4" Pad Recommendations

[bsmith0404]

Looking for some recommendations/what others are using for 4" buffing pads. I've always had good results with Lake Country pads, but recently I have not been happy with the LC Hydro-tech pads. Not sure if they changed the pads or if its me, but the center of the pads has been getting the dreaded divot. I use a lot of the 4" pads since I detail quite a few motorcycles. I typically use 4 pads in rotation. I polish one section with a pad, and then change to a new pad when I move to the next section. With 4 pads in rotation, each pad has plenty of time to cool and typically only gets used for 2 (3 max) sections, so they're not getting saturated with product. If anyone has suggestions for a different process, or suggestions for 4" pads that are working well for them, I'd really appreciate it.

[Eldorado2k]

I’ve been meaning to post this question as well… I’ve tried several different 3”-4” pads and it seems to be harder to find overall great small pads vs. normal sized pads.

But I think I’ve found the ones I like. I really like these 3” Lake Country Thinpro Grey Cutting Pads. They can knock out defects and finish down lsp ready in most cases. They’ve been great to the point where I just recently bought more.

I also bought some Griots Boss 3” pads recently, but those pads have been sort of meh so far, especially the the little microfiber pad, I had such high expectations for that 1 but it just hasn’t impressed me in any way.

[PaulMys]

You like those Gray LC's, Ric?

I ordered a couple of those a few years back, and they feel like I could slap them on my angle grinder and sharpen my mower blades with them.

Those things are nasty! Lol

[Eldorado2k]

You like those Gray LC's, Ric?

I ordered a couple of those a few years back, and they feel like I could slap them on my angle grinder and sharpen my mower blades with them.

Those things are nasty! Lol

Yea dude I think they’re sweet. And yea you’re right, they sort of feel like they’d be dangerous, but they work so much better than say a Rupes blue pad. These don’t sling, they cut great, and finish lsp ready. And for being a little 3” pad that makes them little gems.

I have 5 of them now.

[MisterSnoop]

I also bought some Griots Boss 3” pads recently, but those pads have been sort of meh so far, especially the the little microfiber pad, I had such high expectations for that 1 but it just hasn’t impressed me in any way.

Have you used the Griot's yellow pads in 5 or 6"? Not enough cut for you?

[Eldorado2k]

Have you used the Griot's yellow pads in 5 or 6"? Not enough cut for you?

Yea I have a couple of those 6.5” yellow polishing pads. They’re ok, the Orange pad is cool too, but I usually reach for an Lake Country Orange HD Orbital pad 1st before using 1 of them. But there’s certainly nothing wrong with them.

It’s hard to describe the issue I have with their 3” pads other than they just feel too small for their own good. Like they simply shrunk the big pads into small pads instead of re designing the small pads which I feel would’ve been the best thing to do.

Look at this pad. Does it look like it has a hole in the center? No.



But it actually does.




User experience turns into a bit of a mess, with the pad having little lasting power. I’ve only used these a couple of times but I seem to need a new pad really quick.

[bsmith0404]

Thanks for the replies I have some 3" LC pads, but I haven't tried them, to be honest I don't know why I bought them, my backing plate is too big for 3" pads. Was really hoping someone would have some good recommendations for 4" pads. I used to like the LC 4" pads, but they were a thinner pad and seemed to hold up well. The new Hydro-Tech pads are a lot thicker and they just don't last. Really disappointed. Maybe it's time for a new backing plate.

[PaulMys]

Thanks for the replies I have some 3" LC pads, but I haven't tried them, to be honest I don't know why I bought them, my backing plate is too big for 3" pads. Was really hoping someone would have some good recommendations for 4" pads. I used to like the LC 4" pads, but they were a thinner pad and seemed to hold up well. The new Hydro-Tech pads are a lot thicker and they just don't last. Really disappointed. Maybe it's time for a new packing plate.

I would just get a 3" BP.

The difference between 4 and 5 inch pads is pretty negligible, but with a 3 inch set-up, you can get into way more areas than a 5 inch.

I know this sounds like a quote from Captain Obvious, but I'll bet you'd be happier with a 5 and 3 arsenal rather than a 5 and 4.

[bsmith0404]

I would just get a 3" BP.

The difference between 4 and 5 inch pads is pretty negligible, but with a 3 inch set-up, you can get into way more areas than a 5 inch.

I know this sounds like a quote from Captain Obvious, but I'll bet you'd be happier with a 5 and 3 arsenal rather than a 5 and 4.

Yeah, I'll get the new plate and try them out. I normally use 6.5" and 4" when doing cars. Motorcycles are pretty much exclusively 4" not too many times I would need a smaller pad with them. It's definitely worth a try since I'm getting so frustrated with the 4" options.

[FUNX650]

I’ll recommend RUPES 4” Pads.


Bob