Which one should I get?????
Questions about the Porter Cable 7424XP, 7424, 7336, Griot's and Meguiar's Dual Action PolishersDiscuss Which one should I get????? in the Buffers and Polishers forums; Since I am a newbie to using the polisher, should I get the PC 7424xp or the FLEX XC 3401? ...
Since I am a newbie to using the polisher, should I get the PC 7424xp or the FLEX XC 3401? I've read a lot of forums on these two, but need your advice and expertise. Does the PC 7424xp really stop if you are polishing at an angle? I just plan on removing swirls and marring with a swirl remover and finishing polish.
With enough pressure you can stop any of the Porter Cable style dual action polishers from spinning, it has nothing to do with the angle persae. These machines were designed to be used flat against the surface.
The Flex 3401 is an awesome polisher but it's pricey so the choice is really up to you...
Since you're a self proclaimed noob, the only da polishers you should be looking at right now are the Porter Cable, G110V2, or Griots Garage. Get some experience with any one of those polishers and work your way towards a Flex. This is exactly what I'm doing and will admit - it takes time and patience learning proper application and technique of the many different pad/product combos. Better to learn that stuff with a more user friendly polisher to begin with imho.
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2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - Torch Red
A couple of years ago I bought a PC & used it once. It was a pain trying to make sure the pad was actually moving and not just vibrating. It also made my hand hurt the next day. I returned it for the Flex, and there is really no comparison. The Flex's forced rotation, extra power and smoothness of operation are all above and beyond a PC in my opinion.
Get the PC 7424XP. More noob friendly, more backing plate choices and a lot cheaper. There's no need to get the 3401 unless you plan on doing a lot of cars. You don't need power and you're not pressed for time, so like Mike Phillips always says, start with the least aggressive method that will get the job done and work your way up.
I'm guessing it's for home / private use? How many cars do you estimate using it on a month?
It's just gonna be my car. I got a brand new 2012 Black Benz. I've had it for over 2 months now and I can see swirls on it and some marring due to the clay bar that I used last week.
Get the Porter Cable. Yeah it isn't as smooth and powerful as the Flex, but the difference in price is huge! Both polishers are there pros and cons. The PC is perfect for a beginner and will not burn the paint but applying too much pressure can make the pad stop spinning. With the Flex is will not stop spinning no matter how much pressure is applied and it can do everything the PC can, but you risk burning the paint a little more(not much of a chance still) and it can tend to want to walk away from you when polishing.
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