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Super Member
Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
Originally Posted by jimmers
Go with the Flex. You won't regret it. I am new as well to machine polishing. I decided to go with the Flex as my first machine. I didn't want to get the PC and wish I had gone with the Flex.
I used it for the first time this past weekend. I had no problem using it what so ever. I'll admit that I was intimidated to use it at first but once I got going with it I felt right at home with it. I used it on a Mazda MX-5 (small sized car) and I really didn't have any problem with the 6.5" pads. I just made sure I taped off areas I didn't want to touch and was careful in tight areas.
It is more expensive but if you can afford it, get it. It's easy to use and you won't be disappointed.
Jimmers is right on
:dancebanana:
Sky's the Limit Car Care
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Super Member
Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
Originally Posted by 07 z-oh-6
The Flex will try to control/wander from you when polishing NON flat panels, just be aware of that. Only being able to use 6.5" pads sucks if you don't have another DA. It's a solid machine, but has it's drawbacks, IMO. I just sold my Flex 3401. I like the new version Griot's DA better..
You can use 5.5 or 6" pads as well or you could use the edge system as well if I'm not mistaken.
For me I use the LC pads with my Flex and I have a little 3" GG polisher for the tight areas.
OP: Originally I was intimidated by the Flex and also didn't want to spend the money. Bought the Griots. It stopped working on me and the wonferfull people at AG (Dwayne) was extremely helfull in taking care of it in an exchange for another GG. He also talked with me and was very patient with my questions about the Flex. I ended up replacing it with the Flex and MAN am I ever glad I did! It runs so smooth! It's night and day compared to the vibration of the Griots. Z is correct about the pad drawbacks but it doesn't matter for a second to me. My 3" polisher will get into all the places I need it to.. More places then a PC or regular GG with any size pad will get into. + its more convenient imo.
:dancebanana:
Sky's the Limit Car Care
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Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
Originally Posted by CEE DOG
You can use 5.5 or 6" pads as well or you could use the edge system as well if I'm not mistaken.
For me I use the LC pads with my Flex and I have a little 3" GG polisher for the tight areas.
OP: Originally I was intimidated by the Flex and also didn't want to spend the money. Bought the Griots. It stopped working on me and the wonferfull people at AG (Dwayne) was extremely helfull in taking care of it in an exchange for another GG. He also talked with me and was very patient with my questions about the Flex. I ended up replacing it with the Flex and MAN am I ever glad I did! It runs so smooth! It's night and day compared to the vibration of the Griots. Z is correct about the pad drawbacks but it doesn't matter for a second to me. My 3" polisher will get into all the places I need it to.. More places then a PC or regular GG with any size pad will get into. + its more convenient imo.
We have "friendly" disagreed on this subject before, but that's ok. It gives different opinions.
I don't think the vibration is night and day between the 2. I do agree the Flex vibrates less, but not that much less.
I bought the Griot's 3" a few months back and sold it as fast as I bought it. I think it's pretty worthless. JMO. Pad stops rotating wayyyyy to easily.
Anyhow, I'm in the very few that didn't like the Flex all that much. The percentages are greater the OP will like the Flex, but there's always a few that are "outside the box" out there.
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Super Member
Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
I like my PC7424
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Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
Originally Posted by PAR Detailing
I first learned on a rotary so I was used to that type of power and forced rotation.
I actually don't prefer forced rotation. Thank God the new Griot's DA has a lot of power compared to the PC724, PCXP, and G110v2, or I would have had no choice but to go with forced rotation if I wanted to correct faster and more efficient.
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Super Member
Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
Originally Posted by 07 z-oh-6
I actually don't prefer forced rotation. Thank God the new Griot's DA has a lot of power compared to the PC724, PCXP, and G110v2, or I would have had no choice but to go with forced rotation if I wanted to correct faster and more efficient.
Thats why you have to love all the choices out there. It makes it hard when you first go to buy a machine because you dont know which one to buy lol but in the end if you dont like it then try another one. What I like doesnt mean "you" (as in everyone) have to like it and vise versa. Both are very capable machines and I think both will get the job done, its left to personal preferance and how you work the maching i.e. technique and when done right you will get the results you desire
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Jon Leidgen
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Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
thanks for everyones help. i think i am going to end up giving the flex a wurl sometime in the next couple weeks. ofcourse my girlfriend likes the porter cable better cause of price lol, but since we got done so bad on our taxes she said i could spoil myself and get what i want so i am going to take advantage of it and get the flex lol. cause cant i always go get a used porter cable for like 80 bucks or something if it doesnt work out with the flex??? also thanks for everyones input and keep it comming because buying my first polisher is quite the task.
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Super Member
Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
You could always start with the PC7424, and get a Flex later on. You can perform tasks (scratch/swirl remove) faster with the flex, but if you learned on the PC, you would appreciate the Flex that much more later on down the road.
Depending upon what type of detailing you're doing, how much experience you have, it is not essential to rush out and pick up the Flex right away.
Ultimately, you can't go wrong either way
If you're careful, you can learn to machine polish with the Flex, but considering my past experience, a PC will more than suffice for an entry level, but the decision is yours.
Good luck mang
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Re: is a flex 3401 good for a beginner???
Good choice. I love my 3401. Mike is absolutely right about holding the pad flat against the surface.
You may want to look into getting a side grip handle. I found it much more comfortable than the bale-style. Pretty sure AG has one for like $10.
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