Looking to replace Porter Cable

[MilesToEmpty]

My first buffer I bought was a Makita. I used it twice and decided I didnt like it. I just sold it over the weekend. My go to for the past few years is my Porter Cable, but now Im ready do move up to something a bit better/faster/dangerous.

I keep hearing the flex is where I should go, is that correct? Should I keep the PC after getting the flex/whatever buffer? Most of my pads are 5-6.5"

[briarpatch]

I'd keep the PC and dedicate it to being a 3" machine....and add a Griots BOSS long-throw (either the 15 or the 21) to your arsenal

[Setec Astronomy]

I keep hearing the flex is where I should go, is that correct? Should I keep the PC after getting the flex/whatever buffer? Most of my pads are 5-6.5"

Well, the choice breaks down to forced-rotation (Flex 3401) or a long-throw machine (Rupes, Griot's Boss, or the new Flex). You'll have to take your pick.

I agree with briarpatch you should keep your PC for use with 3 or 4" pads, or a scrub brush for carpets or tires.

[KirkH]

I have a PC, Flex 3401, Flex PE-14, and a Cyclo Pro 5. I find the Cyclo to be the one I grab for most jobs. The handle makes it easy to use/carry.

Cyclo Orbital Polisher Model 5-Pro with ProGuard Backing Plates, Cyclo Pro-5 Polisher, Cyclo buffer

[MilesToEmpty]

Is one or the other better for darker paints? Ive read people like the Rupes for black cars and the Flex for lighter colors. I have 2 black, 1 grey, and 1 white car.

Which will I be less tired with?

And is there a performacne difference for the forced rotation and long throw?

[AZ Mike]

I have a Flex 3401 and love it. The Flex is forced rotation, so the pad does not stop spinning. I also have a Porter Cable 7424 XP.

The long throw machines are similar to the Porter Cable in that they have a free spinning spindle and the pad will stall on curved panels without the correct technique.

The reviews on this forum all say that the long throw machines, especially Rupes are very smooth while the Flex has some vibration.

It comes down to personal preference. Perhaps you can find someone in your area with a long throw machine that would be willing to let you take a "test drive".

[dlc95]

You can keep it, but you could use the cash selling it to offset the price of the 3401, or extra pads.

It's nice to have a back up tool though. Even the PC is better than working by hand.

[Mike Moore]

I have a "collection" of machines. I've found each one has it's strengths and weaknesses.
My Go-To machine in the Rupes 21 Bigfoot. I have both a 5" and 6" backing plates for it.
I personally prefer the 5" backing plate & 5"-5.5" pads on the 21. It's my swirl killer combo.
If it were me...don't buy a clone or a Chinese knock off. Get the original. It is well worth it!

[kevinmfitz]

I moved up from PC7424 to a rupes Mark 1 Bigfoot ES 15 inch. This is an awesome machine and it did not take me very long to get the hang of it. Balance and ergonomics are so much better than other DA polishers.
If you can spare a little extra $ you will not be disappointed. I have also used the Griot Boss 15 inch and it also a great machine.

[Mike Moore]

IMHO Nothing has balance like a Rupes 21.