comparing Rupes new BigFoot LHR 19E rotary to the Flex PE14-2 rotary king of kings

[tattooman]

I just read Mike's recent review of the new Rupes bigfoot LHR 19E rotary and I was impressed with the machine.

Problem is I previously decided on the Flex PE14-2, but fortunately have not bought it yet.

Directly comparing the two I can't see significant differences between them except for the RPM ranges - 450-1700 for Rupes and 600-2100 for the Flex. Since I haven't used any rotary yet I'm wondering if the Rupes represents an "overshoot", so to speak, in exploiting the trend for lower rpms in new rotary models for car paint polishing. I say this because I've seen it before in other product markets - some manufacturer takes a trend too far and ends up with a black sheep product before industry realizes it took a concept to far then abandons the stupid feature/product and returns to making a proper product.

In Mike's review though he supports the ultra-low 450 rpm feature. Unfortunately this has put this question in my mind about which range of rpms is better after taking all into consideration. So it looks to me like the two models are otherwise practically identical, complicating the buy decision. If I could fondle or try running each model I belive the decision might be easy but since I can't do that I just gotta pick one.

The way my brain works I don't like choosing between identically good products. On the other hand I like Flex products based on my 3401 forced DA, the quality is outstanding. But the quality and design of the Rupes appears to be identically outstanding. I also prefer to avoid first release products of any kind, but given Rupes' reputation the Rupes might be a reasonable risk purchase. Unfortunately all this makes me a little crazy because I like to have clear winners for decisions. The last thing you want is going crazy detailing someone's car. Ha !

How might you guys approach this decision if you were in my shoes ? And though it's probably a long shot, if anyone owns both or has used both I'd sure like to hear your thoughts.

If Mike was forced to make the choice himself he may not be able to write about it because they're both great machines and Autogeek sells both.

Maybe this is a case of it doesn't really matter - just flip a coin. I don't like to flip a coin when dropping a whole lot of coins.

Or maybe it's a brand-loyal decision versus a best of breed decision.

I'm not committed to either philosophy because I practice both buying philosophies myself in other areas.

Any thoughts much appreaciated. And if it helps any I'm an "experienced newbie". I haven't heard that classification yet but I think that's where I'm "at" more or less.


:)

[Dr Oldz]

Here is a review I did on the Rupes

Rupes LH19E Rotary review (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/rupes-bigfoot-oribital-polishers/121647-rupes-lh19e-rotary-review.html)


I have both the Flex and the Rupes rotaries. Both are awesome machines and you certainly can’t go wrong with either.

The 450 Rpm range is certainly legit.

I hate the Long cord on the Rupes and that’s my only issue with it. It can be cut and shortened.....ask me how I know. Lol. The trigger on the Rupes is amazing and gives you infinite control.

It would be tough to make a decision but personally I would choose the Rupes for automotive. Perhaps if I was doing automotive with occasional boat or RV buffing I would choose the Flex.

Check the specs out on both. Maybe one has an option or options you like better. Both are indeed great tools and you will NOT regret either choice.

[Mike Phillips]

I just read Mike's recent review of the new Rupes bigfoot LHR 19E rotary and I was impressed with the machine.



For everyone, lurkers and forum members that will read this review into the future, here's the link to my review.

Review: RUPES BigFoot LHR 19E Rotary Polisher by Mike Phillips at Autogeek (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fyay7k3ty)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3597/RUPES_BigFoot_LHR_19E_Rotary_Polisher_001.JPG






If Mike was forced to make the choice himself he may not be able to write about it because they're both great machines and Autogeek sells both.




Here's the deal, I just obtained the RUPES RP a couple of weeks ago, right before we buffed out an aluminum Grumman Van.

Pics & Vids: Grumman Aluminum Van Extreme Makeover! (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions-/121741-pics-vids-grumman-aluminum-van-extreme-makeover.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3758/Alum_GVan_007.JPG



So I have not put hundreds of hours behind the machine yet to be able to make a valid comparison. I HAVE put hundreds, if not thousands of hours behind the FLEX PE14 so I do have a VERY valid opinion of it. I've been using it since it was introduced, in fact FLEX gave me the #2 production unit which is about 4 feet away from me on a shelf with all my other low production tools or beta tools.


Boat Detailing
Tell you what... the really hard buffing for a rotary is when you're buffing out neglected boats, both removing sanding marks or just removing oxidation and I've done a lot of both with the FLEX PE 14 and it can take it.


