Flex vs PC

[DiPaoro]

I have been using the PC for years. But, the cars have gotten larger and wondering if stepping up to the Flex is the way to go.

Does the Flex have more power for paint correction?

Can I use all of the backing plates and pads with the Flex?

Anyone disappointed with the Flex?

Thanks everyone!

[Evan.J]

How to use the FLEX 3401 Dual Action Polisher - YouTube (http://youtu.be/Arn_kVH3BVc)

The Flex is a great tool thats was made to polish paint and to do only that.

Yes it will increase your work load and does increase paint correction.

You can use some pads depending on what you have but the LC Hybrid pads are great for the Flex. Now if you do go with the hybrid pads you will need to purchase LC interchange backing plate system with it.


Video: All about the FLEX-3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/50004-video-all-about-flex-3401-forced-rotation-dual-action-polisher.html)


The Flex 3401
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1153/Flex3401.jpg

Here's a video Yancy and I made showing the primary differences between three different drive mechanisms between popular polishers for machine buffing paint.


Flex 3401 - Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher.


Rotary Buffers - Direct Drive Single Action Polisher.


PC style DA Polishers - Porter Cable 7424XP, Meguiar's G110v2 and Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher.



All about the FLEX-3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher
All about the FLEX-3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAmojb8XIuk&hd=1)


Also, there's a BRAND NEW FLEX 3401 DVD being manufactured as I type that should be here within days...

Keep an eye on the "What's New Page" (http://www.autogeek.net/newproducts.html) and for forum announcements!



Resources

New 4" and 6" Backing Plates for Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/40410-new-4-6-backing-plates-flex-3401-a.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/NewFlexBackingPlates01.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1252/1986BuickRegal_011.jpg


Lubricating the Felt Ring on the Flex 3401 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/34201-lubricating-felt-ring-flex-3401-a.html)

Here's the felt ring on the Flex 3401
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/740/Oiling3401Flex01.jpg





:xyxthumbs:

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

/\ Great advice Evan!

If you feel the need to move on to another polisher I surely recommend the Flex. The Flex has all the power you will need for paint correction and then some. Remember you will never stop pad rotation no matter how hard you press down. You could sit on it and it will continue to rotate.

If you do decide to go with the Flex, I would equip it with the LC interchangeable plate system as well as the LC Hybrid pads. Add Menzerna's product range and you have a match made in heaven IMO.

Here is a mini article I put together to help guys getting starting with this setup.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/77155-my-technique-concerning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

[VISITOR]

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

[DiPaoro]

Are the gears plastic?

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Are the gears plastic?

Everything inside the machine is metal gears. Every plate that is attached to the machine has a plastic ring gear.

[ScottB]

Flex is a huge upgrade to PC

[tpr1634]

PC is not is the same league as the flex.:buffing:

[CAD]

Yeah, I have been wanting to upgrade to the Flex 3401. I have a lot of 5.5" pads and want to be able to use them though. I thought I saw a 5" backing plate for the flex but can't find it on autogeek. Is it available there?
Thanks

[VISITOR]

Yeah, I have been wanting to upgrade to the Flex 3401. I have a lot of 5.5" pads and want to be able to use them though. I thought I saw a 5" backing plate for the flex but can't find it on autogeek. Is it available there?
Thanks

FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate, FLEX (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-xc3401-mini-backing-plate.html)