When watching "high end" detailing videos....

dlc95 said:
A good friend of mine here in Pontiac has one. I'm going to use it the next time I go over there. I actually miss having it around. I had it from 2012 - 2015. It was kind of a staple in my arsenal - even though I work better with a PC or a Duetto...
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I will never sell the 3401. However, I just love using MF pads and that's my main reason for picking up the MK II 15, as they don't do well on the 3401, IME.
 
WRAPT C5Z06 said:
I will never sell the 3401. However, I just love using MF pads and that's my main reason for picking up the MK II 15, as they don't do well on the 3401, IME.
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They are grabby.

The ONLY way to use MF on a 3401 is to use a MF pad with a THICK foam core and it's still not a fun buffing experience.


I use a normal wool cutting pad like I use on a rotary buffer when I really need to chop with a FLEX 3401. I have a write-up for a 1941 Pontiac 5-Window Coupe Streetrod that I buffed out right before SEMA and the swirls and scratches were deep and the paint was hard.

I chopped on it like Logger. I also tested out the black Tuffbuff wool pads and after testing took the pad off and never looked back.


:)
 
if one already has a griots six inch da would i be better off getting a rupes or griots 15 because the flex won't offer much difference over the griots 6"? so confusing when you can only afford one or two polishers. i dont do this for a living so i can't really justify buying 20 different tools
 
ive already spent over two grand on detailing stuff in the last year

mostly here
 
The GG6 with a 5" bp and LC ThinPro pads is a formidable machine. You don't do it for a living so won't need more than that.
 
Jeremy1976 said:
There are very few people, if any is more my thinking, that would be able to detect any difference in finish between the Flex (forced rotation), or any high end or popular DA. Fact is 99.9% of my customers could care less what products or equipment I am using. They just want their cars to look shiny and be protected from the elements.

Buy what you like. I came from DA's and now have a 3401. I would NEVER go back to a DA. I don't have time for stalling. Especially with Nanoskin pads...
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^^ this. I'll let the results be the testiment as to how the 3401 finishes. I tried a Rupes long throw with a friend that has one and while it was smooth, it drove me crazy on uneven surfaces. It's forced rotation for me this point forward until I find that another unit can handles curves and uneven surfaces better.
 
The Rupes really is like a Ferrari, you have to touch it and handle it a certain way but the results you get from proper use is amazing. The Flex is a Shelby GT1000. It gets similar results to the Ferrari but through raw horsepower. I think both are amazing machines but it does depend on your personal preferences. It seems like for most people its one side or the other. I personally think the Rupes and Flex are both great, just depends on the car you're doing and what type of correction you're doing.
 
fightnews said:
if one already has a griots six inch da would i be better off getting a rupes or griots 15 because the flex won't offer much difference over the griots 6"? so confusing when you can only afford one or two polishers. i dont do this for a living so i can't really justify buying 20 different tools
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I'm confused, are you saying that there is NO step up from a GG6 to a 3401? Just to clarify your statement.
 
Can someone tell me where the rupes are made?
Flex- Germany I believe?
 
I use multiple machines when I work. Sometimes it just helps to have forced rotation when working on certain panels. I just cut through a ton of serious defects with the 3401 and foamed wool on this 328.

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Corrected just as well as my MKII Rupes with MF pads which I have done countless corrections with as well. If you have experience with either machine and have a solid product and pad combo, my guess says you'll be happy.

Never noticed any difference in finishing quality versus my long throw machines either. Here my buddy Steve is using his MKII and I'm using my 3401 to finish down another 328. As usual, no noticeable difference at all under various types of inspection lights and sunshine.

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Also, the 3401 is great for AIO jobs. Forced rotation really helps you power through the job. The 4 inch backing plate they sell is great for switching between 4 inch pads and 5 inch Hybrids on the fly (I like the control when using smaller pads). This is what I achieved using the previously mentioned pads with HD Speed in just 4.5 hours of polishing. Pretty solid results for a budget friendly correction service.

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I'm very comfortable using the Rupes, Griot's, and Flex DAs. I'm also big on using the Flex rotaries. I pick the machines I'm going to use based on the tasks they're best suited for. Everybody has their preferences. I know polishers aren't cheap, but I think it's great to add a 3401 to your arsenal if you correct paint professionally. It's a very handy tool to have.
 
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