Which one? Flex XC or PC 7424?

[meiwah98]

Newbie here, read all the pros and cons for both. Buying my first DA, but if price did not matter, which to buy? the Flex XC 3401 or the PC 7424?

Looks like the Flex 3401 is faster than the 7424, but I am buying this DA first to help WAX all my vehicles (have 5 cars to wax), and of course will start using these DA's for swirl marks as I get more experienced.

Also, what size pads to start with in general? I was under the impression that a 6" pad will get the job done faster, but a 6" pad is not efficient around small areas? What does a 5" or 5.5" pad do that a 6" cannot?

Thanks.

 

[bigjake1907]

For my 1st ever machine, I went with the PC. Once I get a little more time on it I may move up to the Flex. I used Mike's video on here:
Car Buffers, Car Polishers, Rotary Polishers, polishing foam pads, buffing pads, wool pad, Porter Cable 7424, Makita, DeWalt, Cyclo buffer, bonnet,
to help me and what I read on here. I wanted something that was going to be forgiving for a 1st timer with no hands on experience.

 

[dad07]

First off :welcome:to AGO!

now, The flex is a great machine from what i here I do not own one nor have I used it!

The pc will do just what your wanting to do as waxing then moving to correction later,but I feel the groits machine is more powerfull. I own both so thats my .02.

the groits will handle 6" pads and the pc not so well so 5.5 pads are recomended for the pc and or both machines.

A 5.5 pad will do the same as a 6" pad

4 " pads are great for those tighter areas .

hope this helps you some with making your decisions!

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

If you plan on using the Meg's MF system(5.5" pads) get a GG DA, G110v2, PCXP for sure!

If you're going to strictly use foam pads, get the Flex 3401 and 6.5" pads.

 

[ScottB]

The Flex is often considered an upgrade to other models within the orbital range. Consider use, budget, and want/need for upgrades before making the purchase. I am suggesting the Flex !

 

[OCDetails]

Unless speed is a real concern, the FLEX is sort of using a cannon to kill a mosquito. However, with that being said I can tell you that I haven't had a reason to pick up my PC since I got the FLEX. I just love that machine. In fact, I left my PC at a detail shop last summer and have yet to remember to go get it. lol But the FLEX is about three times more the cost, so if you are just maintaining your own vehicles, the PC7424 is more than enough to keep your car looking great. Getting a FLEX would be like getting a Ferrari just for your 2 mile commute to work when a Corolla would work just as well.

 

[5.4 Shelby]

On the PC/GG/G110, the 5.5 pads will correct better than 6.5. The bigger pads tend to drag and bog the machine more. You get more power to the paint with the smaller pads.

 

[CharlieU]

I purchased my PC about 8 years ago and I understand the new ones are even better. It has served me well and even though I recently purchased the FLEX, it continues to be used with 4" pads to hit areas the bigger pads aren't recommended. While the FLEX is faster, having to do the tight areas by hand makes everything a wash in the end. Get the PC and the two different size backing plates. Later on when you have the disposable cash, buy the FLEX to zip through the large panels and use your PC to get the rest.