Rupes Mini a worthy addition or a waste?

[travis2375]

I have a Flex 3401 and a Flex PE14-2. I think the 3401 is smooth and easy to use, I have the 4", 4.5" and 5.5" backing plates, and use 4"- 6.5" pads. I use the PE14 with the lake country extensions and 1"-3" pads mostly, but also for larger pads occasionally.

I like trying new detailing products and am currently chasing the highest level of gloss possible on a Florett Silver Metallic Audi.

Since I haven't used an orbital machine since I traded in the PC for the 3401 years ago I have started to ask myself if I'm missing something from these new Rupes machines. I would like to try a Rupes out, but I think I have all the pad sizes covered with my 3401 and PE14 combo, and I'm not complaining about the difficulty of use of the Flex machines, they are smooth enough for me.

I thought about trying the Rupes Mini so that I could have a 3" machine with an orbit instead of the rotary. Thinking this would come in handy in smaller areas and produce a better finish. But after extensive research I think the Mini would just be a waste.

Would the Rupes Mini finish better in smaller areas than my PE14 with a 3" pad?

Would the Mini finish as well or better than the 3401 on a Hard Silver Audi paint?

Would the Mini be a worthy addition or a waste?

[Rsurfer]

I alway's grab the mini and I have all the machines you have.

IMO you will be hard pressed to improve silver paint no matter what machine you use.

[travis2375]

Do you 'always grab the Mini' because of the finish it provides, or the ease of use? Little of both? Do you get a better finish with your 3401 or Mini?

[Rsurfer]

Do you 'always grab the Mini' because of the finish it provides, or the ease of use? Little of both? Do you get a better finish with your 3401 or Mini?
I use it for the curves that a 5 or 6 inch pad cannot get into.

You seem to be concerned with what will finish better. Using the same pad and polish, you will not be able to tell the difference especially on silver paint.

[The Guz]

I had one for a little while and sold it for a flex PXE 80. The Rupes is nice but it stalled too much. I don’t miss the Rupes at all.

I will eventually pick up a corded 3 inch polisher but it will be the flex. I hear it’s a better machine.

Unless Rupes does something for SEMA this year with their polishers.

[dlc95]

I like, not love my Rupes tools. I use my Porter Cable more than I use the 21, duetto, mini, and nano.

If I were in your shoes, invested with Flex, I'd stay with Flex. That's where I'm heading.

[fly07sti]

I have the Rupes mini and it is smooth but it is prone to stalling. I use a 3” BP on my GG6 more often. I recently picked ups Flex Pixie and I must say that I am smitten with it. Does circles around the Rupes mini IMO.