Buffers

**detailguy71** · 11-01-2009, 09:57 PM

I know that this question probably has been answered a lot, nut i thought i would ask just because i currently use a PC7336 with great results. However, i was looking into possibly upgrading to a more powerful DA or Rotary buffer.

My question is: What is the best overall buffer for general detailing? I only detail primarily on weekends, however if i get time during the week, then i set up a few here and there.

I have read on here that the best overall is the Flex 3401. Coming in second is the Makita rotary.

**ScottB** · 11-02-2009, 06:15 PM

I doubt you can define best for everyone and every environment ... in general the 3401 is the best Random Orbital offering.

**Rsurfer** · 11-02-2009, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I doubt you can define best for everyone and every environment ... in general the 3401 is the best Random Orbital offering.

I perfer the Flex 3403 over the Makita cause of the weight.

**LincolnZephyr2006** · 11-02-2009, 08:46 PM

The weight of the 3404 may be a bit too light if you've used a rotary OR unless you just prefer light weight buffers. I preferably like the Dewalt bc you can just use the weight of the buffer..... but if your just going for general detailing and not true paint correction:

I would really look into the new Griots DA if your on a budget or the 3401 if you have the money....

**Emile** · 11-02-2009, 11:01 PM

The Flex 3401 DA is awesome but it's significantly heavier and larger than a PC. Of course it has a lot more cut, works faster, and operates smoother. But it gives my arms a bigger work-out than the PC because if the Flex 3401 isn't properly balanced on the vehicle surface, it will try to walk away.

From what I have read on this forum, rotary offers the smoothest polishing performance and the Flex L3403 Rotary is super light and can accommodate a variety of backing plates sizes for much more versatility.

**Rsurfer** · 11-03-2009, 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by Emile

The Flex 3401 DA is awesome but it's significantly heavier and larger than a PC. Of course it has a lot more cut, works faster, and operates smoother. But it gives my arms a bigger work-out than the PC because if the Flex 3401 isn't properly balanced on the vehicle surface, it will try to walk away.

From what I have read on this forum, rotary offers the smoothest polishing performance and the Flex L3403 Rotary is super light and can accommodate a variety of backing plates sizes for much more versatility.

I've used a Makita to maintain my boat for decades and I guess I'm getting older, but the 3403 will not kill you on the side panels like the dewalt will, 2 pounds makes a lot of difference on the vertical panels. The poster before that said that a heavier polisher is easier because you can use the weight of the polisher. Well the 3403 is only 1 lb. lighter than the Makita so putting 1 lb of pressure on the head will not kill me, but having 1 lb. less on the verticals for hours on end will make a huge difference, for me anyway.

**Da Fats** · 11-03-2009, 12:55 AM

Doesnt the flex rotary offer alot less speed variablity? I thought getting under 1000rpm's was a good thing to be able to do. The flex speeds start at 1000

Please correct me if i am wrong

Chris

**Rsurfer** · 11-03-2009, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by Da Fats

Doesnt the flex rotary offer alot less speed variablity? I thought getting under 1000rpm's was a good thing to be able to do. The flex speeds start at 1000

Please correct me if i am wrong

Chris

Your correct Chris, but why would you polish with speeds less than 1000rpm? I normally use 1200 rpm to polish. For plastic bumpers I only use a DA in fear of too much heat. For waxing, well that's reserved for a special machine. It's called The Human Hands.

**detaildave** · 11-03-2009, 04:40 AM

Well I had the opportunity to work hands on with the following DA's: PC 7424xp, Flex, Megs, & Griots Garage. The Flex certainly has the umph / Hp / Rpm's, and will do the job. I personally was more comfortable & highly surprised with the Griots Garage DA. WOW "GG" has some serious power. I made my choice after using all the DA's after 2 of Mike's class sessions during my trip to "AG" aka FUNWORLD. I kept an open mind with regard to all the choices of DA's while using them for my testing / research, but found myself returning to the "GG" often. I feel that if I need more rpm's / heat / correction power, then I can pullout the Dewalt and get busy. I know everyone can't make the trip to Fl. & attend Mike's classes which was more than helpful & FUN!!! However nothing will replace the hands on test sessions like they offer you @ "AG", I wish everyone could be as fortunate because it did help me make a more informed buying / purchasing decision. I wish you the best on your purchase & hope I've helped in some small way.

**LincolnZephyr2006** · 11-03-2009, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Rsurfer

I've used a Makita to maintain my boat for decades and I guess I'm getting older, but the 3403 will not kill you on the side panels like the dewalt will, 2 pounds makes a lot of difference on the vertical panels. The poster before that said that a heavier polisher is easier because you can use the weight of the polisher. Well the 3403 is only 1 lb. lighter than the Makita so putting 1 lb of pressure on the head will not kill me, but having 1 lb. less on the verticals for hours on end will make a huge difference, for me anyway.

Fair enough.