autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum Autogeek on TV
car wax, car care and auto detailing forumAutogeekonline autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum HomeForumBlogAutogeek.net StoreDetailing Classes with Mike PhillipsGalleryDetailing How To's
 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 17
  1. #1
    Super Member Eric7810's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Posts
    322
    Post Thanks / Like

    I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    Mike Phillips convinced me to buy a 3401 so I can finally start plowing through my AIO jobs. Thanks Mike! I also picked up the Flex 3401 book he authored. Very helpful.

    Here are some scattered thoughts after three jobs with the Flex..

    1. I use 6.5 force hybrid pads with the Flex and I am exhausted after a job fighting that thing. I swapped a 4” backer onto it and started using my old 5.5 LC flats. Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I may never use those hybrids again. Wishing I bought them in 5.5”.

    2. I miss the ergonomics of the G9. Wrapping your hand around the head of the tool was awesome. I also miss the removable power cord. Handy for storage.

    3. The forced action of the Flex feels like I am finally able to do serious work. It’s like swapping your front wheel drive car for an all wheel drive car. Every bit of power it generates goes to work for you.

    4. Every bit of the Flex feels well engineered. The trigger, trigger lock, and speed dial have a solid feel to them. The Flex has a variable speed trigger, but a soft start that I don’t prefer. The G9 is a soft start also, but I’ve always preferred the more immediate start of my PC7424.

    I’m very happy using the Flex. Glad I stepped up.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  2. Thanks Ed Abbondanzio thanked for this post
    Likes Thomkirby liked this post
  3. #2
    Super Member vobro's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Homer Glen Il
    Posts
    1,156
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    On your first point I had similar issue, try putting the butt of the handle at 4 o clock and the center of pad at 10 o clock. It helps with fighting the torque

  4. Likes TTQ B4U liked this post
  5. #3
    Regular Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Posts
    109
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    Thanks for this, you basically answered a question I've been pondering on for about a week now.

    The variable trigger sounds like a nice touch. I don't mind the soft start on the g9 but I would have preferred the variable trigger speed to make spreading products prior to passes just a hair easier.
    The best way to get revenge? Teach them how to detail. They'll spend the rest of their life worrying about the condition of their car.

  6. Likes Eric7810 liked this post
  7. #4
    Super Member TTQ B4U's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Central Ohio
    Posts
    5,437
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    Quote Originally Posted by vobro View Post
    On your first point I had similar issue, try putting the butt of the handle at 4 o clock and the center of pad at 10 o clock. It helps with fighting the torque
    Bingo. Zero issues with mine but I've been using them for quite a while now.
    2019 Pearl White Accord 2.0T Touring (mine)
    2023
    Snowflake Pearl White CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus(wife)
    2010 Urban Platinum Metallic CRV EX-L & 2014 Mica Black Metallic Toyota Corolla S (kids)

  8. #5
    Super Member WillSports3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,453
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    I've tried out a Flex 3401 and I gotta say, I've picked up enough joint aches in the past where this machine is not for me. However, it can power through some *$&#. You can load it up with compound and a microfiber cutting pad and take a new mercedes and be finished cutting faster and safer than anything else. I do agree that the big pads can be more trouble some as you need more muscle to power through the thing. I prefer the 5.5/5 inch pads as well, my personal preference.
    2016 Mazda 3 Sports GT
    2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport

  9. Likes Eric7810 liked this post
  10. #6
    Super Member PaulMys's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Eastern L.I. NY
    Posts
    10,769
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    Nice, honest observations Eric.

    I love my GG6, and for the one use of the new G9, I was impressed.

    However, when time is money, you are going to need something like the 3401. The trade-off is exactly as you described.

    The GG6 and 9 are nice machines for hobbyists. (Have fun in your garage).

    The 3401 will rip out the job as quickly as possible, but might kick your a$$ at the end of the day.
    It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.

  11. Likes Eric7810 liked this post
  12. #7
    Super Member John U's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Eagan MN & Scottsdale AZ
    Posts
    652
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    Eric, The Geek sells two types of side handle/grip for the 3401. I myself enjoy using/controlling the “Beast” much more with one.

  13. Likes PaulMys, Eric7810 liked this post
  14. #8
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Posts
    906
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    I'd suggest trying a couple pads with center holes and see if they are easier to handle.

  15. #9
    Super Member psnt1ol's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    San Francisco
    Posts
    892
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    The 3401 has been on the market for over a decade now. Modern machines these days do have better ergonomic. I been using 3401 for almost 9 years now and had recently picked up the "New Beast" (FLEX XCE 10-8 125 ). From my time with the "new Beast", I noticed less vibrations and the platypus head as well as the plastic housing made it much easier and safer to hold. For those who used the 3401 for a long sessions will know what I am referring to.

    I have both 6.5 inches and 5.5 inches force hybrid pads. Over the years, I gotten used to both and both have their places. Which pad I use greatly depends on what I am doing. The larger pad can get the job done faster but it is a bit more taxing on my body. Its a trade off of sort. my 3401 is still working after all these years and I dont see it breaking down anytime soon.

  16. Likes Eric7810 liked this post
  17. #10
    Super Member MarkD51's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Sheboygan Wisconsin
    Posts
    3,130
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: I switched from Griots G9 to Flex 3401.. My thoughts..

    I wonder how the Supa Beast would compare being a different design?

    I probably asked this question before......Does the Supa Beast, and the 3401 possess the same direction of Rotation?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Considering selling flex 3401 and buying griots random
    By rover in forum Ask your detailing questions!
    Replies: 53
    Last Post: 09-07-2017, 09:51 AM
  2. Flex 3401 or griots garage 6"
    By ncgolfguy in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 11-20-2016, 05:44 AM
  3. My thoughts on the micro fiber pads and a flex 3401
    By ShineTimeDetail in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 09-19-2012, 08:55 PM
  4. Is flex 3401 better then the griots da.
    By 68bowtie in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 31
    Last Post: 08-10-2012, 01:59 PM
  5. Flex 3401 vs. traditional DA thoughts...
    By WRAPT C5Z06 in forum Product Reviews
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 11-25-2011, 06:09 PM

Members who have read this thread: 3

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» March 2024

S M T W T F S
2526272829 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 123456