Flex pe8 vs rupes mini

[Detailsbydaniel]

I am in the market for a smaller sized polisher for the areas the long throw does not fit in well. I have seen both the flex pe8 and mini get great reviews. I am trying to find people who have used both and have pros and cons to each unit. The flex is cheaper onviously but I don't mind spending money on quality tools. All help would be much appreciated

[custmsprty]

I have both and for me it's the Mini all the way.

[Rsurfer]

I have both and for me it's the Mini all the way.

I also use both and with the exception of super tight areas (1" pads), I enjoy using the Mini more.

[Marc08EX]

Well they're different animals. The Flex PE8 is a rotary while the Rupes mini 75E is a random orbital.

So you have to ask yourself which type of polisher do you want to use. The random orbital is for sure safer and because of that, I pick the Rupes mini and prefer it.

Another difference is the PE8 can accept 1", 2" and 3" BPs while the Rupes mini only uses a 3" BP. So how tight the areas you want to polish will dictate which polish you might want to get.

Hope this helps.

[Mantilgh]

I agree with what Marc08EX said.

Instead of mini(75E), did you mean Nano?

Rupes Bigfoot Nano iBrid Short Neck Kit

It uses small pads(1 1/4 and 2"), has both rotary and dual action capabilities.

Edit: as far as respective machines, I think both the PE8 would both be great machines for their designed task.

The rotary would be able to get you into much tighter areas because of its lack of oscillation and extensions can be used. But it could be a "dangerous" tool in the wrong hands and in the wrong spot.

The 75E mini is very similarly designed to the Duetto with the same orbit and rpm. I have the Duetto and it has a lot of power and it should be a beast of a polisher in the 3"-4" range.

[Detailsbydaniel]

I was comparing to the mini. I understand the nano is a more fair matchup but the price is just out of the question for me now and anytime in the future since im not a large volume detailer. I am more comfortable with the da vs a rotary but I am willing to put time in if it means it is more beneficial to me. The local junkyard has plenty of junk waiting to be picked for near nothing for practice. I like the idea of the smaller pads when needed but I ask myself will i use them really. Ah descions lol

[custmsprty]

The PE-8 is a tool that demands your attention 100% of the time. Why they even put the speeds on it that it has I'll never understand.

Flex PE8 Kompakt Rotary Polisher RPM Speed Setting Range:
1 - 1300, 2 - 1600, 3 - 2100, 4 - 2800, 5 - 3400, 6 - 3900

You can melt a headlight in seconds and burn clear coat in no time flat. It's a functional tool for tight areas but in medium to small areas, front rear bumpers, A pillars etc I'll take my Mini all day long. I parked the PE-8.

[Fast Eddie]

I got my PE-8 last November and have used it a handful of times until it broke. The pinion gear is missing a couple of teeth. Getting Flex North America to help is like pulling teeth. I wish I had bought the mini instead.

[mike33175]

The PE-8 on speed 1 is for the most part pretty safe. Its great for B pillars and the trunk areas. And yes, you have to stay focused ( as with any machine).

[Zubair]

The thing with rotaries is they lose cut the smaller one goes with the pad. A 1"-3" pad on a rotary is safe and dare I say a long throw like the Mini will not only be safer but probably have the edge in cut too.