Getting a Flex or PC ?

[jmark]

I am thinking of a PC 7424 starter kit or stepping up to the Flex XC3401.

I currently detail my own vehicles (http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361174#) some of which or garaged and some that aren't. I have my Silver Nismo 350Z, son's Black Xterra, wifes blue Miata and our Honda (http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361174#) Pilot.

The Xterra & Pilot are outside. I am using the following products so far and I am pretty happy with the results.

Pinnacle Car (http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361174#) Wash Shampoo
Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
Pinnacle Signature Series (http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361174#) II Wax (Probably only use on the Z after doing the steps below.)

I washed my son's Black Xterra last weekend then used the Pinnacle Paint Cleansing Lotion followed by the Wolfgang DG paint Sealant. Really looks nice except for a few minor inperfections in the hood (looks like bird crap etching or water spots). My question is would the Porter Cable 7424 or Flex XC3401 speed up the process and help save my back? Basically waxing the car twice by hand is a killer. What do you think? Other options to help me out? Do all the new Flex XC3401 come with the improved backing plate?

[ScottB]

The Flex is a natural progression from the PC for most hobbist to something more powerful and less time consuming. If I had the choice, I would likely have skipped the PC/UDM and went to the Flex. But can honestly say my 5 year old PC did me right many times.

[Jimmie]

The Flex or PC will give you a lot more options on what you can use to correct your paint. They won't always save big blocks of time but should save your back/arms.

[Dust2Glory]

if your gonna go, go with the flex... yes the flex's have the new BP. Go with 5.5" lc pads and menz SIP and 106ff for your polishes!!

[jmark]

if your gonna go, go with the flex... yes the flex's have the new BP. Go with 5.5" lc pads and menz SIP and 106ff for your polishes!!Does the newest BP take different size pads?

[02CAMSS]

Get the flex.I have the PC and it takes forever to correct paint.

[ScottB]

Does the newest BP take different size pads?


not really, same size and hook/loop design. Using pads smaller will damage finish especially if you slip. Edge does make an adapter and sells it direct currently, they actually machine the adapter into the backing plate.

[jmark]

So the 5.5" BP takes 5.5" LC Pads?

[killrflake]

I have both the PC and the Flex and in my opinion the Flex goes to another level above the PC. If price is important, then the PC is still a great machine, but if you can swing the price, go for the Flex and consider the Edge pad system and their Flex adapter. You won't be disapointed. I'm wasn't.

[Marc08EX]

Flex all the way! I recently acquired the Flex and it blows the PC away! It acts like a PC on steroids and it has a much more powerful correction ability! It cuts your time significantly. It's also easy to learn so go ahead man!

[jmark]

So does the 5.5" BP use the 5.5" or 6.5" LC pads?

[Largebore]

Dunno if I want to take a chance on the "FLex" and then have to go deal with the importer to get it fixed...

[94LT1]

If u dont want to spend the money the PC is deffinetly a good machine to get.I love mine.if i detail a few more cars and put some money away ill by another as a back up incase this 1 burns up.

[jmark]

Flex seems to be well backed from what I have read here.

[MadOzodi]

So does the 5.5" BP use the 5.5" or 6.5" LC pads?

It can accomodate either, but I would advise you use the 6.5" LC pads as that extra 1/2" on either side of the BP provides a safety cushion should you slip and hit a side-view mirror or wiper blade, etc. A 5.5" pad would increase the chances of the BP directly hitting something.