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Super Member
The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
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.
I know there is more plastic to the new one, but does that really matter? Spec wise it seems they are almost 1 for 1. Does the new one have a better feel then the old one?
Anyone that has used both, I would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks
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Super Member
Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
i do have both. the 3401 is built like a tank. I had it for years and many more to come. The newer model is a bit quieter, smoother, and with much improve ergonomic. the metal shroud on the 3401 gets really hot on a long session and I feel the latest model solved the issue with improve airflow with a plastic shroud. I dont see any dramatic differences in performance beyond that. I have in the past dropped the 3401 on the floor by accident and it didnt even make a dent. lol
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Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
I actually just kind of went through the same dilemma....
My backing plate exploded on my PCXP and I absolutely had to bang out my truck. Desperate for anything I saw a used flex online in my area. Did a bunch of checking online and there's actually a post on here somewhere from Mike saying the new unit is smoother etc but for plowing quickly through a vehicle his first choice is still the original.
I bought the used one for a couple hundred off retail from the guy and did my truck yesterday. It truely is a BEAST and my arms and fingers can hardly move this morning. It's a handful for me as a weekend warrior.
Also, the original is discontinued. Get one now or never....
I'll see if I can find the post....
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Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
Originally Posted by
Me Time
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.
I know there is more plastic to the new one, but does that really matter? Spec wise it seems they are almost 1 for 1. Does the new one have a better feel then the old one?
Anyone that has used both, I would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks
Here is the link....
NEWS FLASH!!!!! The new FLEX XCE 10-8 125 Corded Polisher is NOW IN STOCK!
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Super Member
Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
Originally Posted by
Me Time
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.
I know there is more plastic to the new one, but does that really matter? Spec wise it seems they are almost 1 for 1. Does the new one have a better feel then the old one?
Anyone that has used both, I would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks
The newer XCE is great. I've been using mine for about one month over many details and the only drawback and it's minimal, is it's a touch slower in rotational speed and orbits vs the 3401 but it's negligible and only amplified in perception since it's also noticeably quieter.
I run both models and have no problem recommending adding the newest version to your cabinet.
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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Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
I have a 3401, had it for 7+ years and love it. Yes it gets hot but has never failed me and the results I've gotten are amazing.
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Super Member
Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
Originally Posted by
DeadlySheds
Thanks, I probably read it and forgot. I'll take a look at it.
That's what I am is a weekend warrior, but I like my toys. But I have been taking care of 2 households for a few years helping out my elderly parents and haven't had much time to play with them.
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Super Member
Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
Originally Posted by
psnt1ol
i do have both. the 3401 is built like a tank. I had it for years and many more to come. The newer model is a bit quieter, smoother, and with much improve ergonomic. the metal shroud on the 3401 gets really hot on a long session and I feel the latest model solved the issue with improve airflow with a plastic shroud. I dont see any dramatic differences in performance beyond that. I have in the past dropped the 3401 on the floor by accident and it didnt even make a dent. lol
That's what I kind of figured with the old having some metal to its build. So it seems pretty much I can't go wrong with either. I have seen the marine version for a few dollars cheaper, it's the old model rebranded. If I pull the trigger on one, I'm leaning towards the new model.
Thanks
Originally Posted by
TTQ B4U
The newer XCE is great. I've been using mine for about one month over many details and the only drawback and it's minimal, is it's a touch slower in rotational speed and orbits vs the 3401 but it's negligible and only amplified in perception since it's also noticeably quieter.
I run both models and have no problem recommending adding the newest version to your cabinet.
Quieter is a good thing. I'm in a loud factory 50 hours a week. And that's with earplugs.
And being we're getting older maybe the newer model won't put a whooping on me.
Thanks
Originally Posted by
TonesGTO
I have a 3401, had it for 7+ years and love it. Yes it gets hot but has never failed me and the results I've gotten are amazing.
That's one thing I really like about them, it seems like they are the Energizer Bunny of polishers.
Thanks
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Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
What swayed my decision in the end was Mike saying get the old one now or never as they are discontinued. It also helped that I found a used one and got it at a decent price.
I figure if I ever want the updated version I can buy it and sell the old one for what I paid!
It's an amazing machine. I find it walked a little on me with 6.5" pads. I tried 5.5" pads this morning and it was much easier to handle. Ordered a 5" backing plate and will use that combo for now.
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Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new
Originally Posted by
DeadlySheds
What swayed my decision in the end was Mike saying get the old one now or never as they are discontinued.
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.
Originally Posted by
DeadlySheds
It also helped that I found a used one and got it at a decent price.
That's rare. Lucky you.
Originally Posted by
DeadlySheds
I figure if I ever want the updated version I can buy it and sell the old one for what I paid!
Agree.
Originally Posted by
DeadlySheds
It's an amazing machine. I find it walked a little on me with 6.5" pads. I tried 5.5" pads this morning and it was much easier to handle. Ordered a 5" backing plate and will use that combo for now.
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.
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