FLEX vs Rupes

[Niko Molina]

Which do you prefer and why?

Take $$ for each to operate & maintain out of the equation.


I feel like this debate/question may have been asked before but I didn't see any threads. If there has been a thread on this subject, I'd appreciate it if you could link it to me.

[SonOfOC]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/68493-another-flex-3401-vs-rupes-21-comparison.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/flex-polishers/86414-flex-vs-rupes.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/87570-flex-rupes.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/82737-rupes-flex-3401-a.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/77660-rupes-bigfoot-flex-3401-enthusiast.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/73044-benefits-rupes-over-flex-3401-a.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/flex-polishers/71263-flex-vs-rupes.html

[VISITOR]

many threads on this topic, SonofOC pretty much covered it there...

[Niko Molina]

Thanks a lot.

[VISITOR]

they both have their followers and what might be right for one, may not be for another. if you can get your hands on both and try them out for yourself, that would be your best bet so you know what YOU may like or dislike in both before you decide to buy...

[Niko Molina]

they both have their followers and what might be right for one, may not be for another. if you can get your hands on both and try them out for yourself, that would be your best bet so you know what YOU may like or dislike in both before you decide to buy...

I plan on going to Mike's detailing class in July however I'll have already bought some detailing supplies and will be doing a bit over the summer.


I see people live by the Flex. I see some people live by the Rupes.

I see Mike wrote a book about the Flex as well....


I'm a complete beginner and people say the Rupes is beginner-safe.

However the variety of pads and BP's are much less than the Flex. I see people saying you can use other BP's and pads with the Rupes just fine and I see people saying you can't use other BP's and pads with the Rupes... Lol. The Flex appears to have much variety.

[sulla]

I plan on going to Mike's detailing class in July however I'll have already bought some detailing supplies and will be doing a bit over the summer.


I see people live by the Flex. I see some people live by the Rupes.

I see Mike wrote a book about the Flex as well....


I'm a complete beginner and people say the Rupes is beginner-safe.

However the variety of pads and BP's are much less than the Flex. I see people saying you can use other BP's and pads with the Rupes just fine and I see people saying you can't use other BP's and pads with the Rupes... Lol. The Flex appears to have much variety.

So you are a complete beginner with a mobile detailing business ?

[JHL88]

Flex has muscle

Rupes has finesse

I prefer the Flex.

[kaanage]

Also, the Flex needs muscle and the Rupes needs finesse to use effectively

I prefer the Rupes as I find it more versatile - the Flex is a bear to use on softer paints while the Rupes works on any paint plus it doesn't beat you up like the Flex.

[dlc95]

I love both of them, the 3401, and the Duetto.

[Evan.J]

Also, the Flex needs muscle and the Rupes needs finesse to use effectively

I prefer the Rupes as I find it more versatile - the Flex is a bear to use on softer paints while the Rupes works on any paint plus it doesn't beat you up like the Flex.

I will have to disagree with this as per my own experiences with the Flex and soft paints.

I was working on a new Viper GTS with black paint and when I did my test spots I found the paint to be very soft. I did 3 other Viper GTS's before the black one so I thought I had an idea of what I needed.

Unfortunately, I was wrong. When I did my test spot with the Rupes I found the paint to be severely hazed. I backed off with pads, speed and product and continued to try other test posts with the Rupes and had no such luck.

I pulled out the Flex 3401 with a black finishing pad, Sonax EX 04-06 on speed 3, and I was able to have success.

I can say the hazing was due to the soft paint and the large throw of the Rupes.

This is what I have experienced with the Rupes and Flex.

IMO its best to have a variety of machines pads, and products. To me, there is no perfect machine. Ive run into issues where the Flex wasn't working but the Rupes would.

[Kamakaz1961]

Flex by far the best!

Bring on the Bashing Rupes people!!

Ford vs Chevy, Flex vs Rupes, etc. Either way they are great machines!

I do R-e-s-p-e-c-t the Rupes, however, nothing comes close to the Flex. And the Flex is very easy to use and it can be used with incredible "finesse". I am at a loss why someone says it can't. Oh well, I digress.

[Niko Molina]

So you are a complete beginner with a mobile detailing business ?


Future business. The signature is simply my future logo lol.


Perfecting my skill and increasing my knowledge before I go out and make a name for myself around my area.

[AnthonyGXP]

So which one's the Chevy if you're a Chevy guy? LOL

[Kamakaz1961]

So which one's the Chevy if you're a Chevy guy? LOL

LMAO!! Why does it matter?? You have a Pontiac emblem on your avatar!!!!!.....LOL

All kidding aside, the fact that the 2 most talked about, debated, and chosen DA's are the Flex and Rupes. These 2 brands IMO are on top of the Food Chain....every other brand is secondary!!

Each one has it's advantages and disadvantages. Either way you can't go wrong with either....except you Mr. PONTIAC!!!!.....LOL

I would assume you'd be a Chevy guy so since I am a Ford guy I like the Flex...you can go with the Rupes.....LOL

Im the MAN:xyxthumbs: