Looking to upgrade from the PC

[schambers]

Looking for recommendations on a new DA. Would keep the PC in use but as a dedicated 3". Pads I have on-hand are 5.5' Hybrids and 5.5" Thinpro's. Would be hard for me (not saying impossible) to buy all new pads to accommodate a new DA, but it would take some time. Have been doing my best to read as many threads as possible when DA's are talked about but I know I've missed plenty. So if you were to jump up from a PC, what would you get and why? Pro's and Con's?

Open to any of these:
Flex 3401
Griots Boss
Makita
Rupes

Greatly appreciate your feedback....


Gene

[RippyD]

Will read the replies with great interest. Doubt I can justify an upgrade over my GG6, which is more than adequate for my non-pro needs. But interested in what I would move to.

Those who recommend an upgrade, would be great if you could specify 15 or 21 and why. Not clear to me which I would want.

[Kamakaz1961]

Looking for recommendations on a new DA. Would keep the PC in use but as a dedicated 3". Pads I have on-hand are 5.5' Hybrids and 5.5" Thinpro's. Would be hard for me (not saying impossible) to buy all new pads to accommodate a new DA, but it would take some time. Have been doing my best to read as many threads as possible when DA's are talked about but I know I've missed plenty. So if you were to jump up from a PC, what would you get and why? Pro's and Con's?

Open to any of these:
Flex 3401
Griots Boss
Makita
Rupes

Greatly appreciate your feedback....


Gene

I started with the PC and still use it. I use the 3" and 4" pads and use it mainly for my LSP step. I looked and was considering many DA's, however, I went with the Flex 3401. The reason being because it was the only "forced Rotational Orbit" DA (that I assume has changed). All others were free float and not to say anything wrong with them, they are ALL free floating DA's.

To me it was the best thing I did for upgrading. The Flex is a Beast and can tackle any detailing with ease and can complete any compound/polishing in 1/2 the time. It will keep on going even on a curved panel (work on a Porsche 911 for example) and chug away. Again, that is me. I do not know what you want to accomplish, however, that would be something I would seriously consider.

I know there is the Boss, Rupes and many others, but I would look into this one as something you should put on the top of your list.

[dlc95]

Rupes or Flex 3401.

Even the Duetto from Rupes is a pretty significant jump in performance. I personally can't see the advantage other the 21 over the 12 at this point. The shop I help out has the 21 molded.

The Flex 3401 features gear driven, forced rotation. It's kind of like a rotary buffer, but a lot easier for the novice.

They're definitely pro grade tools, and help in the journey to beautiful paint. They're both smoother, and quiter.

[custmsprty]

Their are so many threads already out there on this subject, here's a few that came up when I used search with upgrade da polisher

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-tools-accessories/104980-looking-upgrade-porter-cable.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/111103-rupes-lhr75-experience.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/110033-flex-3401-flex-xfe7-15-a.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2016-older-product-reviews-mike-phillips/92251-griot-s-garage-new-boss-paint-polishing-system.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/102781-one-polisher-rule-them-all.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/106300-another-polisher.html

[idriveblackcars]

My vote would also be Rupes. Great tools and a complete polishing system. With all the pad and polish choices Rupes makes it easy even for non pros.

[PaulMys]

Yeah, this is kind of a "read, read, and read some more" to make your choice type of deal.

All depends on your personal needs.

[custmsprty]

Here's another one:

Flex vs Rupes

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2017-new-car-detailing-how-article-mike-phillips/108729-flex-3401-rupes-question-i-get-asked-lot-mike-phillips.html

[VISITOR]

get the BOSS G15 or G21 (both these can use their interchangeable 5" & 6" backing plates which will allow you to use different size pads), keep the PC dedicated for the smaller pad setup...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtpgZV9vL1A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8eIKCHq72A

[WillSports3]

I would suggest a rupes 15 mk II. It's a great machine, powerful, smooth but also you can use your thin pro pads. A lot of people will suggest getting the whole rupes system but I'm personally not a fan of rupes polishes. I prefer less oily and more water based but again, personal opinion.

[Mike@ShineStruck]

I'd typically say G21 with a 5in BP
But leaning towards the Makita PO5000c now adays
Get the Griot HD 3in Backing plate for your PC

[AZpolisher15]

Do you do this for money? Or just your own vehicles as a hobby?

[dlc95]

Rupes or Flex 3401.

Even the Duetto from Rupes is a pretty significant jump in performance. I personally can't see the advantage other the 21 over the 12 at this point. The shop I help out has the 21 molded.

The Flex 3401 features gear driven, forced rotation. It's kind of like a rotary buffer, but a lot easier for the novice.

They're definitely pro grade tools, and help in the journey to beautiful paint. They're both smoother, and quiter.

And to explain why...

Being realistic, I could probably do everything I need to between my Makita 9237, and Porter Cable 7424xp. With the Lake Country Purple Thin Foamed Wool, and the myriad of microfiber pads available on the market, the Porter Cable can reach pretty far into the correction territory in pretty efficient time. Obviously the PC can spin 5.5" pads with no issue, so in my book, that makes it a very versatile tool. No to mention that I can also scrub carpets with it too.

For those bigger/harder jobs, the Makita rotary with wool Meguiar's pads can handle all that, and be followed with the PC.

I got that Idea from Mike Phillips. Made a ton of sense.

The reason I went with Rupes, was because they're great innovators, and manufacturers. They control everything in house, and they made a high performance tool with a body style that I especially enjoy using (LHR12E Duetto). The first product I ever used from Rupes was their microfiber pads. From then on I was hooked.

It hasn't been all champagne and roses though. Many a time I thought I'd have to sell the machine. From not understanding that the anti-spin shroud needed to stay lubricated, from not understanding how to prime their pads, to excessive dusting due to overpriming/overloading their microfiber pads.... It too me a good while (cars) to get it down. Now that I have a good grasp, I've been using the system in both my retail business, and at a friend's production shop, and it's been a phenomenal difference.

I had the Flex, and sold it. However, I'm in the market for another one. Like Rupes, Flex builds their tools themselves, and does a great job with it. I always found the 3401 to be really smooth, and comfortable to use. A true blend of rotary power, and random orbital "safety" makes it a great choice for people wanting to bridge that gap of rotary and random orbitals.

[VISITOR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em3wePHNE3I

if you aren't going to be using a polisher very often and maybe use it a few times a year then the GG6 would be a good choice. it's smoother and more ergonomic than the PC, has more power/torque, and a far better choice than the PC. check out this write-up by mike...

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2017-new-car-detailing-how-article-mike-phillips/111332-here-s-what-you-need-get-into-machine-polishing-recommendations-beginner-mike-phillips.html


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eQB4wb1L0Q

[RippyD]

What's the risk with a Flex? I'm concerned that as a newbie non-pro it has the potential to burn through clear on high spots/ridges. The other machine will slow down or stop when you hit those areas. Hard to get them done, but also safer. Valid concern? Not that big of a deal?