Which "Next" Polisher

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mk9750

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OK, so this is my first new post since joining. I've generally been able to find answers to my questions by doing searches. But this one seems to be one for which there is a gap in the information.

When I started out, I bought an off brand 6" DA. It worked fine, but I quickly realized it could do better. So I demoted it to cyclone brushes and also added a 3" backing plate for small areas. To replace it I bought a Griot's Garage 6" DA. And I'm happy I did. Although there was nothing "wrong" with the off brand polisher, the GG6 is noticeably better.

I'm beginning to think about my next addition. The way I see it, I have three main options:

Long Throw DA
Forced Rotation DA
True "mini" DA, like a real 3" polisher

I don't believe it's time for me to consider a rotary yet, and although I love the idea of the IBID (especially the cordless version), I don't think that should be my next step either. I have an idea which machine in each of the three categories I would likely add, but I just don't have a good feel for which category makes the most sense to be next.

As someone who has been serious about detailing cars for about a year, and who is doing it for money (part time), what is everyone's opinion for my next polisher?

Thanks all for the help you all provide. I do appreciate it.
 
I own a lot of machines. I usually tend to suggest the Flex 3401. Maybe not the latest and greatest but it’s a workhorse and can make u money fast if you are doing detailing for money. I have said this b4 but if I can only have one polisher, the 3401 would be it.
 
Dr Oldz said:
I own a lot of machines. I usually tend to suggest the Flex 3401. Maybe not the latest and greatest but it’s a workhorse and can make u money fast if you are doing detailing for money. I have said this b4 but if I can only have one polisher, the 3401 would be it.
Click to expand...

I agree with this too.

The GG6 can handle a lot. The 3401 will add a new dimension to your polishing process, and a broadened option set to your arsenal.
 
Definitely a Flex if you are doing this professionally.

Time is money.
 
If you are looking to save time or just get an aggressive machine, the Flex 3401 is worth the money.
I am just a hobbyist and love my Flex investment.

I like to know my polisher is going to keep spinning the same way, everywhere and the Flex delivers.
Get some LC Force pads, some wool pads and turn the juice up.
 
Another vote for the Flex. Not the smoothest machine but a juggernaut of a polisher and very reliable.
 
Thanks guys. I was leaning forced rotation as well, although by a narrow margin, I'm leaning toward the Mille. I think the learning curve will be shorter with the rotation working in the same direction as I am used to. Minds not made up, but right now, it's the way I am thinking.

Seems like at least in this group of answers, the value to adding a longer throw machine isn't high.

I am not surprised that mini type polisher isn't getting any love. With exchangeable backing plates and pads, I can cover that. It's with my least effective machine, but it does work.

Thanks all. Keep 'em coming!
 
Nothing wrong with a mini. Actually, it will allow you to get into places that any polisher from the PC to the Flex will not.

I turned my PC into a 3" when I got my GG6. Works great, but in a tight space, the metal shroud is something to be very wary of.
 
mk9750 said:
Thanks guys. I was leaning forced rotation as well, although by a narrow margin, I'm leaning toward the Mille. I think the learning curve will be shorter with the rotation working in the same direction as I am used to. Minds not made up, but right now, it's the way I am thinking.

Seems like at least in this group of answers, the value to adding a longer throw machine isn't high.

I am not surprised that mini type polisher isn't getting any love. With exchangeable backing plates and pads, I can cover that. It's with my least effective machine, but it does work.

Thanks all. Keep 'em coming!
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Honestly don’t let the direction of the rotation shy you away from the flex. I learned on a Rotary and was hesitant about the 3401 for the same reason as you. The learning curve was about 4 seconds. Don’t over think that. What matters is if it rotates or not!
 
Dr Oldz said:
Honestly don’t let the direction of the rotation shy you away from the flex. I learned on a Rotary and was hesitant about the 3401 for the same reason as you. The learning curve was about 4 seconds. Don’t over think that. What matters is if it rotates or not!
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I agree.

The initial start up is like "Well.......... this is weird." Then, you just roll with it.

No sweat.
 
Well, without any more input, seems like the consensus is the forced rotation category.

At the risk of hijacking my own thread, now I'd like to know why the Flex is recommended so much more highly than the Mille. Here's my comparison:
Price - Roughly the same, although the Rupes will incur additional investment in pads and liquid
"Throw" - Advantage Flex, 8mm to 5mm
Smoothness - Appears to be slight advantage Rupes
Quietness - Also appears to be slight advantage Rupes
Direction of rotation - Apparently, this is a non-issue
Warranty - I think the same
Power - Equal
OPM - Flex, by a narrow margin
Weight - Flex, by about half a pound (assuming lighter is better?)
Cord length, Rupes, by a small margin (4 feet compared to the HD)
Other - Rupes includes a progressive accelerator trigger

I've not used either, so I don't really have a personal comparison, and I am "stuck" with technical comparisons and recommendations from people like you who have way more experience than me. Is the consensus that the Flex is the better piece of equipment for my next purchase?

