What Lake Country Pads for the Flex 3401

**suf420** · 08-28-2016, 12:15 AM

Another dilemma, I am purchasing the Flex 3401 in the next few days but can't make my mind up on what Lake Country Pads to buy.

What Lake Country Pads for the Flex 3401

A little bit of background on the work I intend to do.

Three cars in the household, Audi A8, Range Rover Sport and Mercedes E220 Convertible.

How many pads would I require to do all three, hologram and swirl removal, paint and gloss restoration to 99.99%.

I believe the flex comes with a 160mm plate to accept 6.5 in pads and I'm getting the Lake Country Backing plate system to accept 5 in pads too. So I have a choice to work on smaller panels etc.

Products I have in mind are Menzerna 400 compound and Menzerna 3800 to finish off. They come in 250ml bottles each, so will that too be enough for all three cars? 1 of each.

Inputs, Advice & Suggestions welcome

**Marc08EX** · 08-28-2016, 12:16 AM

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish Ultra Performance Pad System

It's the best pads for the 3401.

**emmjay** · 08-28-2016, 05:27 AM

+1 for Hybrids. Some people use LC Thin Pro's but the Flex + LC backing plate and 5" hybrids are a match made in heaven.

Compound and polish are more than enough. At least for now. Later on you can purchase more.

Once you get the hang of how much YOU need that is.

As for pads, I use at least 6 per car ( PER STEP), the more you have the better and the cleaner you work. Gummed up or loaded pads do not do anything. When in doubt clean or switch to a new pad. So if you want compound 6, polish 6, jewel maybe less not sure. I don't jewel so cannot comment there. Also take into account if you are doing more than one car. Once washed the pads need time to dry as well. I started with 6. Now I have 12 of each in 5" and 6 of each in 6.5"

They say you can't clean on the fly with the Flex but I do. I roll up a Cotton terry towel into a ball in my hand. Keep it against the pad and trigger a few times to get any excess off and it works. You just need to be careful. I do this after every panel or 2 section passes. But mostly after a panel, sometimes panel and a half I use a new pad. You want the pad working for you at all times.

**Mike@ShineStruck** · 08-28-2016, 06:24 AM

I was going to use the thin pros, but think I'm going to also use 6.5 B&S low pros for mine

**MIsnowman** · 08-28-2016, 07:20 AM

Hybrids are where it's at with the 3401. The thin pads are for the free spindle machines that can't spin the thicker pads, but the flex doesn't have that problem.

**emmjay** · 08-28-2016, 07:41 AM

Originally Posted by MIsnowman

Hybrids are where it's at with the 3401. The thin pads are for the free spindle machines that can't spin the thicker pads, but the flex doesn't have that problem.

Is there any problems with using Thin Pro pads on a flex? I've always wondered but I stuck to the "flex + Hybrids = Heaven" analogy since day one :P

**spazzz** · 08-28-2016, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by emmjaygti

Is there any problems with using Thin Pro pads on a flex? I've always wondered but I stuck to the "flex + Hybrids = Heaven" analogy since day one :P

The flats are way less forgiving. Keep them flat or get wheel hop.

Hybrids or bust. I would imagine you wont be doing all three cars back to back. If you can swing it get 12 orange, 12 whites and 6 blacks.

You will need the blacks for the 3800 to finesse the paint.
I have been using 400 and 4500(3800) lately.

I wash my pads on the fly and spin out with my PC then set them on a wire rack. By the time I get through the sixth pad the first is ready to go.

**emmjay** · 08-28-2016, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by spazzz

The flats are way less forgiving. Keep them flat or get wheel hop.

Hybrids or bust. I would imagine you wont be doing all three cars back to back. If you can swing it get 12 orange, 12 whites and 6 blacks.

By the time I get through the sixth pad the first is ready to go.

Agree with the pad quantities.

My pads take almost 2-3 days to fully dry indoors :/

**Eldorado2k** · 08-28-2016, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by emmjaygti

Agree with the pad quantities.

My pads take almost 2-3 days to fully dry indoors :/

If you spin them on a 8mm DA like spazzz suggested + follow it up by pressing them against a clean waffle weave towel, they actually dry fairly quik!

**emmjay** · 08-28-2016, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Eldorado2k

If you spin them on a 8mm DA like spazzz suggested + follow it up by pressing them against a clean waffle weave towel, they actually dry fairly quik!

Ahh alright. I only have a flex, so I never tried :P

I shall try the pressing against a waffle or any towel. I never do that. I wring it out lightly after running it under water and leave it on a rack to air dry (post pad cleaner ofc).