autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum Autogeek on TV
car wax, car care and auto detailing forumAutogeekonline autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum HomeForumBlogAutogeek.net StoreDetailing Classes with Mike PhillipsGalleryDetailing How To's
 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 20
  1. #1
    Super Member Me Time's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Louisville The Derby City
    Posts
    219
    Post Thanks / Like

    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

  2. #2
    Super Member psnt1ol's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    San Francisco
    Posts
    892
    Post Thanks / Like

    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

  3. Likes Mike Hoekstra liked this post
  4. #3
    Regular Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    111
    Post Thanks / Like

    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....

    Sent from my VOG-L04 using Tapatalk

  5. #4
    Regular Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    111
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new

    Quote Originally Posted by Me Time View Post
    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!

    Sent from my VOG-L04 using Tapatalk

  6. #5
    Super Member TTQ B4U's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Central Ohio
    Posts
    5,437
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new

    Quote Originally Posted by Me Time View Post
    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)

  7. Thanks Diner, Craig Encinitas thanked for this post
  8. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    37
    Post Thanks / Like

    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.

  9. Likes TTQ B4U, Mike Hoekstra liked this post
  10. #7
    Super Member Me Time's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Louisville The Derby City
    Posts
    219
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new

    Quote Originally Posted by DeadlySheds View Post
    Here is the link....

    NEWS FLASH!!!!! The new FLEX XCE 10-8 125 Corded Polisher is NOW IN STOCK!

    Sent from my VOG-L04 using Tapatalk
    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.

  11. #8
    Super Member Me Time's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Louisville The Derby City
    Posts
    219
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new

    Quote Originally Posted by psnt1ol View Post
    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


    Quote Originally Posted by TTQ B4U View Post
    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

    Quote Originally Posted by TonesGTO View Post
    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

  12. #9
    Regular Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    111
    Post Thanks / Like

    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.

    Sent from my VOG-L04 using Tapatalk

  13. #10
    Mike Phillips
    Guest

    Re: The Beast: Thoughts on old vs. new

    Quote Originally Posted by DeadlySheds View Post

    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.







    Quote Originally Posted by DeadlySheds View Post

    It also helped that I found a used one and got it at a decent price.
    That's rare. Lucky you.



    Quote Originally Posted by DeadlySheds View Post

    I figure if I ever want the updated version I can buy it and sell the old one for what I paid!
    Agree.



    Quote Originally Posted by DeadlySheds View Post

    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.



Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 68
    Last Post: 08-24-2022, 05:02 AM
  2. RUPES BigFoot Foam Pads on the FLEX BEAST - Supa BEAST and CBEAST
    By Mike Phillips in forum Product Reviews by Mike Phillips
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 02-16-2021, 01:00 PM
  3. Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12-31-2020, 02:28 PM
  4. C-Beast quick thoughts!
    By Dr Oldz in forum Flex Polishers
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 07-20-2020, 12:59 PM
  5. Which Flex Polisher (Beast or C-Beast) ???
    By Topsportsman916 in forum Ask your detailing questions!
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-05-2020, 04:12 PM

Members who have read this thread: 0

There are no members to list at the moment.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» March 2024

S M T W T F S
2526272829 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 123456