Flex XFE 7 vs Rupes 15 Mark II

[DaveT435]

Today I received my new Flex XFE 7. Because of the next to 2 house trying to figure out what the rattling noise was only to find out it's normal because of the internal balancing system I didn't have time to work on any paint. Missed the little sticker on the plastic around the machine. I ended up compounding the rather large muffler we took out of my son's Genesis Coupe.

The first thing noticed is the Flex is about 2" shorter and about 3/4 a pound lighter, which to me gave the Flex a better feel and an easier tool to work with. I used the 5" plate and Rupes 6" yellow pads on both machines for testing. I used Optimum Hyper Compound for the tests today also if that matters.

I've never had a big issue with these machines stalling. I'm not saying I have perfect technique, or that the machines don't stall, just want to point out that it isn't a big issue for me. Trying to stall the machines by tilting and running on the curves on the muffler, including the sharp edges. At speed I found it difficult to stall either one in any situation. When dropping down to 4.5 I found the Rupes easier to stall than the Flex.

Both machines speed dials are well placed and easy to adjust during use.

As far as noise the Flex is considerably quieter at all speeds.

Unfortunately I wasn't really paying attention to the soft start. The Flex says it has soft start, I didn't really notice it. When going from the Flex to the Rupes I noticed the soft start on the Rupes. I'm sure the Flex has it, it's just not as slow a start as the Rupes.

Vibration wasn't an issue with eith machine. The Flex did have a little more vibration when run wide open. Keep in mind I was using exactly what the Rupes machine is designed to run. I will have to do more testing with different pad sizes and manufacturers to decide which is better overall.

Obviously I wasn't running either machine for an extended period of time, but after 2-3 minutes of non stop running I didn't notice anything that indicated heat was going to be a problem with either machine.

After today's testing personally I liked the Flex better, mainly because of the size and weight difference.

Sorry the side by side picture of the machines wouldn't load. You can see how well the muffler got polished including the very rounded edges. I realize this isn't the ideal test. I'll post more when I've had some time to work on some paint.

[spazzz]

Go team Flex.

So side by side not much difference to give a hoot?

How grimy was the pad after the shiny muffler was done?

[VISITOR]

looks like the flex is the clear winner here and worth the wait!

[atgonzales]

GRRRRR, now I don't know what to get..... your review was still outstanding


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[Thenissanguy]

nice review any chance you can get some videos ?

[Black Lab]

Thanks for the review Dave! Just got mine too. Number 00073 Unfortunately, it's 23 degrees out, so I won't be getting to really use it any time soon. It's good to hear your impression of it so far. From the little bit that I got to play with mine, I can say it feels similar to my PE14 and is quiet and smooth like you mentioned. I'm really thinking about getting the 5" backing plate due to my preference of smaller 5" and 5 1/2" pads. I'm hoping for good durability because this seems like it will fit in well with my 3401 and PE14. It's just so comfortable switching between each polisher. The ergonomics match. I'm looking forward to people really beating on these things to see if they got the guts of the other Flex machines.

[DaveT435]

Go team Flex.

So side by side not much difference to give a hoot?

How grimy was the pad after the shiny muffler was done?

6 year old muffler. That should give you an idea. They were pad. A couple rounds of the McKee's pad cleaner and they're usable again.
Not a lot of difference. I like the size, weight, and sound level of the Flex. I'll know more after trying different size and brands of pads. With the balancing system I would think the Flex would be better with the balancing system it has.

[DaveT435]

nice review any chance you can get some videos ?

Yes I'll get some videos next week. I planned on getting some today working on my daughters paint but a couple hours got away.

[Heartsoulauto]

Nice. Weight and size is a big deal for wear and tear on the user. Less fatigue

[DaveT435]

Nice. Weight and size is a big deal for wear and tear on the user. Less fatigue

Right...with my back it makes a big difference.