XCE 10 8 125 or 3401?

**45srbest** · 08-18-2021, 04:54 PM

This is the first (and last-I’m 71) polisher I expect to buy. My son will get it after me so I’m somewhat concerned about parts availability for the 3401 in the future. Am I overthinking this? It took me forever on the forum to finally land on Flex.
I will certainly research what pads and products to use. The first car I will do is my wife’s Nissan Rogue. It’s black and has had the hood repainted at one point. A few rubbed flat areas and overall lost that Black shine (its a 2012). Eventually I’ll get the nerve to do my 2015 Jeep Rubicon.
if I’m way off or should be looking at something else, thank you for any help!

**Rsurfer** · 08-18-2021, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by 45srbest

This is the first (and last-I’m 71) polisher I expect to buy. My son will get it after me so I’m somewhat concerned about parts availability for the 3401 in the future. Am I overthinking this? It took me forever on the forum to finally land on Flex.
I will certainly research what pads and products to use. The first car I will do is my wife’s Nissan Rogue. It’s black and has had the hood repainted at one point. A few rubbed flat areas and overall lost that Black shine (its a 2012). Eventually I’ll get the nerve to do my 2015 Jeep Rubicon.
if I’m way off or should be looking at something else, thank you for any help!

IIRC the Flex 3401 is being discontinued.

**dgage** · 08-18-2021, 09:39 PM

What about the cordless XCE 8 125? I love not having to deal with a cord. By the time I’ve worked through one battery, the second is fully charged so you won’t be waiting. It is a little more expensive but not having to deal with the cord is priceless (ok not really). I only reach for my cordless polishers now though I’m a hobbyist.

**opie** · 08-19-2021, 05:30 AM

Im a huge fan of my supa beast. No comparison from my 1st da(megs mt300).

Keep in mind with anything cordless....batteries need to cool after being used b4 being tossed on the charger. It greatly reduces the amount of charging cycles you will get out of a battery. I would suggest having enough to take that into consideration

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

**45srbest** · 08-19-2021, 11:10 AM

Thanks for all the info. I know the 3401 is going to be discontinued, that’s why I was worried about future parts availability. The cordless is interesting, but having bought some cordless tools in the past that batteries are no longer available for, that concerns me also.

**dlc95** · 08-19-2021, 12:28 PM

I would go with the XCE due to the 3401 being discontinued.

**Rsurfer** · 08-19-2021, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by 45srbest

Thanks for all the info. I know the 3401 is going to be discontinued, that’s why I was worried about future parts availability. The cordless is interesting, but having bought some cordless tools in the past that batteries are no longer available for, that concerns me also.

I doubt if Flex will change their battery fitment for their polishers. Like Makita they have been around a long time.

**TTQ B4U** · 08-19-2021, 02:52 PM

3401 is a better machine IMO and experience with both. I have two 3401's, ones very old, the other is newer and I have the newer corded XCE. It's a nice machine but a bit slower and while it's smoother, I still don't see it being as beefy and holding up as well as the true BEAST. The 3401 also is a little shorter and can get into smaller areas better. I find it useful still. Can't go wrong with either but those are my thoughts.

**Kamakaz1961** · 08-19-2021, 03:14 PM

I have BOTH the 3401 and the XCE 10 8 125. If it were me, GET THE XCE 10 8 125. It is lighter, quieter, runs cooler and easier to use. I have the corded XCE and I am happy I got it.

My 3401 was my main DA and I have used it for over 5 years. It is now my back up DA. I was hesitant about the new Flex but glad I did. No more ear plugs while working.

It's just as strong as the 3401 (at least IMO) and you can work longer without fatigue.

You being an OLD BOOMER at 71 (I am a semi old BOOMER at 60...LOL), I would get the corded Flex XCE 10. This DA is more friendly to use for us old farts! LOL

**richy** · 08-24-2021, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by opie

Im a huge fan of my supa beast. No comparison from my 1st da(megs mt300).

Keep in mind with anything cordless....batteries need to cool after being used b4 being tossed on the charger. It greatly reduces the amount of charging cycles you will get out of a battery. I would suggest having enough to take that into consideration

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Not to sidetrack this conversation, but I was thinking it would be smart to pick up a 3rd battery. How long should they cool down prior to recharging?

Sent from my SM-G975W using Tapatalk