Again, you can't know how much I appreciate your willingness to lend an opinion. Thank you!
 
If you're set on a forced rotation, I've had both the mille and 3401. Here's some thoughts.

Personally, I like the ergonomics of the flex tools a little more than rupes. The front handle on the 3401 puts you closer to the pad and paint which IMO gives you more control over keeping the pad flat. The trigger on the 3401 is also "progressive."

The Mille is smoother, quieter and runs cooler, and also has a 30'ish cord thats awesome. It has a longer body which yields lower vibration, but it also has a higher center of gravity (and can feel "tipsy" sometimes compared to the flex, which usually felt "planted.") Also, the small top "grip" on the Mille never felt right. It works on their long throws, but I don't care for the feel of it when operating the tool.

I'm currently also selling my Mille (another local detailer is giving it a test drive currently) because, honestly, I still prefer my PE14 and long throws over the forced units. IMO, learn the rotary, then you're able to tackle those small spots that would need multiple polishers, and then do your finishing step with a 15mm and mini. More up front cost, but the toll on your body will be significantly less with a long throw.

Hope this helps!
 
B5visser,

That does help, thanks!

Just from pictures alone, I would have guessed the Mille to be more friendly to hold and use. Thanks for giving me your opinion.
 
mk9750 said:
B5visser,

That does help, thanks!

Just from pictures alone, I would have guessed the Mille to be more friendly to hold and use. Thanks for giving me your opinion.
Click to expand...

There are probably 1000X's more 3401 owners/users than the Mille, so it may not be an equal scale. I've used both and prefer the Millie, but the MKII's are my go to machine.
 
Rsurfer,

Excellent point, but one then has to ask why such an imbalance? I presume a lot has to do with how long each has been available. Any other reason to support such a large percentage of Flex owners?

And you're now the second person to suggest perhaps a long throw machine might be a good choice.

To respond to b5visser again, I actually don't have my heart set on anything. No choice that I make is going to be wrong, I believe, but I'm trying to make the best choice for me. I started the thread without any preconceived ideas (well, actually I started with the assumption that given my current set up with a small backing plate on the generic DA I have, i wouldn't likely be buying a small machine). I'd still love to hear opinions about long throw versus forced rotation. Most everyone on here is way smarter than me. I'll listen to everyone's opinion.

Thanks!
 
Flex (3401) has about a 10 year jump on the Millie.
 
I have been leaning toward getting a Makita PO5000cx1,I have 2 Makita rotarys and a Milwaukee Rotary and an RBL 18mm longthrow random orbital but I don't care for it.
nothing against the Flex but I think I would prefer the Makita,,I was also considering the Rupes,a GG and another one I can't think of that moment

Makita PO5000C 5? Dual Action Random Orbit Polisher
 
Just starting out with a long throw, there will be a little bit more of a learning curve to keep the pad spinning in curves and convex areas, but once you get the hang of it, its really easy to submit to muscle memory. Draw a nice fat sharpie line on the backing plate and watch it spin as you polish.

As stated countless times before in the continuous "flex vs rupes" debate, a forced rotation unit will always keep the pad spinning and thus correcting. Keep in mind, however, that just because a long throw stops spinning, does not mean that it is not correcting the paint beneath it. It is correcting, just not as fast as when it oscillates AND spins. Todd Helme from Rupes has done extensive leg work in making that case and supporting it. I'm a 21mk2 user with the 5" backing plate FWIW.

One thing to keep in mind, the BIG picture. All these modern tools do an awesome job correcting paint, and paired with proper compounds and pads, they all have the potential to be paint slaying machines! Different strokes for different folks.

And the Makita PO5000c is a very nice machine too. Ergonomics and performance are fantastic!

Good luck!
 
It's much about how you feel your technique works with a free spinning DA. If you are feeling you have a good technique to keep the pad spinning. I would consider to go with a longthrow polisher. The pad will be spinning at all time with a direct driven orbital polisher. And a thing most not mention is to get a direct driven orbital polisher to run as smooth as possible. Is to hold it balanced and the pad flat on the paint. And you get more fatigued if you don't get the technique right. There is the longthrow polishers benefit with a much smoother running experience when polishing.

The Mille has not been out that long so many has not getting one yet. What I have heard about it is when useing their pads on it they are very smooth to be a direct driven DA.
 
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