flex vs Rupes vs GG G21

[tncumminsguy]

I'm want to upgrade from my dewalt rotary to a good DA and stuck between three options on the market right now. I've heard amazing things about the flex 3401 and I know it has a little more options pad and backing plate wise than the others. Just seeing what everyone's thought are on this.

[mbpress01]

Please do a search on these forums for flex vs rupes. There are many many threads addressing this exact question. Generally, you get two opinions - Flex won't stop spinning no matter what is thrown at it and other than learning some technique to not have it walk on you it corrects/polishes finishes incredible. Rupes, GG, if you have the technique, works just as well and maybe faster/smoother on the hands. Either tool will do the job but Rupes / GG is a system as pointed out by Mike Phillips recently.

My path was with the Rupes but I just couldn't figure out the technique for vertical/curvy panels and then I purchased the Flex, which has been incredible. Maybe get the Flex book and video before you do anything and then research the Rupes/GG forums to get different ideas. I haven't seen a GG or Rupes book or instructional video yet and having to learn the technique is something you should consider.

[Kamakaz1961]

Please do a search on these forums for flex vs rupes. There are many many threads addressing this exact question. Generally, you get two opinions - Flex won't stop spinning no matter what is thrown at it and other than learning some technique to not have it walk on you it corrects/polishes finishes incredible. Rupes, GG, if you have the technique, works just as well and maybe faster/smoother on the hands. Either tool will do the job but Rupes / GG is a system as pointed out by Mike Phillips recently.

My path was with the Rupes but I just couldn't figure out the technique for vertical/curvy panels and then I purchased the Flex, which has been incredible. Maybe get the Flex book and video before you do anything and then research the Rupes/GG forums to get different ideas. I haven't seen a GG or Rupes book or instructional video yet and having to learn the technique is something you should consider.

:iagree: To be honest...ALL the brands of DA's you are looking into IMO are excellent choices. He is right do your research and whatever you pick whether it be the Flex, Rupes or the New Boss...you can't go wrong. As for my choice I went with the Flex

[custmsprty]

Boss...........GG21 w/5" BP Installed

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/AltimaGG21_zps2xpljxyj.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/AltimaGG21_zps2xpljxyj.jpg.html)

Rupes Duetto.........

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/BMW2_zps9wknlgbh.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/BMW2_zps9wknlgbh.jpg.html)

Rupes 15

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy6_zpsa1487b1e.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy6_zpsa1487b1e.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/chevy5_zpsed97e5fa.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/chevy5_zpsed97e5fa.jpg.html)


I don't own a Flex so can't comment, no need for me to buy another machine with these type of results.

[VISITOR]

the best thing to do is try to get your hands on ALL of them and make a decision then (you're going to get many different opinions/answers). what one may like another may not...

[Mike Phillips]

I'm want to upgrade from my dewalt rotary to a good DA




What type of work do you normally and historically do with your DeWALT rotary buffer?


That's the first question I ask when someone says they're looking to add another tool to their arsenal.


:)

[Mike Phillips]

the best thing to do is try to get your hands on ALL of them and make a decision then




And this is one of the reasons people choose to come to our 3-day detailing class.

I have a "dedicated" car for each tool "type". Sometimes two cars. That way everyone gets LOTS of hands-on time behind each type of tool working on REAL cars, not demo hoods or rental cars.

My next class is coming up in July....


Next Detailing Boot Camp Class - July 17th, 18th & 19th (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/sign-up-detailing-bootcamp-class-3-day-class/91510-next-detailing-boot-camp-class-july-17th-18th-19th.html)


Here's just three of the cars my class will be using different tools on....

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/watermark.php?file=95030

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/watermark.php?file=95631

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/watermark.php?file=95754


Plus one or two black Corvettes and a 1963 Ford Galaxie GT.


And I'm not done getting cars yet.


:)

[Kamakaz1961]

[QUOTE=custmsprty;1265815]Boss...........GG21 w/5" BP Installed


How are you liking the new Boss? IMO I bet it rocks!!!!

[custmsprty]

[QUOTE=custmsprty;1265815]Boss...........GG21 w/5" BP Installed


How are you liking the new Boss? IMO I bet it rocks!!!!

It's a great tool, I just haven't had the opportunity to do a full on job yet. I'm looking forward to it that's for sure. I'm going to do a dedicated Griot's detail, use my GG6 on it too with 4" pads.

[tncumminsguy]

What type of work do you normally and historically do with your DeWALT rotary buffer?


That's the first question I ask when someone says they're looking to add another tool to their arsenal.


:)

mainly color correction on gelcoat with my rotary. I've done some polishing but its a little nerv racking honestly on my cars. I'll do gelcoat all day long with it.


Also I've done the searches but with the new GG g21 out I figured I'd make a post

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

mainly color correction on gelcoat with my rotary. I've done some polishing but its a little nerv racking honestly on my cars. I'll do gelcoat all day long with it.


Also I've done the searches but with the new GG g21 out I figured I'd make a post

Your best option in this case is going to be the gear driven DA Flex 3401. Working on gelcoat as you know a rotary is the tool for the job.

The Flex 3401 will be the perfect companion to the rotary allowing you to have the DA features but with forced rotation.


I know will expand further.