Flex vs. Rupes Gear Driven Orbital Polishers

[2black1s]

2Black1s.....I was on the fence also between the two gear driven polishers. Also a massive rotary fan with most my finishing using a free spinning da.

When ya made this thread it could not have been any more perfect timing but.......I went the other way and got the FLEX 10-8 125 somewhat locally.

I'm seriously impressed with the quality and honestly it is a whole hell of a lot smoother and quieter than I was expecting !


Thank you for the thread start 2Black1s and everyone who contributed.

Good Luck with the new Flex. I'm sure it's a great polisher as I've previously stated and most everyone that has one loves it.

The main reason that I never bought a Flex in the past is the CCW rotation. I won't go into my reasoning all over again as it's previously stated in this thread and others but the CW rotation of the Mille was the single-most determinant factor for me. And then there is the additional bonus to me of the shorter orbit which is a benefit near edges and should "theoretically" produce a finer finish. Again, sheer correction ability was not my goal. Final polishing and finishing abilities are more important to me as those will be the intended primary tasks for this polisher.

[huzi]

I think you would have been happier with the CBeast then. The whole CW point is just moot, when you polish, theyll be equal movement in your passes so I dont understand, why that would be a problem? Also pad grab(bite) is worse on the Mille
The Rupes is smoother than the Original 3401 but I think the XCE is even better. The Mille is heavier and bulkier so on doors and vertical panels, its not as comfortable in the long run.

The 5mm is a better for edgework, but the 8mm can work as well.
Both awesome tools still.

[Mike@ShineStruck]

I've owned all 4
Makita PO5000C (most RPM)has most correction power and smoothest when paired with correct pad weights
Only one that can turn into a 3in...griot 3in HD are with force pad or HDO to retain balance.

If mille(most OPM) was more heavy duty its be second.
Its also picky on pad weights
Mille is only one that spins clockwise..

Flex 3401 (most throw)only due to its longevity/durability
.
Flex XCE is a smoother more ergonomic 3401,. but sadly its underspec'd motor wise compare to the OG 3401..it also obtained the flaw of the xfe14 3 point backingplate system...

Ona side note, my 3in forced mini works well and will compliment any forced machine
Has 5mm throw like mille, but can't find RPM specs listed anywhere

[luckydawg]

The finisher has pathetic power- have to keep the speed up all the way or it stalls 85% of the time, probably gonna sell one of the two I have

[dgage]

The finisher has pathetic power- have to keep the speed up all the way or it stalls 85% of the time, probably gonna sell one of the two I have

I agree. Love the CBeast and PiXiE but the Finisher is a let down.

[luckydawg]

Its a nice well built machine ergonomic wise-- just has no power
Hard to believe they still make them or sell any

[John U]

I agree. Love the CBeast and PiXiE but the Finisher is a let down.

I agree. I wanted cordless but with a 3401 already, I added a Finisher with my Pixie. I missed the “forced rotation”. I added a Cbeast and have cordless bliss!

[goldendodo19]

I’ve loved my rupes 15 for years but recently grabbed a cbeast due to wanting to be free of a cord.

My first run in with a 3401 years ago made me think I’d never enjoy the cbeast. I picked it up and ran with it, couldn’t even feel the difference between that and the 15 i had been using other than it literally never stalling on any curved panel.

I was able to basically do the hood and one side of my truck on one battery and it was still on 1 bar then the roof and other half with the second battery. Granted this was not heavy correction just a light polish prior to coating but still.

Overall if one was in the market I’d strongly recommend the cbeast.


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[luckydawg]

If your detailing at home or in a shop, i like the uninterrupted power of corded tools. If I am doing a quick job I grab my cordless power tools, If I am going to be using it on a big job, I use corded tools ( drills etc..)