The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new

[Mike Phillips]

I was thinking about adding the Beast to my polisher collection. And I was wondering what are the main difference's in the old model vs. the new model.

In post #3 of this article I share all the specs for all the gear-drive FLEX tools as of the current offerings on September 14th, 2020


FLEX Power Tools Nicknames - All cool tools should have a nickname - not a part number -Mike Phillips


Some people have asked or wondered about the differences between the 3 different version of the original 8mm gear-drive BEAST.



BEAST = 480 RPM and 9,600 OPM

Supa BEAST = 430 RPM and 8,600 OPM

CBEAST = 380 RPM and 7,600 OPM






Here's my take on the above 3 gear-driven tools


The BEAST
If I REALLY want to bust out a job and plow through it as fast as humanly possible I use the BEAST.


The Supa BEAST
If not trying to hit Warp Speed - I grab the Supa Beast, much more enjoyable to use. Amazing tool. Smoother, quieter, lighter and cooler than the original.


The CBEAST
If I have an easy job, that means the car has only light swirls, scratches, etc. and I'm not in a hurry then I grab the CBEAST.

[DeadlySheds]

Just for the record - I've NEVER said or typed the FLEX 3401 IS discontinued. (words are important)

I have said I have been told from FLEX that their long term goal is to discontinue the aluminum head, original FLEX 3401.

That's a huge difference between saying the tool has been disconnected.









That's rare. Lucky you.





Agree.





Spend some time with it - then pick up some of the new RUPES 7" pads and put the factory backing plate back on and buff out a car or two.

Sorry!

The statement was "If yes, get the BEAST first. FLEX is going to discontinue it. So get one, get two - get em while you can.

Ask yourself,

When is the last time a saw someone selling their FLEX 3401?"

I interpreted that to mean the machine is discontinued....not that it will be discontinued. Either way, I have one now!

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[Mike Phillips]

Sorry!

The statement was "If yes, get the BEAST first. FLEX is going to discontinue it. So get one, get two - get em while you can.

Ask yourself,

When is the last time a saw someone selling their FLEX 3401?"

I interpreted that to mean the machine is discontinued....not that it will be discontinued. Either way, I have one now!

It's all good,

I just don't want to be blamed by FLEX or anyone else for starting, The Great FLEX 3401 Panic in 2020

[DeadlySheds]

It's all good,

I just don't want to be blamed by FLEX or anyone else for starting, The Great FLEX 3401 Panic in 2020

Hahaha I read it as having been discontinued, and looking online they are not in stock anywhere in Canada that I can find. New one or old.....

So even though they may not yet be discontinued, finding a new one to order in Canada right now won't be easy....

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[Mike Phillips]

Hahaha I read it as having been discontinued, and looking online they are not in stock anywhere in Canada that I can find. New one or old.....

Supplies for all tools and many other products, both hard goods and liquids are in short supply due to Covid-19 and it's impact on all aspects of manufacturing as well as shipping.

Consumer demand is also a factor - just try to find 9mm ammo for a "good" price anywhere.

So even though they may not yet be discontinued, finding a new one to order in Canada right now won't be easy....

You done did right by snagging the used one at a good price.

[DUBL0WS6]

I'd suggest trying pads with a center hole on the Flex machines. They seem a little easier to control at high speeds. (this is based on my experience with a long throw machine)

[Mike Phillips]

I'd suggest trying pads with a center hole on the Flex machines. They seem a little easier to control at high speeds.

For tools that have a bolt in the center of the backing plate holding it to the tool - with a hole in the center - the heat coming from the backing plate has no where to go so it goes into the air.

Less heat-wear to the pad itself.

[Me Time]

It's all good,

I just don't want to be blamed by FLEX or anyone else for starting, The Great FLEX 3401 Panic in 2020

Great, there were the rumors that Mike was hoarding and selling toilet paper on the black market during Covid-19, now he has started the "great Flex pandemic of 2020".

Where will it end??????

[DeadlySheds]

I'd suggest trying pads with a center hole on the Flex machines. They seem a little easier to control at high speeds. (this is based on my experience with a long throw machine)

I was using Lake County 6.5" flat pads with the hole. Still found it walked on me. But I'm also a rookie.

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[Mike Phillips]

now he has started the "great Flex pandemic of 2020".

Where will it end??????

Even though it was never my intention to create a run-on the 3401 - my guess is there has been an effect.

People are talking about it. People are thinking,

If I'm going to get one - I better get one while I can...


Just a side-effect.