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/527/800_How_To_Wet_Sand_Cut_and_Buff_Fresh_Gel-Coat_040.jpg


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/527/800_How_To_Wet_Sand_Cut_and_Buff_Fresh_Gel-Coat_044.jpg

Above pics from the ONLY wetsand, cut and buff gel-coat wetsanding project completely documented on the Internet here,

Pictures: 1960 Glastron - Wetsand, Cut & Buff at AutogeekOnline.com (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/boat-detailing-classes-dates-and-info/84567-pictures-1960-glastron-wetsand-cut-buff-autogeekonline-com.html) :laughing:


So if the RUPES can take that kind of torture then it's a contender. If it can't then I'll have to give the edge to the FLEX PE14 but only time will tell, which means I have some hours to invest into the RUPES RP.


:)

[tattooman]

Hi Mike, I look forward to hear more about the 19E as you're able work more hours with it. Dr Oldz, that is great information, after reading your take on the Rupes I like it better than before. I have noticed a significant difference between them but I don't know enough to make a judgement, and that is the difference in gearing design between them. I don't know much about gearing technology so I haven't a clue regarding any tradeoffs between the two designs. But my guess would be that the Flex might be stronger such as in Mike's boat jobs, with the ring gear. A worm gear running on top of a ring gear seems like a good situation for handling torque, but I don't really know. If any of you guys have knowlege about gearing design that could be significant.

[JCDetails]

any reason the L3403 doesn't get as much love as the PE14 or seemingly even the Rupes? Looks like a nice lightweight alternative.

[Mike Phillips]

any reason the L3403 doesn't get as much love as the PE14 or seemingly even the Rupes? Looks like a nice lightweight alternative.



I think it was mentioned above but the lowest RPM option is 1100 RPM

Could just be personal preference, but I usually buff from 400RPM to 1100RPM so I prefer the PE14 and now the RUPES rotary polisher.



:)

[tattooman]

If I go with the Rupes rotary at 600 rpm at low, vs 450 rpm at low for the pe14, will I miss that 150 rpm slower speed difference or wish I had that low range available ?

Can you use a shallow trigger press on the Rupes at the lowest setting to get down to 400 rpm ?

[Dr Oldz]

If I go with the Rupes rotary at 600 rpm at low, vs 450 rpm at low for the pe14, will I miss that 150 rpm slower speed difference or wish I had that low range available ?

Can you use a shallow trigger press on the Rupes at the lowest setting to get down to 400 rpm ?

You have them reversed:

Rupes=450RPM
Flex=600RPM

[DETAILROOKIE]

I'm looking for a rotary to polish around emblems and small tight spots only. Which one would be better for this situation?

I have the Griots G3 with 1 &2 in backing plates and extensions, but I'm scared I will still do some damage with the oscillation.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Autogeekonline mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87407)

[SWETM]

I'm looking for a rotary to polish around emblems and small tight spots only. Which one would be better for this situation?

I have the Griots G3 with 1 &2 in backing plates and extensions, but I'm scared I will still do some damage with the oscillation.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Autogeekonline mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87407)

Flex PE-8 mini rotary :)

[rmagnus]

I personally prefer Flex 14-2 my other rotary is the Dewalt (Bumblebee) which is old school heavy workhorse. Rupes makes a great polisher as well although I have yet used the new 19E.

I doubt most people can tell the difference in 150 rpms in rotation. There are many ways to control the cut other than just rpms.

Keep in mind one of the best combos on a rotary is wool and foam/wool hybrid pads, just amazing vs the DA methodology. Many fear the rotary the 14-2 is so perfectly balanced you can run it with one hand and is much lighter than most other rotary polishers.

IMO every Detailer should have a rotary in their arsenal. Just keep in mind you’ll need some different pads and compounds/polishes to really make the package complete.

[DETAILROOKIE]

Would the Rupes and Flex be a good tool for 1 and 2 inch pads as well? Should I keep it at its lowest speed with those smaller pads?

I would like to learn to use a rotary so I would prefer to get one that can handle al pad size and still be safe enough for a newbie to use.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Autogeekonline mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87407)

[rmagnus]

Would the Rupes and Flex be a good tool for 1 and 2 inch pads as well? Should I keep it at its lowest speed with those smaller pads?

I would like to learn to use a rotary so I would prefer to get one that can handle al pad size and still be safe enough for a newbie to use.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Autogeekonline mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87407)

Get the Flex 14-2, Buy Once Cry Once. That polisher can do it all. The quality today means it really come down to personal preference.

[tattooman]

You have them reversed:

Rupes=450RPM
Flex=600RPM
Oops sorry. Ok same question but reversed, can I run the Flex down to 450 RPM with a partial trigger press ?

[tuscarora dave]

For me, the ability to spin the pad faster has more value than I'd think I'd see on the low end. I did own the PE14-2 and it sure was a sweet polisher for it's light weight and ergonomics. I sold it to get something more HD and recall regretting it a time or 2. I honestly don't think you'll top the build quality of the Flex branded tools. I wasn't impressed with any of the Rupes machines I've tried, considering the price.

They were nice machines, just not worth the money IMO.