Initial Impressions -- Flex Dual Action Buffer

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

Maybe dedicated drive was the wrong choice in words .... the motor feels much more substantial and powerful.

Oh, you mean direct drive? Yeah, motor should better feel more powerful as it is 7.5A vs 4A in PC. If it was not I would be thinking you got defective one

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

Hope that helps.

It does, thank you for filling me in on Flex 3401

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I still think the Flex feels heavier and my wrists seem to agree this morning.

As personally I don't feel any noticable difference your findings might be attributable to differences in physical build of the user as we are not all built same.

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

No itching hands however .....

We agree on this one.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I dont believe the UDM orbits much faster than the PC, I believe its the motor that a bit larger thats all.

According to the specs it does. So does G110.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Originally Posted by ZoranC

According to the specs it does.

I dont want to start any buffer wars as all are nice choices. I have a Flex (now), PC, UDM, and Hitachi rotary. I did not find the UDM that different from PC and went back to it. After using the Flex one time, I can tell you it surely will be used more often.


Electronic variable speed 2,500-6,000 OPM (UDM)
No-load Speed: 2,500-6,000 RPM (PC)

2560 - 6700 (G110)
Orbit rate, without load 3200-9600 rpm (Flex)

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I dont want to start any buffer wars as all are nice choices.

I thought we were just discussing facts.

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I did not find the UDM that different from PC and went back to it.

I found difference that mattered to me, which is that UDM was not bogging down. However, other things about it made me feel strongly enough on them that I returned UDM anyway.

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

After using the Flex one time, I can tell you it surely will be used more often.

Tell me something I don't already know

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

Electronic variable speed 2,500-6,000 OPM (UDM)
No-load Speed: 2,500-6,000 RPM (PC)
2560 - 6700 (G110)
Orbit rate, without load 3200-9600 rpm (Flex)

According to specs Meguiar's posted when they were releasing G110 (search MOL for "dual action polisher chart") your info is incorrect.

Correct top speed of PC is 6100 (not 6000 like you listed), and of UDM is 6540 (not 6000 like you listed).

Also, just listing them, whether incorrectly or correctly, is pointless and worthless as one really can not describe the tool just by listing OPMs without also listing throw, amps, etc (elt's not forget gearing and orbit pattern that also play a huge role and that are practically impossible to compare).

I can show you tools that have 12, 13, 14000 OPMs yet are weaker than PC.

Further more tools that have forced rotation are completely different game and should not be even thrown in same bag by listing specs.

Last, but not least, there is such a thing as too fast of a tool for polish. Too fast tool will not polish something out while slower but more appropriate tool will.

What does this all say? That fitness of tool for polishing is not gauged by it's specs but by it's corrective ability where pad is hitting the paint.

There is no magic specs to gauge that. That can be gauged only by trying tool first hand. That is why I purchased practically all different ones that are out there on the market and still own majority of them (some were returned as I did not see value for me out of them).

[Waxmax]

Thanks for info on the UDM speeds and the point about speed vs. power. The UDM's power is what I notice over the PC. For paint correcting, the Flex is obviously quicker and the OPS are too.

Just for grins, I gave the two a quick weigh in without backing plates and with the cords resting off the scale. Used a cooking scale that runs 0 to 6 lbs.

My UDM weighed 4.8 lbs and the Flex 5.6 lbs. The spec on the Flex w/o cord is 5.5 lbs (2.2 kilos). I think I read the UDM and PC spec is 4.75 lbs.

[ZoranC]

Originally Posted by Waxmax

Just for grins, I gave the two a quick weigh in without backing plates and with the cords resting off the scale. Used a cooking scale that runs 0 to 6 lbs.

I feel correct way to measure would be with backing plate on as that is how tool will be used.

[ger42]

Originally Posted by The Edge

Be patient my Edge Heads, we are just about to complete and launch the first version within a few weeks!

I have a new flex and only got one pad waiting for the adapter. Hurry hurry pretty please!

Gerry

[killrflake]

Originally Posted by The Edge

Be patient my Edge Heads, we are just about to complete and launch the first version within a few weeks!

I'm looking foward to the release of the Edge adapter for the Flex pads as many of us are. Just say the word and my order is in.

[Waxmax]

Backing plates (5" for UDM and 5.5" for Flex) weigh about 4.5 and 5.5 oz. respectively....so the difference between UDM and Flex is just under 1 lb.

[TObleRONE]

I was able to use my new Flex for the first time this weekend and can say that it was definitely worth the investment! The additional weight is not as much of a problem as I thought when I took it out of the box the first time. What new users will have to adjust to, however, is the tendency of the Flex to want to "run". I think you have to relax your muscles yet not let the machine overpower you.

Offhand, I do think it is best for most entry-level detailers to start with a PC or UDM before stepping up to the Flex. I bought the PC last year and would have been content with it if this tool had not come along. I still plan on using the PC a lot because I have the 4" pad kit, which will help in tight to reach areas.

As far as the hook-and-loop pads, I have acquired a bunch of free orange 5.5" pads from AG which I still can use on the Flex. I wouldn't mind buying the pending Edge system, but that would be a large investment because I have a lot of Velcro pads.

I hope everyone will have a great detailing season and good luck!