3401 backing plate.

**Jeremy1976** · 03-19-2017, 12:37 PM

FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate, FLEX

Is this the best to run? I'm looking to use some 5" LC Hybrid pads .

Thanks.

**VdubbinMI** · 03-19-2017, 12:50 PM

In order to run the 5" Hybrid pads on the Flex 3401 you'll need to use the 4" backing plate from Lake Country found here: FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

The 4 3/8" is too large for the 4" velcro area on the Hybrid pads. Some members have machined their 4 3/8" plate down to 4" to safely use the hybrid pads.

**Jeremy1976** · 03-19-2017, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by VdubbinMI

In order to run the 5" Hybrid pads on the Flex 3401 you'll need to use the 4" backing plate from Lake Country found here: FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

The 4 3/8" is too large for the 4" velcro area on the Hybrid pads. Some members have machined their 4 3/8" plate down to 4" to safely use the hybrid pads.

Not great reviews....

**VdubbinMI** · 03-19-2017, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy1976

Not great reviews....

Agreed. I have both the 4" and 4 3/8" backing plate but haven't used either yet since the weather in MI has not been cooperating so I can't comment on the durability.

See this link for more information if you want to try cutting the backing plate down yourself.

Cutting down Flex Mini 4 3/8 BP to use 5" Pads

**FlyinLow** · 03-26-2017, 12:38 AM

Dang, that is the second amazingly clever idea that I've gotten off of this forum today. You guys are amazing!

I'll make one suggestion though… Rather than taping the edges, sand them, and apply epoxy to seal them. That way, you're actually getting more air in there, which will help keep the pads cooler. Just a suggestion.
@Demonizer: It's been a few years now so you should know if not having the outside edge of plastic weakens the revised backing plate at high rpm's/pressure. By the way, how did you find a machinist on craigslist? What were your search terms? (hope he sees this)

**fightnews** · 03-26-2017, 05:21 AM

I don't think cutting the 4 3/8th plate is a good idea. If you only want to but 1 backing plate then buy the 4 3/8th plate and leave it intact. You can still use the 5" hybrid pads. The velcro is only going to be 3/16ths of an inch over the white felt on the 5" pad. Thats nothing and you will still have over a 1/4" of pad sticking out past the backing plate the whole way around

That should be plenty seeing as a lot of people use 6" pads on 6" backing plates all the time with no pad over hanging the backing plate

**fightnews** · 03-26-2017, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by FlyinLow

Dang, that is the second amazingly clever idea that I've gotten off of this forum today. You guys are amazing!

I'll make one suggestion though… Rather than taping the edges, sand them, and apply epoxy to seal them. That way, you're actually getting more air in there, which will help keep the pads cooler. Just a suggestion.
@Demonizer: It's been a few years now so you should know if not having the outside edge of plastic weakens the revised backing plate at high rpm's/pressure. By the way, how did you find a machinist on craigslist? What were your search terms? (hope he sees this)

not really how much do you think the machinist would charge to mill the plate down? its only 30 bucks for the right one.

**fightnews** · 03-26-2017, 05:12 AM

Originally Posted by Jeremy1976

Not great reviews....

It works i have it, its just that the hybrid pads are discontinued. force flex are the replacements. the 5" are still good for tight areas though, im still going to use mine

**fightnews** · 03-26-2017, 05:10 AM

Originally Posted by VdubbinMI

In order to run the 5" Hybrid pads on the Flex 3401 you'll need to use the 4" backing plate from Lake Country found here: FLEX XC3401 Changeable Backing Plate System

The 4 3/8" is too large for the 4" velcro area on the Hybrid pads. Some members have machined their 4 3/8" plate down to 4" to safely use the hybrid pads.

well that was a bad idea, the 5" hybrid pads are out, The new force flex 5.5 pads are in. you need the 4 3/8th backing plate for them.

i just went through all this thats how i know

**VdubbinMI** · 03-27-2017, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by fightnews

well that was a bad idea, the 5" hybrid pads are out, The new force flex 5.5 pads are in. you need the 4 3/8th backing plate for them.

i just went through all this thats how i know

Thanks for the heads up.

I was not aware that the Hybrids were no longer the "go to" pads for the flex. Makes sense seeing that they were on the BOGO to most likely get rid of excess inventory.