Which one should I get?????

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carluver111

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Since I am a newbie to using the polisher, should I get the PC 7424xp or the FLEX XC 3401? I've read a lot of forums on these two, but need your advice and expertise. Does the PC 7424xp really stop if you are polishing at an angle? I just plan on removing swirls and marring with a swirl remover and finishing polish.
 
With enough pressure you can stop any of the Porter Cable style dual action polishers from spinning, it has nothing to do with the angle persae. These machines were designed to be used flat against the surface.

The Flex 3401 is an awesome polisher but it's pricey so the choice is really up to you...
 
Since you're a self proclaimed noob, the only da polishers you should be looking at right now are the Porter Cable, G110V2, or Griots Garage. Get some experience with any one of those polishers and work your way towards a Flex. This is exactly what I'm doing and will admit - it takes time and patience learning proper application and technique of the many different pad/product combos. Better to learn that stuff with a more user friendly polisher to begin with imho.
 
A couple of years ago I bought a PC & used it once. It was a pain trying to make sure the pad was actually moving and not just vibrating. It also made my hand hurt the next day. I returned it for the Flex, and there is really no comparison. The Flex's forced rotation, extra power and smoothness of operation are all above and beyond a PC in my opinion.
 
The price is a huge difference. I guess what you pay for is what you get.
 
Get the PC 7424XP. More noob friendly, more backing plate choices and a lot cheaper. There's no need to get the 3401 unless you plan on doing a lot of cars. You don't need power and you're not pressed for time, so like Mike Phillips always says, start with the least aggressive method that will get the job done and work your way up.
 
I'm guessing it's for home / private use? How many cars do you estimate using it on a month?
 
swanicyouth said:
I'm guessing it's for home / private use? How many cars do you estimate using it on a month?
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It's just gonna be my car. I got a brand new 2012 Black Benz. I've had it for over 2 months now and I can see swirls on it and some marring due to the clay bar that I used last week.
 
Get the Porter Cable. Yeah it isn't as smooth and powerful as the Flex, but the difference in price is huge! Both polishers are there pros and cons. The PC is perfect for a beginner and will not burn the paint but applying too much pressure can make the pad stop spinning. With the Flex is will not stop spinning no matter how much pressure is applied and it can do everything the PC can, but you risk burning the paint a little more(not much of a chance still) and it can tend to want to walk away from you when polishing.
 
Get the Flex, youre' going to want it sooner or later.
 
The Flex 3401 seems very tempting even for a beginner. It seems that the PC is the safest way to go even though it doesn't produce the same results as the Flex. If you use the Flex wrong, it could do some damage to your paint. Decisions, decisions!!!
 
carluver111 said:
The Flex 3401 seems very tempting even for a beginner. It seems that the PC is the safest way to go even though it doesn't produce the same results as the Flex. If you use the Flex wrong, it could do some damage to your paint. Decisions, decisions!!!
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With a brand new Mercedes and a lack of detailing experience, your decision is easy. Stay away from the Flex for right now. Look at the GG, PC7242XP, or G110V2. Learn proper technique on those machines and if/when you are looking to get a Flex or rotary, the learning curve won't be as steep.
 
Does the PC 7424 come with a backing plate, or do you have to order it separate? Do you need the backing plate?
 
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