LC 4" backplate quality

[11B250]

Was about to get some 5" LC hybrid pads with the 4" LC bp, but i just read the 5 reviews, and 3 (or 4?) of them said the bp broke after 1 use. Seems like it can't take the heat and it's breaking point is by the washer/nut. Now I'm not sure if I want to get it and just stick with the 6" pads...

Going to delay my order until I hear some feedback from you guys.

People don't always write a review until something breaks or is unsat, so I wanted to ask here and see what the users have been saying.

It seems plastic is not the way to go for this piece as we know flex can get VERY hot.

Either that, or people are running this thing at full speed and heating the hell out of it with lots of downward pressure

Thoughts guys?

[Rommel]

I've had no issues with mine for over a year now but mine was the set that added the 4" plate & a 6"(or 6.5", can't remember) plate. Which I see is not available anymore so not sure if the 4" one I have is any different than ones now. Love the 5" LC hybrid pads and have no issues but I don't go over 4 very often. We'll see others opinion....

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

No problems here.

Im still on the original release plate system from 2011.

[Zubair]

I oil the felt ring and use the two added shims with the 4" and no issues.

[AZ Mike]

I oil the felt ring and use the two added shims with the 4" and no issues.

[bigdaddy65]

Both of mine failed 4" and 6". Replacements with extra shim have been ok but I tend to not use it a lot after the failures for fear of damaging the paint because there is no warning when it fails.

[11B250]

I just ended up getting the 6.5... I don't want to deal with this issue and end up having to get a "backup" plate incase it fails while I'm working and I have nothing but 5.5 pads...

I ordered some force hybrid pads from an outside vendor since we don't have them here yet and I'll order some 3" pads for my PC to get the smaller spots I can't get to with the big 6.5

[Zubair]

You could have gotten 5.5" pads which work with the Flex 4 3/8" backing plate too. The 4 3/8" is my favourite 3401 plate as its the most versatile and feels the most natural.

[11B250]

You could have gotten 5.5" pads which work with the Flex 4 3/8" backing plate too. The 4 3/8" is my favourite 3401 plate as its the most versatile and feels the most natural.

I'll check that out!

[Whitewater25]

Man, don't say that!Hate to hear about failures. I was going to get the small backing plate for my 3401 & keep the large one on the XCE when it comes out so I don't have to swap plates on one machine.