Rotary or Flex 3401

**Slate G8 GT** · 03-21-2012, 09:48 PM

Hey guys, I started detailing on the side after I got my GG DA last year when people saw the work i did on my families cars. Most of the jobs i get are people wanting a one step on their daily driver, the only bad thing is that most people around here drive trucks or SUVs. I mainly use Poli-Seal or Hyper Spray Polish if they want Opti-Coat. While I get great results with my DA and MF pads, I'm been thinking about getting a rotary or flex 3401 to speed up the process.

I was leaning toward either a Makita or the new Dewalt DWP849X rotary for their speed and price(plus it will be nice to have when I come across super hard clears) but was concerned about finishing down in one step with one. It was suggested I try the Flex 3401 but with my budget I would have to find a used one at a good price or sell my GG DA to get one.

I've done a lot of research on using a rotary and know the dangers involved(paint burn thru, holograms, etc.) and have my old work truck and some junk panels to practice on before using it on a customers vehicle.

Those that have a flex how much faster does it correct compared to a DA?

So what's ya'lls opinion, should I get a rotary or try to locate a used Flex?

Thanks, Daniel

**tuscarora dave** · 03-21-2012, 10:00 PM

If you are going to be doing a volume of work I'd suggest going with the rotary but would also suggest tossing at least 20% of your detailing earnings in a basket for the future purchase of a Flex 3401. Your DA will clean up after the rotary but at a slower pace than with the 3401. With practice, the right technique and the right product and pads (on most paints) you can finish hologram free with a rotary.

**theparmachine** · 03-21-2012, 10:13 PM

There is no substitute for a rotary. I have all three and enjoy using all of them.

There is nothing worse than starting a car and having to do panels more than once - IMO. The rotary will never give you that problem. You can always go to the wool pad which will correct in no time flat.

I like the flex and would recommend it but if I had to choose I would not want to be without the rotary.

**basko93** · 03-21-2012, 10:19 PM

I have a 3401 and a Hitachi rotary, 3m and a rotary is a must for me. I cannot get a DA to do what a rotary can in a 1/4 of the time.

**Danube** · 03-21-2012, 11:11 PM

3401 is a killer but PE14 cuts really fast.

I'd suggest you go rotary, Makita 9227.

**Rsurfer** · 03-21-2012, 11:33 PM

You have a Flex PE, why are you recommending a Makita? Is it price?

Originally Posted by Danube

3401 is a killer but PE14 cuts really fast.

I'd suggest you go rotary, Makita 9227.

**Danube** · 03-21-2012, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by Rsurfer

You have a Flex PE, why are you recommending a Makita? Is it price?

Yes, if you wanna spend the extra cash go Flex, otherwise everyone is saying good things about 9227, and Makita always make quality tools.

**tuscarora dave** · 03-22-2012, 04:26 AM

If I had to choose between my Flex PE-14-2 and my Makita 9227C, I'd pick the Makita hands down. While the PE-14 is light and smooth running, it would never survive the recons that I muscle through with the Makita.

**CEE DOG** · 03-22-2012, 05:42 AM

Whoa! I love my Flex! What about the Dewalt guys?? That looked to be one fine machine and half the price if my beloved Flex PE-14...

OP, get both!!

If your happy with your GG then get the rotary first. Re-asses after a month and prolly get your Flex 3401. I for one couldn't stand the GG and luckily it broke on within 2 hours of it's first use which prompted me to get the Flex3401.

**Slate G8 GT** · 03-22-2012, 09:28 PM

Thanks guys. Yeah I would love to have both but my wife seemed to have misplaced my credit card

. I've been leaning toward the rotary though since i do already have a DA, was just worried about finishing with one as most people around here just want a one step.

I would like to hear some opinions on the new Dewalt also, I see a lot about the Makita and Flex but not much about it.