Looking to upgrade from a Porter Cable

[emmjay]

My vote is for the flex 3401. Its not as smooth as the Rupes but it will not disappoint....ever. It never bogs down and just keeps going. Rupes or Griots has a learning curve (so does the flex) but those are tougher on concave panels.

Flex allows you to go to 5" pads and just go to town.

I also recommend keeping the PC with a smaller backing plate for those tough to reach areas. You won't get anything for it. Might as well keep it and use it as you will need it sometimes.

All the best!

[Jeremy1976]

I cannot stand the stalling on DA's. I came from one and went to the 3401 and will never look back. Forced rotation is the only way for me. Especially beneficial when using the Nanoskin Auto scrub.

The 3401 has shaved time off my details. It's a tried and true machine!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[refreshauto]

Here is my opinion on this. I would keep the PC and upgrade to thinner pads. Especially the MF pads. Then I would get a Flex PE-8 with the pads that go from 1"-3". This will fix all the problems you are having

[DetailTrail]

Sounds like you're ready to move up. Gotta keep in mind some suggestions are coming from pro's,
they can do some amazing things.
My suggestion is do not get a 3401, huge learning curve because not only does it spin in opposite direction,
the forced rotation means it will spin no matter what, whether you are ready or not that machine is pure power.
Rupes 15 ES, if you go that route make sure you get the Markll, no stall,but money.
Duetto is a 5.5, 12mm much closer to what you are trying for.
For the same amount of cash you could get a Boss 15 kit, pads & all, plus
super smooth, runs itself almost, no learning curve, great warranty, so that's my pick, BOSS 15 starter kit.
Good luck, let us know whatcha get ??

[VISITOR]

difficulty using on tighter concave and convex panels

flex + forced rotation = no stalling

[roguegeek]

Flex 3401 and keep your PC to convert it for 3" pads.

[TTQ B4U]

Flex 3401 and LC FORCE foam pads.

^^ this. I held off and held off and wish I would have bought mine sooner. It powers through anything quickly over any type/shaped surface. I LOVE mine. I have a PC 7424xp still but only use it now with a small pad and for areas that the larger 3401 won't reach.

[dlc95]

Here is my opinion on this. I would keep the PC and upgrade to thinner pads. Especially the MF pads. Then I would get a Flex PE-8 with the pads that go from 1"-3". This will fix all the problems you are having

The meguiar's D300/DMC5 pads turn the PC in to a monster.

Lake Country Thin Foamed Wool pads are highly recommended too.

[Mantilgh]

I picked up one of those Lake Country Thin Foamed Wool pads a while back and it really kicks but. I was just trying to decide the other day whether I want get some more of these or get some of the new Boss micro fiber ones. The foamed wool are a really well made pad and the seem to finish pretty well too.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

The meguiar's D300/DMC5 pads turn the PC in to a monster.

Yes, but if you're dealing with hard paint/swirls/RIDS, it's still slow compared to a 3401 & long throw DA.