6.5's or 5.5's Flex 3401

Which do you guys like better overall? I have both and I'm not really sure I care for the 6.5's? I just wanted to get you're guys take on it before I try and unload them somewhere. Help me understand the advantages of the 6.5? To me it seems harder to use and it wanted a lot me product (which makes sense). IDK let me know what you guys think?

Technically speaking, the area of the two are as follows;

Surface Area - 5 1/2 pad = 23.75 in²

Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 in²

All else equal, the larger pad should be able to correct the area in less time and time is money....

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Originally Posted by BobbyG

Technically speaking, the area of the two are as follows;

Surface Area - 5 1/2 pad = 23.75 in²

Surface Area - 6 1/2 pad = 33.18 in²

All else equal, the larger pad should be able to correct the area in less time and time is money....

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Yeah, but doesn't it take more product to load up the pad? Can you do larger that a 2X2 section or is the idea to do the same 2X2 quicker?

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Originally Posted by Newdetailer1

Yeah, but doesn't it take more product to load up the pad? Can you do larger that a 2X2 section or is the idea to do the same 2X2 quicker?

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Theoretically it takes the same amount of product to polish the car. Even if it takes more to prime the 6.5, it is going to go farther. I wouldn't change the size of a section I did but as Bobby said, it should take less time to cover the same area with a larger pad. It probably comes down more to what you are comfortable with. Some people find the larger pads to walk more on the 3401. I think you hit it with your last question. You do the same section faster.

Ok. I guess I'll just give the 6.5's another chance?

BobbyG is right. Everything being equal, a 6.5" pad has greater surface area and will correct that 2x2 section faster.

Now there's the preference factor that is completely subjective. To this, I've used 7.5" Chemical Guy self center pads on the 3401 and love it on larger cars.

I personally prefer 5.5" and 4" pads with 3401 but that's a personal preference.

I picked up the new Lake Country backing plates for the Flex.

It will be interesting to see if the 6-in backing plate changes how a 6.5-in pad performs (hold more of the pad against the plate) both polishing and handling.

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Originally Posted by Bunky

I picked up the new Lake Country backing plates for the Flex.

It will be interesting to see if the 6-in backing plate changes how a 6.5-in pad performs (hold more of the pad against the plate) both polishing and handling.

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I'm curious to see how the new LC backing plate affects handling. I tend to be skeptical about aftermarket adapters of any kind for any tool. If they work well, I'm open to changing my mind.

Regards,

Dan.

Its interesting that so many of the LC adapters were sold, but no review as yet?!?