To buy or not to buy?

[Jomax]

I posted question on a Flex 3401 Vs a 7424xp. In the end I found that the flex would be better for my needs with my scratched truck. Well I bought a new Ford focus with the Tri coat pearl white. I really need to protect this car and now that I have it I don't think I'll ever need to use a flex on it. My question is would it be a good move to buy the porter cackle first then the flex later on? Is it a good thing to have two machines? I know the PC won't work as fast as a Fle, but if it's faster then my hand and been proven I would make it work. Thoughts and opinions wanted and welcomed. Thanks

[Setec Astronomy]

Ergonomically the Flex has some advantages with the trigger, but it's a little more difficult to use because of the forced rotation. It's also a little more inconvenient to change backing plates (even with the new systems) and there is less selection. With the MF pads I think most people are ok with a PC/G110/GG as far as correction. I have a lot of machines but if I was going to have just one, weighing cost, etc., I'd go for the regular DA.

[Danube]

Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.

[Bunky]

Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.

The Flex will likely give you more satisfying results quicker. It can be less sensitive to technique as with a lesser powered unit - just hold it flat to the paint, guide it, less need to think about pressure and speed, and let it do its business.

[Vegas Transplant]

Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.


The Flex will likely give you more satisfying results quicker. It can be less sensitive to technique as with a lesser powered unit - just hold it flat to the paint, guide it, less need to think about pressure and speed, and let it do its business.


+1. Sage advice.


I don't own a flex, and probably never will - but agree with what they said.

[BobbyG]

A dual action polisher is a great tool to have and will serve you well for many years providing you use it as intended.

While a new vehicle shouldn't need as much initial care as one that's seen sun, rain, and miles of driving they still can be in need of some TLC to keep them looking great. Whether a Flex 3401 or Porter cable 7424xp, both are capable of performing full paint corrections and yes, even on your new Ford Focus.

Either machine will compound, polish, and are right at home applying sealants and waxes. Combined with the right product and pad combinations there's almost nothing that you cannot do....

Of the two machines you mention, I'd recommend the Porter Cable 7424xp for you...


Porter Cable 7424xp (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)
Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)
Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)


Here's some great information that will help you if you need it.


Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)

[mwoolfso]

I was in a similar position this summer and spent a number of weeks going back and forth myself. I purchased a new car in May and one side of me said I won't need all of the nifty benefits a 3401 has over a 7424xp for quite a number of years.

If it was just my 2 cars (2010 and 2012 models), then I would have chosen the 7424xp since the pain condition was very good to excellent. I figured I would be working on family & friends automobiles; which are nowhere near what I have. Ultimately, I went with the 3401.

I hope this process I went through helps you.

[tuscarora dave]

I had to buy a second 3401 because when I hire a helper for the day they can never figure out how to keep the pad rotating on a traditional DA so I give them the 3401 and they are in like flynn. I got tired of all the horsing around trying to get something done with the traditional DA as well so I saw it as a necessity to have a second 3401. I have much more to get done than just my cars though. Pro or driveway detailer, I recommend the 3401.

[Alvin]

PC

[eaglefan]

Have a GG. Just got a flex. Night and day difference. Flex is easier to use and you dont have to work it, it works itself. Best investment so far.

[Danube]

Also, you can put it this way: buying a PC wil do the job .. as any small 4 cylinder car would take you from A to B.

Small car feels all the bumps on the road + 4 cylinder works harder to achieve a same speed (say 100Km p/h).

3401 is like a big, comfortable V8 with plenty of space, it takes you from A to B, but you enjoy the trip, every moment of it, as it has comfort, powerful air-conditioner and lots of space ... and the V8 engine runs effortlessly while doing the 100Km p/hour.

It's your choice above all.

[Jomax]

Why buy twice? Get the right tool now and get 3401. I don't agree it's more difficult to use then the DA as long as you are able to find a sweet spot and your own way as to how to control the power offered. After that everything is like a breeze.

Reason I thought of two was I want to get my brother into this. I would learn on maybe the PC jump the the 3401 and have him on the PC. Thoughts?

[eaglefan]

One of the reasons I got the flex was in case of breakage. I was halfway thru a polish and it hit me. What if the GG went down now? Im screwed! Sure not going to do it by hand. maybe it was my way of justifing getting another polisher

[alko]

A dual action polisher is a great tool to have and will serve you well for many years providing you use it as intended.

While a new vehicle shouldn't need as much initial care as one that's seen sun, rain, and miles of driving they still can be in need of some TLC to keep them looking great. Whether a Flex 3401 or Porter cable 7424xp, both are capable of performing full paint corrections and yes, even on your new Ford Focus.

Either machine will compound, polish, and are right at home applying sealants and waxes. Combined with the right product and pad combinations there's almost nothing that you cannot do....

Of the two machines you mention, I'd recommend the Porter Cable 7424xp for you...


Porter Cable 7424xp (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)
Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)
Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)

Here's some great information that will help you if you need it.


Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)



^ AG REALLY needs to hire this guy!

[Jacob Perry]

One of the reasons I got the flex was in case of breakage. I was halfway thru a polish and it hit me. What if the GG went down now? Im screwed! Sure not going to do it by hand. maybe it was my way of justifing getting another polisher

The GG has a lifetime warrenty. No other buffer has that.