Looking to upgrade from the PC

[schambers]

Looking for recommendations on a new DA. Would keep the PC in use but as a dedicated 3". Pads I have on-hand are 5.5' Hybrids and 5.5" Thinpro's. Would be hard for me (not saying impossible) to buy all new pads to accommodate a new DA, but it would take some time. Have been doing my best to read as many threads as possible when DA's are talked about but I know I've missed plenty. So if you were to jump up from a PC, what would you get and why? Pro's and Con's?

Open to any of these:
Flex 3401
Griots Boss
Makita
Rupes

Greatly appreciate your feedback....


Gene

[RippyD]

Will read the replies with great interest. Doubt I can justify an upgrade over my GG6, which is more than adequate for my non-pro needs. But interested in what I would move to.

Those who recommend an upgrade, would be great if you could specify 15 or 21 and why. Not clear to me which I would want.

[Kamakaz1961]

Looking for recommendations on a new DA. Would keep the PC in use but as a dedicated 3". Pads I have on-hand are 5.5' Hybrids and 5.5" Thinpro's. Would be hard for me (not saying impossible) to buy all new pads to accommodate a new DA, but it would take some time. Have been doing my best to read as many threads as possible when DA's are talked about but I know I've missed plenty. So if you were to jump up from a PC, what would you get and why? Pro's and Con's?

Open to any of these:
Flex 3401
Griots Boss
Makita
Rupes

Greatly appreciate your feedback....


Gene

I started with the PC and still use it. I use the 3" and 4" pads and use it mainly for my LSP step. I looked and was considering many DA's, however, I went with the Flex 3401. The reason being because it was the only "forced Rotational Orbit" DA (that I assume has changed). All others were free float and not to say anything wrong with them, they are ALL free floating DA's.

To me it was the best thing I did for upgrading. The Flex is a Beast and can tackle any detailing with ease and can complete any compound/polishing in 1/2 the time. It will keep on going even on a curved panel (work on a Porsche 911 for example) and chug away. Again, that is me. I do not know what you want to accomplish, however, that would be something I would seriously consider.

I know there is the Boss, Rupes and many others, but I would look into this one as something you should put on the top of your list.

[dlc95]

Rupes or Flex 3401.

Even the Duetto from Rupes is a pretty significant jump in performance. I personally can't see the advantage other the 21 over the 12 at this point. The shop I help out has the 21 molded.

The Flex 3401 features gear driven, forced rotation. It's kind of like a rotary buffer, but a lot easier for the novice.

They're definitely pro grade tools, and help in the journey to beautiful paint. They're both smoother, and quiter.

[custmsprty]

Their are so many threads already out there on this subject, here's a few that came up when I used search with upgrade da polisher

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ter-cable.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...xperience.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...xfe7-15-a.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ng-system.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-them-all.html

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-polisher.html

[idriveblackcars]

My vote would also be Rupes. Great tools and a complete polishing system. With all the pad and polish choices Rupes makes it easy even for non pros.

[PaulMys]

Yeah, this is kind of a "read, read, and read some more" to make your choice type of deal.

All depends on your personal needs.

[custmsprty]

Here's another one:

Flex vs Rupes

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-phillips.html

[VISITOR]

get the BOSS G15 or G21 (both these can use their interchangeable 5" & 6" backing plates which will allow you to use different size pads), keep the PC dedicated for the smaller pad setup...

[WillSports3]

I would suggest a rupes 15 mk II. It's a great machine, powerful, smooth but also you can use your thin pro pads. A lot of people will suggest getting the whole rupes system but I'm personally not a fan of rupes polishes. I prefer less oily and more water based but again, personal opinion.