Flex 3401 or FLEX XFE7-15

[Joel1979]

Xfe. Large throw machine is more smoother and corrects faster and stalling is not an issue atleast not with Rupes mk2. I have all the Rupes machines and Flex PE 14-2. Rupes with mf beats Flex with purple foamed wool:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT-HDo0DjJa/

[WRAPT C5Z06]

FYI, the XFW 15 does NOT spin at 9,000 OPM on speed 6, at least compared to the industry standard. It's probably about half that. Flex has a weird way of measuring OPM. FWIW, Flex claims the 3401 runs at 9,600 OPM on speed 6, when in reality it's only 4800 OPM.

[Valky]

Xfe. Large throw machine is more smoother and corrects faster and stalling is not an issue atleast not with Rupes mk2. I have all the Rupes machines and Flex PE 14-2. Rupes with mf beats Flex with purple foamed wool:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT-HDo0DjJa/

I am second your opinion. I use MK2 and URO fiber, in my hand I can get defect out faster than Flex PE14.

[Mike Phillips]

Flex 3401 or FLEX XFE7-15

I am in the market for a new polisher, upgrading from my PC 7424xp. I have heard many good things about the flex brand and have decided to stick to that brand.

For questions like these, I always ask


What type of detailing do you do?


Primarily production detailing or show car detailing?


Production Detailing = Using a one-step cleaner/wax for daily drivers and grocery getters. Note some people call a cleaner/wax an AIO whatever term you like but they are the same things, just different words.


Show Car Detailing = Using a dedicated compound and polish to perfect the paint and then using either a finishing wax, a finishing sealant or a ceramic or quartz paint coating. In other words, you're doing multiple steps on usually a cool car, not a grocery getter.


Or boats, rvs, motorhomes, motor coaches, semi trucks, large trailers, etc.

[DETAILROOKIE]

For questions like these, I always ask


What type of detailing do you do?


Primarily production detailing or show car detailing?


Production Detailing = Using a one-step cleaner/wax for daily drivers and grocery getters. Note some people call a cleaner/wax an AIO whatever term you like but they are the same things, just different words.


Show Car Detailing = Using a dedicated compound and polish to perfect the paint and then using either a finishing wax, a finishing sealant or a ceramic or quartz paint coating. In other words, you're doing multiple steps on usually a cool car, not a grocery getter.


Or boats, rvs, motorhomes, motor coaches, semi trucks, large trailers, etc.

Thanks for all of your advice everyone!

Right now I will be doing mostly production detailing with the occasional show car detailing.



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[Joel1979]

I am second your opinion. I use MK2 and URO fiber, in my hand I can get defect out faster than Flex PE14.

I will have to get those uro-fiber pads! have you compard them to Megs mf pads?

[DETAILROOKIE]

The detailing trading post on Facebook have a bunch of second hand Flex. And you can get the hybrid pads here at autogeek man. I'm a flex user 100% message me for any questions


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Thank you for offering extra support!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app

[DETAILROOKIE]

I found out that I can purchase a flex 3401, Rupes 15 mkii, and a GG BOSS 15 and 21 for the same price, used of course. Since there is an even playing field, price wise, would the Flex 3401 still be the top option for production detailing with an occasional show car detailing? I've read great things about all of these machines.

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[tpr1634]

I have a 3401 it has balls best of both worlds, I like my Rupes 15 # 1 just stalls to much for me.

[B5visser]

I have the Flex trifecta (PE14, 3401 and XFE).

Personally, all three tools have their niche. That being said, I reach for the 3401 for AIO applications, where I am in a time crunch and know I can attain consistent, great results (IE production detailing). The 3401 is nothing short of a workhorse (and a workout speed 6!). Grab a stack of 5" LC hybrid pads (Orange, white and black) and a LC 4" backing plate and you're set!

From a comfort standpoint, I reach for the PE14 and XFE first. I still like cutting with the PE and would say it is still the fastest (for me) with a wool pad and M100.

At the end of the day, ANY of the tools promoted on AGO are top notch and seriously cannot go wrong with any!