will basically say it boils down to personal preference, I don't see the logic in picking a 1 year warranty over a lifetime warranty. They'll both do the same things in the same ways. I've always used Griot's polishers so I'm happy with their performance and build qualities as well as their customer service. Both the BOSS polishers are much smoother and quieter than any of the GG6's I've had and still have today.
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Maybe It's because I like to perform my own maintenance, and service my own tool, the life time warranty is useless to me. Besides that, Rupes offers as tune up for $85.00. This service allows for planned preventative maintenance, opposed to being out a tool shipped out for warranty.

Because of the above, I don't see the benefit of buying a Griot's soley for the warranty. If I was in love with their tools, they could have no warranty, and I'd still use them.
 
Maxreed241 said:
Does anyone know the difference between the MarkII and the LHR 21ES?


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More lowend torque and higher OPM for mark2 over the old legacy/es version

If you don't mind. taking off BP and 3 essentric screws..
Get the 15mm mark 2.. then by a 21mm essentric directly from Rupes and perhaps the 6in plate and more OPM than factory 21
 
SWETM said:
What kind of correction are you going to do?
And if it's your own cars you will work on what hardness of the clearcoat do you have?

If you are going to do some light polishing I would throw in Rupes Duetto.
If you are going to do some light compounding I would get a Rupes 15mm mkII.
If you are going to do some heavy compounding sometimes a Rupes 21mm mkII with a 5"backing plate to cut fast. And the 6" backing plate when you polishing.
An option in the thoughts of smooth running polishers. A combo of Rupes Agile(Mikes nickname) LH19E rotary polisher to compound and a Duetto to clean up and polishing with.
If you have problems with keeping the pads spinning on free spinning DAs and like to grind through. The new Rupes Mille seems very intresting.
The Rupes mini or Flex XFE7-12 mini polisher or the Rupes ibrid nano is tools that are going to make your work easier and a greater work too.

Going with the Rupes system is a smart way to begin with. And then look into different types of pads and polishes. The Rupes yellow and white system is great while the others can be improved. Their UHS system is very intresting to do one step compound/polish on hard clearcoats and most the ceramic clearcoat paints. You do come along way with the system but what fun is that lol.

Just some thoughts I have gone through. I ended up with a copy of the 21mm longthrow polisher and a 5" backing plate then a mini polisher. Because of the small amount of cars I work on and the kind of correction they often need to have. An upgrade of the 21mm longthrow polisher is in my mind if I'm going to do more cars. But have beginning to lean on a Duetto instead to get a smoother running polisher. Cause the polishes and the pads now days is of high quality and effective with the right setup.
Click to expand...

You can have one that does both
Duetto and you can buy either a 15 or 21 mm essentric and matching backingplate
 
Mike@ShineStruck said:
You can have one that does both
Duetto and you can buy either a 15 or 21 mm essentric and matching backingplate
Click to expand...

Interesting that the essentric fits the Duetto. Have you used it with the Duetto and the 21mm essentric and how was the balance and smoothness after that?

Have you tried the mini polisher with a 5"backing plate on it?
 
This was the only essentric swap machine I have not used as that was one machine I never persoanlly owned
I've had a pair of fellow detailers perform the seal for me
If I were to do a 21mm duetto it'll have the 6in
5in for 15mm... unless you plan to buy Kamikaze plates

But I've swapped essentrics between other machines.
They all keep their balance as long as you get the matching plate.

My 75E houseing was 2 Small..bolt/hardware is also smaller than duetto and bigger machines
My SK mini was also too small.. but can swap the 15mm through on it it make the 15mm essentric fit it

All the Chinese clones longthrows all accept Rupes and other brand essentrics and BP no issues

I've done Griot in SK and Rupes no issues
 
Mike@ShineStruck said:
More lowend torque and higher OPM for mark2 over the old legacy/es version

If you don't mind. taking off BP and 3 essentric screws..
Get the 15mm mark 2.. then by a 21mm essentric directly from Rupes and perhaps the 6in plate and more OPM than factory 21
Click to expand...

Interesting having a 5300 opm 21, I assume the longer throw will need the 21’s larger shroud too? I’m talking about 21 MKII counterweight on the 15 MKII .
 
Same size shroud duetto/15/21
Again, I'd go with the matching 6in plate with the 21mm unless you have or plan to buy a 5in Kamikaze..
That's 300 more OPM than my G21
 
So I think I have narrowed down my search for a DA. The Flex XFE7-15 and Griots G21. I ruled out the Rupes line because of the “system”. I don’t want to be tied down to a system. I like to switch compounds/polishes and pass. Does anyone have pointers or experience on the flex and griots? If you can share with me anything. It’s greatly appreciated.
 
Maxreed241 said:
So I think I have narrowed down my search for a DA. The Flex XFE7-15 and Griots G21. I ruled out the Rupes line because of the “system”. I don’t want to be tied down to a system. I like to switch compounds/polishes and pass. Does anyone have pointers or experience on the flex and griots? If you can share with me anything. It’s greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Its only in the US that people care about Rupes as a system. Rupes polishers work great with other compounds and pads so don’t feel compelled to stick to the system.
 
Ronin47 said:
Its only in the US that people care about Rupes as a system. Rupes polishers work great with other compounds and pads so don’t feel compelled to stick to the system.
Click to expand...

I’ll definitely keep that in mind, thank you.
 
Maxreed241 said:
So I think I have narrowed down my search for a DA. The Flex XFE7-15 and Griots G21. I ruled out the Rupes line because of the “system”. I don’t want to be tied down to a system. I like to switch compounds/polishes and pass. Does anyone have pointers or experience on the flex and griots? If you can share with me anything. It’s greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

I have never used any of the Rupes polishes, I do have their pads but I have also used lots of other pads on my three Rupes polishers. The BOSS is a sytsem too, and a great one at that. Where it really comes in to play is for people new to paint correction and polishing. You use this pad with this product and it simplifies the process. The other side of that is buying dozens of different pads and product combinations and experimenting and spending way more money than using a system.
 
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