Another Dual action thread (help choosing)

[Thenissanguy]

Alright guys i know this topic has been beaten to death but here it goes again. Im mostly asking which DA will suit me better. For me this is a really big purchase because it is not cheap and i will be getting more into the complex side of detailing.....
I will be doing this for fun i have a Silverado , Kia optima, and a Rv (gel-coat) and maybe some family and friends cars in the future. I am mostly looking to do one step corrections for the meanwhile until i get a better understanding of the whole process then i can work myself up to a 2 and maybe even a 3 step correction process.
I will also be trying to remove some oxidation from my 2011 toy hauler that has some oxidation(this is the reason i am buying the DA, i figured id rather spend the money on the polisher than on a pair of detail guys to do the job for me)
I am very interested in the Rupes 15, 21 and the flex 3401. But i have a few concerns/ questions that i would like answered before i place my order.
1. Why does the Rupes 15 have a 5 inch backing plate when the Rupes 21 have a 6 inch backing plate but yet Rupes only makes 4 , 6 , 7 inch pads?
2. Many threads i have read say that you must use Rupes polishes and pads for the best results (some people even say the machine only works good with Rupes brand products) This concerns me because i dont see Rupes branded foam pads or wool pads also not sure if they sell a one step correction polish
3.Will the Rupes 15 be a better fit than the 21 in my case?
4. Should i wait until after Sema to get a DA?
5. What exactly is the new flex xce? Is it a dual action? coming out in December?

I might have missed some things but feel free to share additional information with me !

Thanks Autogeek members!

[VISITOR]

between the choices you have listed, get the flex 3401...

[GSKR]

Alright guys i know this topic has been beaten to death but here it goes again. Im mostly asking which DA will suit me better. For me this is a really big purchase because it is not cheap and i will be getting more into the complex side of detailing.....
I will be doing this for fun i have a Silverado , Kia optima, and a Rv (gel-coat) and maybe some family and friends cars in the future. I am mostly looking to do one step corrections for the meanwhile until i get a better understanding of the whole process then i can work myself up to a 2 and maybe even a 3 step correction process.
I will also be trying to remove some oxidation from my 2011 toy hauler that has some oxidation(this is the reason i am buying the DA, i figured id rather spend the money on the polisher than on a pair of detail guys to do the job for me)
I am very interested in the Rupes 15, 21 and the flex 3401. But i have a few concerns/ questions that i would like answered before i place my order.
1. Why does the Rupes 15 have a 5 inch backing plate when the Rupes 21 have a 6 inch backing plate but yet Rupes only makes 4 , 6 , 7 inch pads?
2. Many threads i have read say that you must use Rupes polishes and pads for the best results (some people even say the machine only works good with Rupes brand products) This concerns me because i dont see Rupes branded foam pads or wool pads also not sure if they sell a one step correction polish
3.Will the Rupes 15 be a better fit than the 21 in my case?
4. Should i wait until after Sema to get a DA?
5. What exactly is the new flex xce? Is it a dual action? coming out in December?

I might have missed some things but feel free to share additional information with me !

Thanks Autogeek members!
3401 it will take some learning curve and practice.Once you master it it's a great powerful machine.

[custmsprty]

First thing I'd personally like to share with you.

Time is a valuable asset in all of our lives. So why do two or three steps when you can get exceptional results mastering the tools and products in a one step?

The polishes availabe these days are amazing as are the tools.

My personal pursuit over the past few years has been just that.

To get the absolute best finish in one step. If it means a couple additonal section passes vs doing a complete additional polishing step I'm for the one step every time.

My idea of a two step is the polishing and then applying the LSP.

I have back and neck issues from some car accidents and their is no way I can work on a vehicle for 8-10+ hours and definitely not two days in a row.

I just posted this on another thread.

Why do two polishing steps or more when you can get results like this with one step?

Griot's G21 with 5" BP Plate, Buff and Shine 5" flat orange pad and HD Adapt, start to finish including washing, dressing tires etc approximately 5 hours.

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/Z06_zpsv67jj9gi.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/Z06_zpsv67jj9gi.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/Z05_zpsw5hkxdei.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/Z05_zpsw5hkxdei.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/Z04_zpsedli1eya.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/Z04_zpsedli1eya.jpg.html)


Hammered Chevy Truck, total time 8 hours including washing etc.

