Need info quickly for Rupes polishers

[Calendyr]

Hey guys,

I placed an order for a Bigfoot 21 Rupes Polisher with the idea of putting my 5" backing plate on it.

After someone on the forum told me I need to use Rupes' backing plate I went to place an order for it but it says it's designed specifically for the Bigfoot 15ES.

Can I use that backing plate on the 21?

Thanks!

[Setec Astronomy]

Yes, people are doing that...I think that's the major reason AG is carrying the BP's, even though they officially don't endorse using the 5" backing plate on the 6" machine.

[zmcgovern45]

Yes - the Rupes 5" BP is perfectly fine on the LHR21ES machine.

[Calendyr]

Thanks guys!

[Evan.J]

I just did a car last week with the 15 BP on the 21 and that combo is great

[swanicyouth]

Is the Rupes much less fatiguing than a GG6?

[Evan.J]

Very little pressure and effort is needed in this machine.

[kevincwelch]

I contacted Rupes specifically about this question. Here is their reply:



Hi Kevin,
about the back plate swapping, we allow (but not suggest) to use the 5” on the LHR21, you can have some more vibrations but we allow people doing this and the machine it’s still warranty covered. Instead, using the 6” on the LHR15 has not been technically tested so we cannot guarantee the proper functioning. Each machine is designed to work with its own back plate, so any changes could affect the performance and balance of the machine (dimensions and weights of back plates are different).

I hope I was clear in my explanation despite of my non perfect English!

[kevincwelch]

Is the Rupes much less fatiguing than a GG6?

I started off with the GG6 and bought the Rupes 15 also. There is a world of difference. So much less vibration when using the Rupes. It's also quieter.

[KillaCam]

Is the Rupes much less fatiguing than a GG6?

It's like night and day compared to my pc. Never used to gg6 though. I actually enjoying polishing now! You really don't have to put but a few pounds of pressure on the machine.

[Detailing by M]

Is the Rupes much less fatiguing than a GG6?

Yes!
The Rupes will "polish by itself"
and Griot's will give you carpel tunnel syndrome in a year.

[nezff]

Would there be a reason to get the 21 over the 15? I have new unused LC foam and Meguiars MF 5 and 5.5 pads. Being that the 15 is $40-$45 cheaper right now with the sale, what does the 21 offer especially since I would be using the 5 inch BP.

Gettting the 21 would mean, buying the backing plate which is $40 more making the unit $373. That's roughly $75 more than the 15 now.

I understand im getting a longer throw with the 21, that's a given. I spoke to Kevin on the phone yesterday trying to make my decision easier, but he more or less said the 21 is night and day different over the 15.

[zmcgovern45]

The longer throw allows for quicker and easier correction. That is the main benefit.

[Wheelzntoys]

Would there be a reason to get the 21 over the 15? I have new unused LC foam and Meguiars MF 5 and 5.5 pads. Being that the 15 is $40-$45 cheaper right now with the sale, what does the 21 offer especially since I would be using the 5 inch BP.

I understand im getting a longer throw with the 21, that's a given. I spoke to Kevin on the phone yesterday trying to make my decision easier, but he more or less said the 21 is night and day different over the 15.

If you spoke to the man 'Kevin', I believe you should have enough info already to make a decision.

Only thing is looking at your budget which will be up to you.

[BMWguy206]

Would there be a reason to get the 21 over the 15? I have new unused LC foam and Meguiars MF 5 and 5.5 pads. Being that the 15 is $40-$45 cheaper right now with the sale, what does the 21 offer especially since I would be using the 5 inch BP.

Gettting the 21 would mean, buying the backing plate which is $40 more making the unit $373. That's roughly $75 more than the 15 now.

I understand im getting a longer throw with the 21, that's a given. I spoke to Kevin on the phone yesterday trying to make my decision easier, but he more or less said the 21 is night and day different over the 15.


I was on the same boat deciding if I should get the 15 or 21. I ended up with the 15 because right now I'm just a DIY'er and plan on detailing just a handful of cars. I was thinking about doing the 5in BP on the 21 but I really wanted to avoid vibrations. If AG has another sale and if I like how the 15 performs, then I might be getting a Rupes 21.

Here's a link of Paul Dalton of Miracle Detail has to say about getting the 15 and 21. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/58862-ongoing-rupes-review-all-opinions-welcome-5.html#post795029