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Flex Upgrade: 3401 Vs XFE7-15
When i first started I purchased a HF DA. It has lasted me a good while but it now seems to be slowly going so I am looking to upgrade. After some research I feel as though the forced rotation of the 3401 would be what I'm looking for with the improved correcting ability. I the stumbled upon the XFE7-15. Is this a better machine that the 3401? What would everyone say the pros vs cons are for each? Please help me decide!! TIA
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Re: Flex Upgrade: 3401 Vs XFE7-15
I like long throw better, If you're set on flex xfe7-15...wait for version 3...as version 2 has the same issues as the original.
Check out the G15 or G21 instead.
3401 works well too
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Super Member
Re: Flex Upgrade: 3401 Vs XFE7-15
apples compared to oranges................
I wouldn't necessarily say a 3401 has improved correcting ability over any of long throw da's, it's the forced rotation that is the difference. It powers through because of that. I have all da's and most likely will never buy a 3401, but for speed (time savings) and power, if that's what you're looking for the 3401 is it, short of a rotary.
2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition
2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited, 2016 Pearl White Nissan Altima SR
2019 Nissan Rogue SL
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Re: Flex Upgrade: 3401 Vs XFE7-15
Originally Posted by custmsprty
apples compared to oranges................
Mike Phillips wrote some great comments regarding forced rotation machines and free floating DAs as they are different machines (in how they operate).
Personally, I have both, and really prefer the feel of the XFE over the 3401. It's slightly lighter, MUCH quieter, and very easy to control. I have a V2 and have zero heat issues whatsoever. For heavy corrections, I usually opt for the PE14 as I have a lot of time with a rotary and it just such a nice machine. However, the XFE with a MF cutting pad is no pansy.
That being said, if heavy downward pressure comes natural to you, and you don't mind utilizing good flat pad technique, the 3401 will never stop spinning, and thus, never stop correcting. Grab some hybrid pads and go crazy.
FWIW, I've found that I prefer both machines with a smaller 5" backing plate. It helps the XFE with stalling, and the 3401 with user control.
For me the 3401 is a great tool for AIO application, and finishing on boats, but I usually reach for the other two flex tools first.
Hope this helps!
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Re: Flex Upgrade: 3401 Vs XFE7-15
I have the xfe,rupes mk2 21 and gg15 and when I use them I always grab the rupes the flex seems extremely underpowered compared to gg and rupes
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Re: Flex Upgrade: 3401 Vs XFE7-15
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Re: Flex Upgrade: 3401 Vs XFE7-15
Originally Posted by jrose0070
I have the xfe,rupes mk2 21 and gg15 and when I use them I always grab the rupes
the flex seems extremely underpowered compared to gg and rupes
And should the person that started this thread decide to go with RUPES then I'd recommend reading this article,
FLEX 3401 or RUPES? - A question I get asked a lot! -Mike Phillips
Especially this part....
So when people ask me
Mike,
Which is better? The FLEX or the RUPES?
My answer is,
If you're asking about which is better, the FLEX 3401 or any of the RUPES free spinning polishers, then you're comparing apples to oranges.
If you're going to go with RUPES then go all in. That means, budget for and purchase a RUPES tool, the matching pads and the matching compounds and polishes.
AFTER you become experienced and skilled with their SYSTEM - then if you want to start experimenting with other pads and products go for it. And if you run into trouble maintaining pad rotation with NON-RUPES pads or if you experience VIBRATION with NON-RUPES pads then you know how to get out of this problem. Simple - go back to RUPES pads.
If you run into trouble with NON-RUPES compounds and polishes then simple - go back to RUPES compounds and polishes.
The FLEX 3401 is a beast and it doesn't really care what pad you place on it as it's going to maintain pad rotation no matter what the shape of the body panel. But just like ANY tool for buffing paint, the MOST important factor is the abrasive technology.
Whether you want to go with FLEX or RUPES - the good news is here at Autogeek we carry both!
On Autogeek.com
FLEX Power Tools
RUPES Power Tools
And no matter which tool you go with, be sure to get a copy of my book for each tool and my recommendation is to read it from cover to cover before even removing the new polisher from its box.
How to use the Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Polisher
For both Production Detailing & Show Car Detailing
How to use the RUPES BigFoot Paint Polishing System
for Production Detailing and Show Car Detailing
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