Best DA Polisher for Beginner

[motors]

Hi all,
Apoligies if this post is the wrong area. I am a newbie when it comes to detailing althought I have watched enough of Mike Philips videos to educate myself on the different types of polishers, pads and what product to use . When is comes to the DA Polishers, what is the brand that is most preferred for begineers. I know everyone will have a different opinion but I am hoping to get a concensus.. PC, Mequires , Girots... Flex... I have read Flex to be a good choice but I hoping to get a better price point..

Any advise, opions?

Feed back please

[snowking724]

I started with a PC. It worked great and I enjoyed using it a few times. I found a great deal on a Flex a while later and after using it thought I should have bought one in the first place.

[BobbyG]

I still have my first dual action polisher and it works well to this day....

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/BobbyG53/Camry%20Detail/CamryDetailDay-03.jpg

Porter Cable 7424

A perfect match!


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 by Mike Phillips that will help you.


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)
How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/35292-how-prime-foam-pad-when-using-da-polisher.html)
DA Polisher Articles - Help for Newbies to Machine Polishing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/38399-da-polisher-articles-help-newbies-machine-polishing.html)
How to MAXIMIZE your DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-your-da-polisher.html)

[Bigbull2984]

For a beginner you cant go wrong with one of the big 3; Megs, Griots, or PC.

I personally like the Megs GV110, I would grab that with a 5in backing plate and six pack of LC flat pads, and one 3 pack LC Hydro tech pads.

I take it this is for personal use?

[Hades02]

I actually was in the same boat 4 years ago. I came to the decision that I did not want to buy the cheaper ones and then upgrade to a flex (now possibly rupes) So I bit the bullet and bought the flex 3401. Glad that I did because my next step was to step up to a rotary but the flex made it not necessary since I only do this as a hobby. I did just order the 4 inch back plate for it and am now ordering the griots 3 inch for those very tight spots. Lots of folks are getting great results with the PC, Megs, and Griots, just takes a little longer.

[UCD]

GG 6" then Rupes :)

[Sunshyne]

GG 6" is really strong for its class and economical.

[Klasse Act]

I consider myself a beginner and I use both of the GG machines, the 3" & 6" and I've been very happy with them. I have some aggressive swirls to tackle as soon as the weather breaks and to help me I've bought the LC cyan blue pad and Meg's M101, looking forward to my GG machines going to the next level.

GG offers a lifetime warrenty as well, can't go wrong there, not to mention their great customer service!

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online

[poweraid]

I started with gg6 , did my first correction with it and got infected with the AG virus . got myself a flex 3401 soon after. I love the power of the flex for correction and I use gg6 and gg3 for smaller areas and for wax and sealant applications . few thousand dollars later , I now have the pe-14 , but for me there is a learning curve that I'm working through with .

[Dougw4355]

I started with a Flex DA,,Then bought a Griots 6 inch I hardly ever reach for the flex anymore

[ihaveacamaro]

GG 6" then Rupes :)

Yes! This is what I would recommend to!

[Hoytman]

For a beginner you cant go wrong with one of the big 3; Megs, Griots, or PC.
Great answer! :xyxthumbs: It's a personal thing, really.



I personally like the Megs GV110V2, I would grab that with a 5in backing plate and six pack of LC flat pads, and one 3 pack LC Hydro tech pads.

Another great suggestion. :dblthumb2:

[swanicyouth]

Get a Griots GG6. It has the power to spin 6.5" pads, and has the versatility to use pads as small as 3". I don't believe a Flex or Rupes can use pads that small.

When using my Griots, I may jump from a 6.5" pad to a 3" pad, depending on the area I'm working on. Using the right size pad really helps. You'd be amazed how many areas require 3-4" pads on newer or sports cars. Also, sometimes, like on hoods, using a 6.5" pad can speed things up if your just doing minor correction or applying glaze or wax.

The advantage the Griots has is that it has the power to easily spin large pads. The other two machines (PC / Meg's) tend to bog down easier. The Griots even has the power to correct glass with the right pads and polish. A PC may be more reliable, but the Griots does come with a lifetime warranty - others I believe is one year.

Using a different size pad is as easy as unscrewing the backing plate. I was a PC user for years, but I switched to a Griots when they redesigned them and were selling them for $99. I'm very happy with it. And it's smooth and powerful for me.

If I was starting all over, I would want to start with a Rupes. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the 15 or the 21 can be used with a 3" backing plate (none made ?) - and that would be a deal breaker for me. I use 3-4" pads 40% of the time.

As for the Flex, I've never used it. But if your doing this has a hobby (occasionally) and are just starting out, for the price of a new Flex, you can get a Griots DA, multiple backing plates and pads, polishes, etc... - everything you need.

[Pureshine]

If your not planing it as a business then PC or GG6. If you are the spend the money on Rupes.

[Robert8194]

I would have to go with the Griots. It has more power than the PC and has lifetime warranty. The PC seems more durable but with the warranty, does it really matter. They are both great entry level machines. Is the Flex 3401 better? It ahold be for the price difference. I have had a chance to try most of the machines at Mike's classes. Haven't tried the Rupes yet but looking forward to at the next class. I own the PC, GG, Flex 3401, Flex PE-14 and the Cyclo. They all have there place.