Which polisher to get...

[Mirror Detailing]

Which polisher to get... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/22204-polisher-get.html)


I know this has probably been asked a few times, but I could not find the threads...which isnt easy when Polisher as a word comes up a few hundred times a day. But I am trying to decide which polisher to get to add to processes with my Dewalt 849. I hear everyone praise the Flex, but at $300 its a bit more than I am wanting to spend. But which polisher combined with the use of a Dewalt on details would be good?

Been looking at the HD Griots 6" ROP, the Meg. G110v2, and the PC 7424 XP. The PC I keep hearing people say is not that all a great of a buffer. But I am looking for one that I can use to finish out a vehicle after I finish compounding with the rotary. Or for any vehicles I get where I just need to polish out the vehicle.

[ziggo99]

All three would be great choices. The PC is the ole faithful of the group, the G110v2 is very new and there isn't a whole lot of pictures of the work it's done. The Griot's has been out a couple months, but there aren't a lot people nipping at it and letting us know how it goes. I recently got mine, but it's too cold to do anything. Any of the 3 would get the job done for what you're doing.

[DLB]

I use a PCXP for lots of my work. It is a great machine.

DLB

[frosty]

First, for category the PC XP is in, it seems like a fine machine.
I'd check out this video as it does a good comparison.

Flex XC 3401 VRG vs. Porter Cable 7424 (http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/flex_demo.html)

I didn't want to shell out for the flex originally either but finally did. I haven't used the others but Flex seems like it's in a different category than the other DA's.

I've found the results of that video to be accurate. I would imagine other DA's that aren't gear driven to be comparable to the XP.

An hour or two doing a car doesn't sound like that much, but in doing it for me, I kept thinking, I'd be done by now if I would have just paid more.

Plus I plan on experimenting with different polishes etc on Junk panels and time is important. It may not be if you are only using it on a car once a year.

Just ask yourself if time is important to you and also if you want a machine that's just a notch below a rotary such as the 3401 or if you're ok with a DA and it's capabilities.

Again for me Time was important but I tried to reason it wasn't as important as $200 extra. However after a week, I realized it was.

The downside for me is there isn't an adapter to use the small LCS pads with the Flex 3401 so I ended up with two machines.

P.S. I should add, not a bad idea to end up with both. Start out with the Griot's or PC XP, get a feel for running them and then if you want more either get the 3401 or a Rotary and you have all a great setup.

[Mirror Detailing]

See I already have the Dewalt 849 for all and any corrections that I may need. I just would prefer to get a DA to replace having to both compound then polish with a rotary then finish with a extra 3rd stage that does nothing but remove the very minor buffer tracks that are still left.

So with that in mind, I know the flex is the best, but the Griots/PC/Meg's cant be to far behind for what I need them for...thats more or less my question.

[RaskyR1]

I have the Dewalt and Makita rotary, Flex 3401, PC, and PCXP....If you already have a rotary then I'd say anyone of the three DA's is fine (PCXP, Griots, G110v2). The Flex 3401 is definitely a little faster, but it also handles differently and some may not like the feel of it.

Most people also buy the Flex 3401 because they want to get correction close to that of a rotary without the risk of using one. You already have the rotary so correction ability and speed are not an issue for you. I'd say save your money and get one of the more affordable DA's and use the extra money for new pads! :props:

[Mike Phillips]

Been looking at the,


Griot's 6" ROP
Meg. G110v2
PC 7424 XP



I've used all of these and have been using the first Generation PC's since they were introduced and here's my take for what it's worht...

All 3 are capable of removing swirls effectively after compounding with a rotary buffer and all three are capable of removing normal wear-and-tear deterioration out of neglected daily drivers.

The Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher has the most usable power out of all 3, it has a 7 Amp, 850 Watt motor and not only have I used this thing but I've shown it to a lot of people and to date everyone I've showed it to that has experience with other dual action polishers is impressed with it's power.

That said, one thing for sure, the Porter Cable name has a recognized long history for a tool that will last and last through years of abuse. The GG ROP comes with a lifetime warranty so that does make up for being the new kid on the block but it doesn't have the long track recored the PC comes with. I think the Meguiar's warranty is 1 year so you're covered with peace-of-mind while you put it to work on your car detailing project.

So anyone thinking of buying one of these types of polishers should consider them all capable machine with the ability to remove swirls and scratches. So besides the technical aspects, maybe evaluate yourself and decide your expectations for service life of the tool and customer service after the sale.

If when a tool break on you that tends to really upset you, then maybe look for an option with a known track recored. If having the most power is what you want without going to a Flex 3401 or a rotary buffer, then maybe look at the GG ROP.

I've used the Meguiar's v2 and I think it is the smoothest running polisher out of the three and I really like the slow rev-up feature and the cruise control circuit does work as claimed.


It is a touch choice because they all get the job done.

For what it's worth, not sure where you heard this,




The PC I keep hearing people say is not that all a great of a buffer.




But in my opinion, that's bad information, the old PC's have a stellar reputation and the new XP model is a brute.


:)

(UpsetUpset - For search engine purposes)

[Rebelranger]

One of my friends who got me into this swears by the PCXP until he tried my Griots on Saturday and now he thinks the Griots is really great!!
So I'll vote for the Griots..

[Mirror Detailing]

Thanks, so thats what I figured its just going to come down to which ever I finally decide to go with, and the warrenty is dam good information to know.