Rupes LHR 15 Lake Country Orange Pads Menzerna FG400

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy_zps943ff7f1.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy_zps943ff7f1.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy3_zpsb610c0e0.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy3_zpsb610c0e0.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy1_zpsf327bf4d.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy1_zpsf327bf4d.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy2_zpsec84cfd9.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy2_zpsec84cfd9.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy6_zpsa1487b1e.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy6_zpsa1487b1e.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy5_zpsed97e5fa.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy5_zpsed97e5fa.jpg.html)

Not a swirl or hazing insight afte a one step:

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy2_zps5e1794ea.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy2_zps5e1794ea.jpg.html)

I still can't believe the bird poop didn't etch as I know it was baking there in the Florida sun for weeks.

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy_zpsb410a9e7.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy_zpsb410a9e7.jpg.html)


This is what came out of the paint and why you need to have multiple pads for a job.

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/20131224_163750_zpsx6rjntws.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/20131224_163750_zpsx6rjntws.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/20131224_163726_zpszlmfmey1.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/20131224_163726_zpszlmfmey1.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy1_zps9d320b03.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy1_zps9d320b03.jpg.html)

[emmjay]

+1 for the 3401.

I have also considered the Rupes many a time. But it just never fit the bill as my go to polisher. I feel the Rupes always needs a buddy polisher to handle smaller tasks or curved panels.

After a ton of research I settled on the 3401 and I am really happy I did.

My reasons (IMHO):

1. Built like a tank. Its been officially named "the beast" for a reason
2. You are not limited to pads, use whatever pad you want and any option will give you results. None of that use my pads and polsihes for best results crap. Rupes pads are not that great either way - many issue with it.
3. You can use it on curved panels and it will never stop spinning.
4. You can use various pads ranging from 4 - 6.5 or 7 inch
5. Its forced rotation

Yes it has a slight learning curve. I was comfortable with it after 1.5 panels and this is only my first ever polisher. This I believe is testament to the machine.

The rupes is smoother yes, but it cannot cover every base in my opinion. You would always need a smaller machine. Most people with Rupes or GG always have a smaller polisher in their arsenal from what I have seen.

Either way - all 3 are good, it comes down to what you want.

You don't have to wait for the new flex long throw - it hasnt gotten great reviews.

Stick to the 3401 as its tried and tested and never let anyone down.

All the best.

[Jimmy Vegas]

Another vote for the 3401. I have a Porter Cable 7424 XP and really like it. However, knowing what I know now (after only about a month and a half with the PC), and getting hands on with the 3401 at a local detailing clinic, I wish I would have bought the Flex. As others have said, there is a bit of a learning curve, but it is minimal, and once you've gotten used to it, it is a hell of a machine.

I'm considering picking up a 3401 in the spring to compliment my PC. The primary benefit of my PC is that I can use 4 inch pads without worry of burning through clear coat if I'm not paying attention. (Some panels on my Juke can't really be done with a larger pad.) So I plan to keep it.

[Thenissanguy]

First thing I'd personally like to share with you.

Time is a valuable asset in all of our lives. So why do two or three steps when you can get exceptional results mastering the tools and products in a one step?

The polishes availabe these days are amazing as are the tools.

My personal pursuit over the past few years has been just that.

To get the absolute best finish in one step. If it means a couple additonal section passes vs doing a complete additional polishing step I'm for the one step every time.

My idea of a two step is the polishing and then applying the LSP.

I have back and neck issues from some car accidents and their is no way I can work on a vehicle for 8-10+ hours and definitely not two days in a row.

I just posted this on another thread.

Why do two polishing steps or more when you can get results like this with one step?

Griot's G21 with 5" BP Plate, Buff and Shine 5" flat orange pad and HD Adapt, start to finish including washing, dressing tires etc approximately 5 hours.



Hammered Chevy Truck, total time 8 hours including washing etc.

Rupes LHR 15 Lake Country Orange Pads Menzerna FG400


Not a swirl or hazing insight afte a one step:

I still can't believe the bird poop didn't etch as I know it was baking there in the Florida sun for weeks.


This is what came out of the paint and why you need to have multiple pads for a job.

I thought that with a one step polish you can remove most of the swirls but not all. I suppose i have to get some hands on time to fully know what a one step can do.
The work you did looks phenomenal, great results for a one step.
I am now leaning towards the flex i guess i just want the newest gadget on the market , that's how i have always been.
Thanks for sharing !

[Thenissanguy]

+1 for the 3401.

I have also considered the Rupes many a time. But it just never fit the bill as my go to polisher. I feel the Rupes always needs a buddy polisher to handle smaller tasks or curved panels.

After a ton of research I settled on the 3401 and I am really happy I did.

My reasons (IMHO):

1. Built like a tank. Its been officially named "the beast" for a reason
2. You are not limited to pads, use whatever pad you want and any option will give you results. None of that use my pads and polsihes for best results crap. Rupes pads are not that great either way - many issue with it.
3. You can use it on curved panels and it will never stop spinning.
4. You can use various pads ranging from 4 - 6.5 or 7 inch
5. Its forced rotation

Yes it has a slight learning curve. I was comfortable with it after 1.5 panels and this is only my first ever polisher. This I believe is testament to the machine.

The rupes is smoother yes, but it cannot cover every base in my opinion. You would always need a smaller machine. Most people with Rupes or GG always have a smaller polisher in their arsenal from what I have seen.

Either way - all 3 are good, it comes down to what you want.

You don't have to wait for the new flex long throw - it hasnt gotten great reviews.

Stick to the 3401 as its tried and tested and never let anyone down.

All the best.

From what i have been reading, i have also found that many Rupe owners have a smaller dual action for the smaller to reach areas. Something i really cant afford right now maybe after i learn the ways of the dual action i will get the itch and buy another toy. The flex has gotten amazing reviews from some of the big names in the detailing industry like Mike. I guess i have been looking into the Rupes line of polishers so much i haven't gotten a chance to read more results/reviews of the flex 3401. I will be reading around the forum a little more and hopefully pull the trigger within the next 2 weeks.

[TTQ B4U]

I mirror a lot of the insight from above.

Get the 3401 and be done with it. It's one of if the the best out there. Love mine. My only regret is not having bought it long before I did. HUGE Time saver and it can polish just about any shaped and type of surface.

AIO wise, HD Speed is an amazing product and one that I won't ever be without. HD Adapt has been discontinued but HD Cut and HD Polish/Speed are out there and amazing stuff too. Key with with adapt and polish is to wipe buff it off after each section. If you leave it on and continue to polish it will become harder to remove. What makes both so good is they finish out among the best out there. Lots of great products to choose from; just don't make things too complicated.

Good luck and have fun with the new hobby :)

[lalojamesliz]

After read this thread I really wanted a flex 3401....... then I saw the price on one! I have a 7424xp right now but maybe later.... :(

[Thenissanguy]

I mirror a lot of the insight from above.

Get the 3401 and be done with it. It's one of if the the best out there. Love mine. My only regret is not having bought it long before I did. HUGE Time saver and it can polish just about any shaped and type of surface.

AIO wise, HD Speed is an amazing product and one that I won't ever be without. HD Adapt has been discontinued but HD Cut and HD Polish/Speed are out there and amazing stuff too. Key with with adapt and polish is to wipe buff it off after each section. If you leave it on and continue to polish it will become harder to remove. What makes both so good is they finish out among the best out there. Lots of great products to choose from; just don't make things too complicated.

Good luck and have fun with the new hobby :)

I guess i have found my answer the 3401 is going to be the best fit for me. I guess its just that the rupes is newer so it just grabbed my attention. I will definitely be looking into HD speed it looks like a great product and the price is right for me. Hope there are some black friday sales for this polisher

Thanks bud ill try not to waist all my money lol

[Kamakaz1961]

I would get the Flex 3401 period! I have my PC7424XP as my mini polisher and LSP applicator. You will not be disappointed with the Flex 3401

[Thenissanguy]

I would get the Flex 3401 period! I have my PC7424XP as my mini polisher and LSP applicator. You will not be disappointed with the Flex 3401

Thanks im sure i will be more than happy with it.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I've had 99% of polishers. The only one I still have is the Flex 3401, along with the Griot's 6" DA. The 3401 definitely takes more effort to control compared to the Rupes, but the forced rotation makes it totally worth it. I've invested in the white 3D lambswool pads, 3D dark and light purple foam spider pads and they all work fantastic with the 3401.

[emmjay]

I guess i have found my answer the 3401 is going to be the best fit for me. I guess its just that the rupes is newer so it just grabbed my attention. I will definitely be looking into HD speed it looks like a great product and the price is right for me. Hope there are some black friday sales for this polisher

Thanks bud ill try not to waist all my money lol

You will not regret it!

If no sale on the polisher itself, there are gift certificate sales which can be used towards a polisher.

Polishers are rarely on "sale" , maybe you could get a kit or the pink one, which is cheaper :P