Flex XC3401 VRG is in; impressions outta the box...

[MadOzodi]

Came home today with an AG box waiting for me. Opened up the box to behold it in all it's glory. I was expecting it to be bigger, but was happy my perception from the pics on the web was wrong. Like I said I would, the first thing I checked was the BP, but NOT until after I read the manual.

Like every new piece of equipment, tool, etc. I purchase, I always read the manual first. One thing I noticed in the manual was the instruction to take off the backing plate, handle and cover to make sure no parts were missing.

This has GOT to be the reason people are getting that burning smell when applying pressure at an angle. When I inserted the hex key into the bolt to remove the BP, the thing came right out after less than a half turn. Honestly, I was a bit shocked. I expected it to be loose, but not THAT loose. Thanks to all who posted their concerns about the BP. I would have tightened and inspected everything anyway (yes, I'm that anal and recently botched something that cost me $170 to fix...so I'm EXTRA careful these days), but I can see how some people would be so impressed with the machine upon initial inspection that they would assume there was nothing wrong.

So the instructions also say to run the machine for no more than 30 seconds under no load to make sure there aren't any violent vibrations. Who am I to argue with that. Slapped on the nearest CCS 6.5in pad (which is easy to center vs. my UDM; merely a funtion of the BP size difference), plugged in, set to 1 and pulled the trigger. Very nice and smooth. Set to 2, same thing. On to 3...wow, where's the gyro effect I get with my UDM? Surely it's got to start on setting 4...nope. 5 and 6 had me grinning like an idiot.

I'm gonna test the Flex on my Mustang's hood tomorrow as it's supposed to get to around 60*F. Chance of rain so I may have to pull it into the garage. I'll do my best to get some before, during and after pics.

[killrflake]

I agree with you about reading the owners manual first. As you mentioned, as I went to remove the backplate I found the screw to be very loose as if they were making it easy for you to remove the BP to inspect the back of the plate. I replaced the screw firmly and removed, checked and replaced the handle and cover. All screws were ok to go and so far I have yet to have any problems including the smoking and shredding of the bp. I hope that will head off any problems like the ones that others have mentioned.

[ZoranC]

Neither one of my two XC 3401 VRGs came without screw being already tight. To keep it apples-to-apples I have to say both came with "original" bp on them so I don't know what happened when switch to new bp started.

[Dieseldan]

good points but my BP was tight out of the box and i still had burning issues

[killrwheels@autogeek]

someone actually reads those directions ??? Next you'll tell me you stop immediately when lost and ask for directions too !!

[wytstang]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

someone actually reads those directions ??? Next you'll tell me you stop immediately when lost and ask for directions too !!

Get a GPS and thats not a problem. Now playing with matches thats a whole nother issue.

[MadOzodi]

Originally Posted by Dieseldan

good points but my BP was tight out of the box and i still had burning issues

Hmmmm...well, there really isn't much clearance, if any, between the housing and the BP. Much less the little felt ring.

After using it yesterday, I found myself having to remember to keep the pad flat/level against the surface and use the handle and trigger-handle to just keep it balanced.

I've not used the Edge pads, but will definitely purchase a kit once they release their Flex adapter. IMO, the PC/UDM is too far away from the paint for my liking and the Flex is just a bit too close. Hopefully the Edge's Flex adapter will be a happy in-between for me.