Also Mike, when I said everyone say's that its not all that great of a buffer, I meant that from here. When compared to all 4, PC always comes in last with people saying its just doesnt correct that well. Granted some saying that might be meaning it, in the light that they dont have a rotary to correct with.

Odd's are, with you saying the GG's ROP has the most usable power, and you feel to be the most confortable, plus I like the Heavy Duty feature that has a 25' cord, really makes it even more worth it.

[Mike Phillips]

Also Mike, when I said everyone says that its not all that great of a buffer, I meant that from here.

When compared to all 4, PC always comes in last with people saying its just doesn't correct that well. Granted some saying that might be meaning it, in the light that they don't have a rotary to correct with.




Check.

Just to note, in my comparison I'm only comparing apples to apples, so tools with Free Rotating Spindle Assemblies to other tools with Free Rotating Spindle Assemblies, not Direct Drive Circular Polishers.

Free Rotating Spindle Assemble = PC 7424XP, GG ROP and Meguiar's G110v2, GG 3" Mini Polisher and all the variants in days gone by.

Direct Drive Circular Polisher - Makita 9227C, Dewalt 849, Flex 603 and Flex 3403

Hybrid = Flex 3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher

Dual Head Random Orbital Polisher = Cyclo Polisher (Doesn't really fit into any of the above groups exactly)


And for all the lurkers that will ever read this thread,


Best of class electric polishers


Porter Cable 7424XP
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2079_19361587 (http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html)
Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2082_51824580 (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-orbital-polisher.html)

Meguiar's G110v2
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2082_66319314 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-dual-action-polisher-g110.html)

Cyclo Polisher
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2081_17206523 (http://www.autogeek.net/cyclo-polisher.html)

Flex 3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2081_12383558 (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html)

Flex 3403 Lightweight Rotary Buffer
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2081_12136977 (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-l3403vrg-rotary-polisher.html)

Flex 630 Rotary Buffer
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2081_12303516 (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-lk603vvb-circular-polisher.html)

Makita 9227C Rotary Buffer
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2080_55977606 (http://www.autogeek.net/ma927po.html)

DeWalt 849 Rotary Buffer

Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2081_70978319 (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-orbital-polisher.html)



Here's a Quick Reference List that will take you to the different categories of products related to machine polishing
Electric Buffers (http://www.autogeek.net/bupo.html) - Main Landing Page for everything in this list.
Buffing Pads for Dual Action Polishers (http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-foam-pads.html)
Buffing Pads for Rotary Buffers (http://www.autogeek.net/rotary-foam-pads.html)
Buffing Pads and Accessories for the Cyclo Polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/cyclo-foam-pads.html)
Bonnets (http://www.autogeek.net/temibo.html)
Hook And Loop Backing Plates (http://www.autogeek.net/backingplates.html)
Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer (http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-universal-pad-washer.html) - Foam Pads and Wool Pads - All Machines
Autogeek System 2000 Pad Washer for Rotary Polishers (http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-universal-pad-washer.html) Wool Pads and Rotary Buffers
Brinkman Maxfire Dual Xenon Rechargeable Spotlight (http://www.autogeek.net/brinkmann-swirl-finder-light.html)
Autogeek Detailer’s Tool Bag (http://www.autogeek.net/autogeek-detailer-s-tool-bag.html)
Pinnacle Detailer’s Tool Bag (http://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-detail-tool--bag.html)
Wolfgang Detailer's Tool Bag (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-detail-tool-bag.html)
Defelsko PosiTest DFT Combo Electronic Paint Thickness Gauge (http://www.autogeek.net/paint-thickness-gauge.html)
DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator (http://www.autogeek.net/dp730.html)
Defelsko PosiTest DFT Combo Electronic Paint Thickness Gauge (http://www.autogeek.net/paint-thickness-gauge.html)
Foam Pad Conditioning Brush (http://www.autogeek.net/padtool.html)
Duo Spur Wool & Foam Pad Cleaning Tool (http://www.autogeek.net/spur100.html)
Pinnacle XMT Polishing Pad Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-pad-cleaner.html)
Pinnacle XMT Polishing Pad Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt--pad-conditioner.html)



:)

[HighEndDetail]

I am going to get the griot's sometime this year, to replace my pc. I use my 3401 flex 90% of the time. And sometimes I like to use the smaller pc. So I am going to upgrade to the griot's .

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Today I ordered the Griots 6" ROP. :dblthumb2:

[Nappers]

I don't think you could go wrong with either. I have a G100 (PC7335) and it works great once I dialed in my technique which was an adventure and can't imagine what more power with a newer machine would do for me, not that more power necessarily better for one with limited experience.....

I am just waiting to read reviews on the G110 V2 and decide later.....

If AG sells it, I'm sure they are great machines, otherwise they wouldn't sell it.....

[RaskyR1]

I don't think you could go wrong with either. I have a G100 (PC7335) and it works great once I dialed in my technique which was an adventure and can't imagine what more power with a newer machine would do for me, not that more power necessarily better for one with limited experience.....

I am just waiting to read reviews on the G110 V2 and decide later.....

If AG sells it, I'm sure they are great machines, otherwise they wouldn't sell it.....

KB posted a nice review of the G110v2 :props:

[Rsurfer]

I am going to get the griot's sometime this year, to replace my pc. I use my 3401 flex 90% of the time. And sometimes I like to use the smaller pc. So I am going to upgrade to the griot's .
You won't be sorry Ed. It's a joy to use with a 4" pad on pillars, bumpers (acutally the whole bumper) and the small angles and curves. :dblthumb2: