Pad size

[Skip99]

I have both backing plates for the flex 3401,
For overall cut and buff , whats the best size lake country hybrid pads to use? 5 or 61/2?

[refreshauto]

5" with the 4" backing plate is my setup

[expdetailing]

6 1/2" takes more effort to control the Flex. I heavily prefer the 5".

[RobRabbit2.5]

I was going to post a thread about this in a day or so after doing some research.

Im going to try and make a compatibility chart and post it in that section of the forum.

I've had issues with undersized and oversized backing material on the pads. Gonna figure it out.

[Kamakaz1961]

I like the 61/2 Lake Country CCS pads for correcting and polishing. If you go to the 5" Pads, it will be easier to control, however, less area will be covered.

If you have the technique down with the Flex, I prefer the 6.5" Pads better. Again, that is me.

Either way you can't go wrong with either size. The Flex is a beast!!

[Tato]

Remember the Flex has '4' (at least) backing plates,

the original 5.5",
Flex XC 3401 VRG 5.5 inch Backing Plate

the original 4 3/8" smaller plate
FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate, FLEX

and the Lake Country Changeable Backing Plate system, which includes both a 4" and ~6" plates.
FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

The Hybrid pads will fit:

- 6.5" Hybrids on the OEM 5.5"

- 5" Hybrids on the LC Changeable 4"

My favorite setup is the 4" plate and 5" hybrids, all day long.

My wish is for LC to make an Hybrid suitable for 4 3/8" plate, I 'feel' it's the sweet spot for polishing an entire car without being too bulky for small parts neither too small for larger panels. Again, just my thoughts.

Hope that helps,

Kind Regards.

[RPM94]

My fav with the Flex.

Also have the Rupes LHR 75E when I want to go mas pequeno.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Remember the Flex has '4' (at least) backing plates,

the original 5.5",
Flex XC 3401 VRG 5.5 inch Backing Plate

the original 4 3/8" smaller plate
FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate, FLEX

and the Lake Country Changeable Backing Plate system, which includes both a 4" and ~6" plates.
FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

The Hybrid pads will fit:

- 6.5" Hybrids on the OEM 5.5"

- 5" Hybrids on the LC Changeable 4"

My favorite setup is the 4" plate and 5" hybrids, all day long.

My wish is for LC to make an Hybrid suitable for 4 3/8" plate, I 'feel' it's the sweet spot for polishing an entire car without being too bulky for small parts neither too small for larger panels. Again, just my thoughts.

Hope that helps,

Kind Regards.

As Rafael stated, the larger 6.5" Hybrids fit perfectly on the standard 5.5" Flex plate. The smaller 5" Hybrids need the 4" plate that is included in the LC Changeable Plate System.

For a one size fits all approach the 5" pads are going to be your best bet. This will allow you to get into smaller areas than the larger 6.5" pad. The smaller pads are also ideal when working on cars with varying panel designs. If you do a lot of larger SUV's and trucks, then the 6.5" pad will be the choice as you can cover the larger flat panels easier.

[RobRabbit2.5]

As Rafael stated, the larger 6.5" Hybrids fit perfectly on the standard 5.5" Flex plate. The smaller 5" Hybrids need the 4" plate that is included in the LC Changeable Plate System.

For a one size fits all approach the 5" pads are going to be your best bet. This will allow you to get into smaller areas than the larger 6.5" pad. The smaller pads are also ideal when working on cars with varying panel designs. If you do a lot of larger SUV's and trucks, then the 6.5" pad will be the choice as you can cover the larger flat panels easier.

Absolutely correct. I bought the 6 1/2 and 5 hybrids after your recommendation about them with menzerna (spot on by the way) and found that my 4 3/8 backing plate is just a little to big for the 5 inch hybrid pads...

Will it work? sure. Can't imagine why i would get hung up on the details...

I think i have been overlooking some kind of pad standard that could have alerted me to this issue pre-purchase. Still do not know what that is.

[yinzer]

Sorry but I have to ask. Can you use an extender on a DA? I imagine that the longer the extension the harder it would be to control.

I'm thinking door jams. But they rarely need correction so hand applications should be sufficient.