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  1. #31
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    Re: Advice on the use of the Flex XC3401 VRG

    Quote Originally Posted by JackvRS View Post
    In hybrid power pads:
    Blue pad=orange pad in hybrid force?
    Orange pad = grey pad in hybrid force?
    Thanks
    Bump

  2. #32
    Super Member dlc95's Avatar
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    Re: Advice on the use of the Flex XC3401 VRG

    Quote Originally Posted by JackvRS View Post
    In hybrid power pads:
    Blue pad=orange pad in hybrid force?
    Orange pad = grey pad in hybrid force?
    Thanks
    Orange = Orange
    Grey = Grey

    Same foams, new shapes + center hole.

  3. #33
    Super Member dlc95's Avatar
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    Re: Advice on the use of the Flex XC3401 VRG

    Quote Originally Posted by BudgetPlan1 View Post
    This. Have done many a beaten up work van with the Flex, the 6.5 Force Pads and Megs M101. The gray pad is quite aggressive and it will burn thru the clear if yer' being really aggressive, especially if running up on the edge of the pad to get to tight spaces. The gray pads will wear kinda quickly if doing a lot of heavy lifting.

    Many say that the Flex can't finish well but I've finished new black Honda paint very well with Scholls S40 on a Lake Country Hydrotech pad. If not careful, as mentioned, the Flex can tax a closed cell pad like the Hydrotech but the crimson finishes quite nicely and lives through the experience as long as you're changing them often and not beating on them.

    Buff and Shine Uro-Fiber pads work well on the Flex too, was quite surprised how well it finished using Griots Correcting Cream with a Uro-Fiber pad on the Flex.

    Dunno if I've ever cranked the 3401 up to speed 6, usually around 4.5 to 5 seems to work well for me.

    While I also have the Rupes 15 Mk 2 and BOSS 21 long throw machines, when I don't wanna screw around and just wanna get something done ASAP, I'll fire up the 3401, strap on a 6.5" Force Hybrid pad, climb aboard and have at it. After 6 or so hours working something like a Ford Transit Extended Van it can certainly be a bit more taxing than using a Rupes or BOSS but for an amateur like me, the Flex is faster due to my lack of complete expertise with the long throws. Anti-Vibration gloves can help a bit with the 3401 if it bothers you at long stretches.
    I hear ya on the speeds.

    4, 4.5, and 5 is all I need. The torque that thing produces is legit.

  4. Likes BudgetPlan1 liked this post
  5. #34
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    Re: Advice on the use of the Flex XC3401 VRG

    Quote Originally Posted by dlc95 View Post
    I hear ya on the speeds.

    4, 4.5, and 5 is all I need. The torque that thing produces is legit.
    Hello, thanks for the reply.
    im ordering:
    4.5inch backing plate
    5.5inch hybrid force and 6.5inch hybrid force, btw whats the purpose of that centre hole? lol
    thanks

  6. #35
    Super Member dlc95's Avatar
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    Re: Advice on the use of the Flex XC3401 VRG

    Quote Originally Posted by JackvRS View Post
    Hello, thanks for the reply.
    im ordering:
    4.5inch backing plate
    5.5inch hybrid force and 6.5inch hybrid force, btw whats the purpose of that centre hole? lol
    thanks
    It can help to center the pad, and helps reduce pad fatigue from heat build up.

  7. #36
    Super Member TTQ B4U's Avatar
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    Re: Advice on the use of the Flex XC3401 VRG

    Quote Originally Posted by JackvRS View Post
    For a black car, being a noob, can I leave holograms or scratches with flex?
    Thanks
    Jack
    Holograms, no. Scratches, not if used properly. You can damage paint with any polisher if you're not careful. In the end, the Flex finishes out beautifully on black. I've done tons of pure black cars with it. Proper product and pad combo is key is all. Hybrid Force Pads are excellent on the 3401.
    2019 Pearl White Accord 2.0T Touring (mine)
    2023
    Snowflake Pearl White CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus(wife)
    2010 Urban Platinum Metallic CRV EX-L & 2014 Mica Black Metallic Toyota Corolla S (kids)

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  9. #37
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    Re: Advice on the use of the Flex XC3401 VRG

    I’m a total noob and a little confused. I have a Flex XC3401 gifted from my brother (along with an admonition to buy my supplies from Autogeek). I bought Mike’s book on using the 3401, and was set to purchase a LC 4” backer plate with 5” LC Force Hybrid pads (I have a Ford Fusion with a lot of ridges to work around).

    But in this thread it looks like Mike’s preferred approach now is to use the 6.5” pad and go on edge for smaller areas. And, in fact, the 5” pads don’t seem to be available anymore.

    I want to get started on the right foot, but am uncertain about which way to go.

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