What is your "Go To" pad/product combo for Flex

tenblade2001

tenblade2001

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I just purchased a Flex. I am considering several options:
(1) purchase a separate backing plate and use 5 inch pads in addition to the 6.5 inch pads. Then, 4inch pads for my 7424
(2) Use the flex only with 6.5 inch pad and use 5 inch pads for 7424.

Car: 2012 Alpine White M3
Products: Menz 400/4000, WG sealant vs. Blackfire (I really want to try the Ice over Fire combo).
Pads: I was planning on using hydrotech pads.

What are y'alls recommendations or favorite pad/product combo?

thanks, Steve
 
Get the 4" Lake Country Backing Plate and get the 5" Hybrid Pads. The stock BP the Flex came in is fine for the 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Pads. This does wonders for the Flex 3401. Just get them...period. Get Mike Phillips book on How to use the Flex 3401 it is the bible for the Flex.

I use Menzerna FG400 and SF4500 as my combo.
 
I like Hydrotech pads on random orbit style machines, like the porter cable 7424xp. The 3401 might hasten the deterioration of Hydrotech pads.

Like LC's H20+PC is a winner, the same can be said for the Hybrid+3401 combination.

I personally use the green light cutting/heavy polishing, and blur polishing foams from hex logic, which are supposedly manufactured by Buff and Shine.

Side by side, they appear to be the same foams..

I use these because I have a ton of them, they work, and they're tough, and hold up really well.

I'll pair them with any Meguiar's, or Menzerna product I have on hand. Even Ultimate Compound / Ultima polish works great with those pads and the 3401.
 
That clears a lot up. Thank god I didn't complete my purchase last night (had about $300 in hydrotech pads... for the flex).
 
tenblade2001 said:
That clears a lot up. Thank god I didn't complete my purchase last night (had about $300 in hydrotech pads... for the flex).
Click to expand...

They would work great with that machine. Mike Phillips had an in depth video using Hydrotech pads with the 3401.

But since the Hybrids became available, they have been the #1 choice for that machine. You'll need the Lake Country backing plate conversion kit. The 5" Hybrid pads go on their 4" 3401 plate.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
Get the 4" Lake Country Backing Plate and get the 5" Hybrid Pads. The stock BP the Flex came in is fine for the 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Pads. This does wonders for the Flex 3401. Just get them...period. Get Mike Phillips book on How to use the Flex 3401 it is the bible for the Flex.

I use Menzerna FG400 and SF4500 as my combo.
Click to expand...

I agree.

Your best bet is to start off with the smaller "5 pads with the 4" plate. This will really give you the best handling of the machine and you will get a good feel for it.

Later on you can pick up the 6.5" pads to use with it when you get some seat time in with this system.

rms64 said:
This thread says it all.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...rning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

Hybrids, a Flex, and Menz products - BMW's love 'em.

I'm sure Mike aka "Smack" will chime in - I know he can't resist.

:cheers:
Click to expand...

:iagree:

German paint loves German products.

Thanks for the reference Rob. :buffing:

dlc95 said:
They would work great with that machine. Mike Phillips had an in depth video using Hydrotech pads with the 3401.
Click to expand...

True. That was up until the release for the Hybrid system.

But since the Hybrids became available, they have been the #1 choice for that machine. You'll need the Lake Country backing plate conversion kit. The 5" Hybrid pads go on their 4" 3401 plate.
Click to expand...

And for good reason.

OP, your best bet is to get going with the "5 Hybrid pad setup.
 
tenblade2001 said:
.

What are y'alls recommendations or favorite pad/product combo?

thanks, Steve
Click to expand...


I'd agree with most of the above.

Get the Lake Country Backing Plate Adapter Kit so you can burn and turn 5" Hybrid pads.

For 5" Hybrid pads get the orange, white and black. You can tackle just about anything with this combo.

Remember, thin pads are only necessary for tools like the PC. Thicker foam pads are perfectly fine for gear driven tools.

Next time you're using the Flex 3401 practice on a flat panel holding the tool perfectly flat. Then on purpose tilt it,

  • Toward you.
  • Away from you.
  • To one side.
  • To the other side.
Purposefully cause it to want to "walk" so you get the feel of the walking effect caused by not holding the pad flat.

Then, when using this tool hold the pad flat and anytime you feel the tool trying to walk in any direction you'll know/understand it's not the tool. It's how you're holding the pad in relationship to the panel being buffed.


:)
 
Thank you for the responses! BTW, I ordered Mike's book and the video AG has on using the Flex.
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Then, when using this tool hold the pad flat and anytime you feel the tool trying to walk in any direction you'll know/understand it's not the tool. It's how you're holding the pad in relationship to the panel being buffed.


:)
Click to expand...


Don't post much but read (and watch) a lot.

Just had to say THANKS! as bought the 3401 a few weeks ago and could not get why it was wanting to take control every time I was using it (like a dog walking the owner, the 3401 was walking me . :) ).

Now I know WHY it is doing what it is doing with this single sentence, and that is due to my poor technique not the tool. I was starting to blame the tool! ;)

Cheers and thanks again.
 
FG400 on an orange pad
PF4000? I believe it's called on a white pad
 
2 quick question: (1)If I want to use my 7424 for "tighter" spots, would y'all recommend 4'BP and 4' LC flat pads? Since I purchased 4 inch BP for Flex and 5 inch pads, couldn't I just use the 4 inch pads on flex?
 
Your going to be pushing it with the flex if you use 4" pads with a 4" backing plate. No room for errors. If you are going to use them on the PC then just get a smaller backing plate like 3 3/4 or something of that nature. That way you have some cushion.
 
Love the 5.5 orange pad with wolfgang TSR and chemical guys v38 polish. It's been turning the most damaged black cars into mirror and swirl free finishes with much less dust than some other compounds.
 
Really glad I clicked on this. I just got a new Flex and picked up some 7.5" Buff n Shine hex pads. Compared to the G21, that thing was so hard to control. I eventually got about 75% better, but still felt like the machine wanted to take off on me. I am going to order some 5" pads and a 4" plate.
 
Mint555 said:
Really glad I clicked on this. I just got a new Flex and picked up some 7.5" Buff n Shine hex pads. Compared to the G21, that thing was so hard to control. I eventually got about 75% better, but still felt like the machine wanted to take off on me. I am going to order some 5" pads and a 4" plate.
Click to expand...

The flex will want to walk with larger pads as well. how is the vibration on the g21 compared to your flex?
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
True. That was up until the release for the Hybrid system.



And for good reason.

OP, your best bet is to get going with the "5 Hybrid pad setup.
Click to expand...

As soon as finances allow, I'm also switching to the hybrid line for my 3401! I need em!
 
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