Ordering Flex 3401 - Questions

[CC268]

Hey guys,

I'm gonna pull the trigger on a Flex 3401 - at one time I kept up with all the current products, but I've long been out of the "game". Hoping someone can help with a few questions:

1. It looks like the 3401 is out of stock - is this the same model, just a "Special Edition"? FLEX 3401 VRG Red Beast - Special Edition Polisher

2. It comes with a 5.5" backing plate, but most people seem to recommend a 4 3/8" or 4.5" backing plate. Which do you recommend?

3. Are the Lake Country Hybrid pads still the way to go? If so, am I best off with the 5.5" pads? Orange or white for light/moderate correction?Lake Country Force Hybrid Foam Pads - Autogeek.net

Thanks!

[Sizzle Chest]

Yes, it is the same machine, just a special edition.

I run one with the larger plate, I feel that you really don't need the smaller backing plate all that often.

I use LC pads with mine. My go to pad.

I run 6.5" pads on mine.


And if you can't find one in stock or have to wait to long, look into the Harbor Freight Hercules forced rotation machine. A solid machine, love mine.

[CC268]

Yes, it is the same machine, just a special edition.

I run one with the larger plate, I feel that you really don't need the smaller backing plate all that often.

I use LC pads with mine. My go to pad.

I run 6.5" pads on mine.


And if you can't find one in stock or have to wait to long, look into the Harbor Freight Hercules forced rotation machine. A solid machine, love mine.

Thanks! I suppose I could try the 6.5” pads. I imagine those might be fairly large for smaller vehciles with tighter contours though?

That’s interesting to hear the Harbor Freight version is a good machine! Certainly would save me a lot of cash.

[Coatingsarecrack]

From what I recall 3401 was being disco’s replace by xce 10-8-125 “c -beast”


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[SNP209]

The harbor freight hercules unit is awesome and priced nicely. If I were you, I'd use the hercules unit for larger areas and equip your gg6 with a 3 inch backing plate for tighter areas.

[CC268]

From what I recall 3401 was being disco’s replace by xce 10-8-125 “c -beast”


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Wow…I have no interest in cordless to be honest.

[CC268]

The harbor freight hercules unit is awesome and priced nicely. If I were you, I'd use the hercules unit for larger areas and equip your gg6 with a 3 inch backing plate for tighter areas.

I don't have my GG6 anymore.

That said, the more I research the more I think I will stay away from Rupes or any long throw polisher.

I think a great way to go would be a Griot's G9 and G8 and then add the Hercules. That would cover pretty much everything I would ever need and more, at a much reduced cost.

[SNP209]

I don't have my GG6 anymore.

That said, the more I research the more I think I will stay away from Rupes or any long throw polisher.

I think a great way to go would be a Griot's G9 and G8 and then add the Hercules. That would cover pretty much everything I would ever need and more, at a much reduced cost.

You can get pretty creative with forced rotation polishers. I have a 4.5" backing plate on the hercules and run 5.5" pads which leaves me with 1" of pad to get into tighter areas. It all comes down to how comfortable you are with the machine.

Having a G9 and the hercules would be redundant, the hercules and G8 should have you covered. But if you like the G9 that much then by all means pick it up as well.

[Coatingsarecrack]

Wow…I have no interest in cordless to be honest.

Didn’t recommend cordless…

FLEX XCE 10-8 125 Corded Polisher


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[Coatingsarecrack]

I don't have my GG6 anymore.

That said, the more I research the more I think I will stay away from Rupes or any long throw polisher.

I think a great way to go would be a Griot's G9 and G8 and then add the Hercules. That would cover pretty much everything I would ever need and more, at a much reduced cost.

Why anti long throw? If you’re doing a 3” it’s the perfect mate. I’d only do a 8mm rotation if I wasn’t getting a mini.

Also lots of complaints on G8. I would do g13. I’ve tried both and it is a superior machine.


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