roguegeek
11-05-2015, 02:02 PM
Alright guys. I was getting kinda frustrated with the inconsistent and incomplete info about Flex's new forced-rotation DA, so I just went and got the information myself. Here's what I've found.
The XCE 9-8 150 is a new forced-rotation dual-action polisher from Flex. It is an update of the XC 3401 VRG and has, essentially, the same specifications from that unit. What has changed from the 3401 is a revised head unit. It is a unit that is derived from the PE 14-2 150 and incorporates a new cooling system to keep temperatures at bay. The dust cover has been changed from metal to plastic to also aid with cooling. The XCE is lighter and some people from the show are claiming, unofficially, it feels smoother to opperate as well. Pricing has not been announced but it will be in the ballpark of the 3401. Pre-orders should start sometime in Feb 2016 with delivery happening in Feb/Mar 2016.
As it pertains to the 3401, that unit will continue to be sold along side the new XCE because it has such a predominant role in the current industry. It is referenced quite a bit and is in a lot of literature and documentation. Flex does not want to break that link. There are no current plans to phase the 3401 out, but they can see doing so once the XCE becomes the predominant unit. Some of the misinformation I have read is that the 3401 is for professionals and the XCE is for hobbyist and DYIers. This is not true. If you are a new buyer looking for a forced-rotation DA, professional or not, there is no real reason to buy the 3401 over the XCE. Likewise, if you already own a 3401 and heat isn't an issue, just hold onto your 3401.
Hope this helps everyone out. Let me know if I forgot anything and I'll go dig up an answer.
Now onto pictures of the unit.
Flex XCE 9-8 150
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2213.jpg
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2214.jpg
Flex XCE 9-8 150 compared to the 3401
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2210.jpg
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2211.jpg
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2215.jpg
The XCE 9-8 150 is a new forced-rotation dual-action polisher from Flex. It is an update of the XC 3401 VRG and has, essentially, the same specifications from that unit. What has changed from the 3401 is a revised head unit. It is a unit that is derived from the PE 14-2 150 and incorporates a new cooling system to keep temperatures at bay. The dust cover has been changed from metal to plastic to also aid with cooling. The XCE is lighter and some people from the show are claiming, unofficially, it feels smoother to opperate as well. Pricing has not been announced but it will be in the ballpark of the 3401. Pre-orders should start sometime in Feb 2016 with delivery happening in Feb/Mar 2016.
As it pertains to the 3401, that unit will continue to be sold along side the new XCE because it has such a predominant role in the current industry. It is referenced quite a bit and is in a lot of literature and documentation. Flex does not want to break that link. There are no current plans to phase the 3401 out, but they can see doing so once the XCE becomes the predominant unit. Some of the misinformation I have read is that the 3401 is for professionals and the XCE is for hobbyist and DYIers. This is not true. If you are a new buyer looking for a forced-rotation DA, professional or not, there is no real reason to buy the 3401 over the XCE. Likewise, if you already own a 3401 and heat isn't an issue, just hold onto your 3401.
Hope this helps everyone out. Let me know if I forgot anything and I'll go dig up an answer.
Now onto pictures of the unit.
Flex XCE 9-8 150
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2213.jpg
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2214.jpg
Flex XCE 9-8 150 compared to the 3401
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2210.jpg
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2211.jpg
http://www.8bim.com/misc/flex/IMG_2215.jpg