Flex Edge Adapter - Initial Impressions

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by matt@autogeek.net

I don't see how it would solve that issue. The actual backing plate itself is not eliminated...

It has potential of sidestepping the "issue" though.

"Issue" is generated by backing plate coming into contact with felt/housing. Usually that is because of people applying offset pressure or too much pressure but felt falling out is a possibility too.

Putting Edge adapter in means shifting of pressure from uniformly across backing plate to center of it, through adapter directly onto mounting spot. So it is much less possible to get backing plate and housing/felt to touch.

So as long as offset pressure does not end up causing Edge pad to touch backing plate ...

[killrwheels@autogeek]

I got an email that they are in stock but only 4 left this evening. At 45.00 plus 10.00 shipping, well I think I will wait as this price is quite high for an adapter. I hope you guys that want it get the last 4 offered tonight.

[killrflake]

I have no trouble at all with either the factory back plate or the Edge adapter, but I try to rely on pad and product selection rather then pressure when using the Flex. I'm real happy with the results achived while using that method. I pretty much stick to menzerna products with the Flex and apply both Wolfgang sealent followed by Pinnicle Souveran by hand. Just my .02

[ehuth1]

E2K Flex Conversion!

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I got an email that they are in stock but only 4 left this evening. At 45.00 plus 10.00 shipping, well I think I will wait as this price is quite high for an adapter.

On one hand I uderstand what you mean when you say that price is high for an adapter.

On the other hand $45 for practically a one off plate that includes plate, adapter, and manual customization, , when mass produced plate itself is $18 and E2K PC adapter is another $18 at AG makes final price for Edge Flex adapter realistic and reasonable, if not lower than realistic, especially after one takes into account labor costs too.

So $45 sounds fair even if not inexpensive.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Originally Posted by ZoranC

On one hand I uderstand what you mean when you say that price is high for an adapter.

On the other hand $45 for practically a one off plate that includes plate, adapter, and manual customization, , when mass produced plate itself is $18 and E2K PC adapter is another $18 at AG makes final price for Edge Flex adapter realistic and reasonable, if not lower than realistic, especially after one takes into account labor costs too.

So $45 sounds fair even if not inexpensive.

I disagree a bit ... but not because of the items you have offered. I to considered them, but honestly their is no warranty from them and it clearly states that if it breaks they dont warranty the backing plate and you will need to send it to them to reinstall the adapter at a price after you find a new backing plate. (I dont presume to know this cost). I also ship samples and packages all over the US and use Priority Mail exclusively. It would cost 5.00 insured and they include the packaging. Obviously UPS is higher in cost and a handling charge is included.

Again not trying to make a big deal about it but with the backing plate issues still being hit or miss from Flex, the lack of a warranty commitment from Edge, and my first PC/Edge adapter breaking during the 1st year of use well it just seems to be better left alone for now.

I will also note that in the email I received it claims Edge will NO longer allow you to send them your backing plate and have them install the adapter which was obviously a consideration. While I love the dual sided pads and Edge advantage, its hook/loop and Lake Country Pads for now.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I disagree a bit ... but not because of the items you have offered. I to considered them, but honestly their is no warranty from them and it clearly states that if it breaks they dont warranty the backing plate and you will need to send it to them to reinstall the adapter at a price after you find a new backing plate. (I dont presume to know this cost). I also ship samples and packages all over the US and use Priority Mail exclusively. It would cost 5.00 insured and they include the packaging. Obviously UPS is higher in cost and a handling charge is included.

Again not trying to make a big deal about it but with the backing plate issues still being hit or miss from Flex, the lack of a warranty commitment from Edge, and my first PC/Edge adapter breaking during the 1st year of use well it just seems to be better left alone for now.

I will also note that in the email I received it claims Edge will NO longer allow you to send them your backing plate and have them install the adapter which was obviously a consideration. While I love the dual sided pads and Edge advantage, its hook/loop and Lake Country Pads for now.

All very solid points and each potential buyer will have to take all of points presented into account when making their own decision.

My decision is easy as I do not have an existing investment in Edge pads and so far prefer staying with Velcro in spite of lure of easier/better balancing and using smaller pads with Flex, especially because Flex is not the only machine I have and all of machines I have use Velcro so it is not like I can stop using it just like that. But that is me.

[The Edge]

Originally Posted by ZoranC

It has potential of sidestepping the "issue" though.

"Issue" is generated by backing plate coming into contact with felt/housing. Usually that is because of people applying offset pressure or too much pressure but felt falling out is a possibility too.

Putting Edge adapter in means shifting of pressure from uniformly across backing plate to center of it, through adapter directly onto mounting spot. So it is much less possible to get backing plate and housing/felt to touch.

So as long as offset pressure does not end up causing Edge pad to touch backing plate ...

I have been thinking about this for a while and doing some testing to see if we can confirm that the Edge Flex adapter will alleviate some of these issues with plates melting. My concusion is that the adapter will put more of the pressure on the center adapter and not the edge of the plate, but much more important is that the screw in the center with all the vibrations tends to self loosen. Our adapter system is actually reverse threaded to be left hand so it actually self tightens. The screw in the center is first attached then the adapter going on top of this and during buffing self tightens against that screw making it impossible for it to loosen. This may be what actually ends up helping resolve the rash of Flex plates being melted but only time will actually tell.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by killrflake

I have no trouble at all with either the factory back plate or the Edge adapter, but I try to rely on pad and product selection rather then pressure when using the Flex. ... Just my .02

... and those are two very valuable cents because it is official instruction by Flex (on page 17 IIRC) repeated multiple times to use low contact pressure.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by The Edge

I have been thinking about this for a while and doing some testing to see if we can confirm that the Edge Flex adapter will alleviate some of these issues with plates melting. My concusion is that the adapter will put more of the pressure on the center adapter and not the edge of the plate, but much more important is that the screw in the center with all the vibrations tends to self loosen. Our adapter system is actually reverse threaded to be left hand so it actually self tightens. The screw in the center is first attached then the adapter going on top of this and during buffing self tightens against that screw making it impossible for it to loosen. This may be what actually ends up helping resolve the rash of Flex plates being melted but only time will actually tell.

I see technical minds think alike I just wouldn't call it a "rash", number of reports is too small for that.