6.5" pads vs 5" pads

[Dan_335i]

is the only differenece between the pads is the 6/5" pads cover a bigger area?

[swanicyouth]

In the physical sense - yes. However, without spouting out a bunch of numbers I don't remember, 5 or 5.5" pads have much less mass and surface area and tend to spin better on standard DAs for correction. The exception is the Griots 6" and the Flex 3401 - neither have a problem spinning 6.5" pads.

[ski2]

While my GG DA has the power to handle the 6.5" pads, 5.5" pads are more effective as there is less surface area/mass for the polisher to move. Also, 5.5" pads cost less and are better suited for polishing on curved and in tighter spaces.

[KS_Detailing]

the 6.5 are also thicker. The 5.5" are a low profile.

[parttimer]

It also has lots to do with correction power. Someone had some magic formula about how down force is different with each pad. I am making these numbers up but its to get the point across.
A 6.5 pad with 15lbs of down force equates to like 10lbs of force per square inch on the pad. So with your compound and the 15lb of force you get 10lbs of working pressure per inch.
A 5.5 pad with the same force is like 25lbs of pressure per square inch. So even though YOU are pushing down with the same force the pads are working harder. This is why lots of people use smaller pads.