Flex3401vrg or Rupes Bigfoot?

[Hazcat]

I unfortunately started with a baby polisher and now I'm in need of something that really works. I was all set to pick up the Flex3401 when Rupes Bigfoot hit the scene. Is Rupes now the go to polisher using the washer trick to get better rotation? or is the Flex3401 still king? I have 2 days and 18 hours to get this figured out before the sale is over. Thank you for any thoughts you may be able to provide.

Haz

[Lost Highway]

The best situation would be for you to try both before buying. The forced rotation of the Flex 3401 seems to be highly polarizing, people either love it or hate it. If you're looking at this strictly as a popularity contest the Rupes is certainly the flavor of the moment.

[silverfox]

And in 6 months something else will be king. Cyclo polisher is due for a comeback.

[Becciasm]

Both are great. Check out my NOVA detailing breakdown review of both machines.

I would agree with Lost that the flex is either love/hate. the Rupes is the flavor of the week, yes, but it is a sick machine.

I enjoyed using both polishers, and will probably opt for the 3401VRG as my next step up, just due to the forced rotation aspect over the larger throw of the Rupes.

[zmcgovern45]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-all-hype.html

Ongoing RUPES review - all opinions welcome!!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...eed-rupes.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...s-bigfoot.html

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Cyclo polisher is due for a comeback.

You've been over at Adam's Polishes too much.

[Mike Phillips]

I unfortunately started with a baby polisher and now I'm in need of something that really works. I was all set to pick up the Flex3401 when Rupes Bigfoot hit the scene. Is Rupes now the go to polisher using the washer trick to get better rotation? or is the Flex3401 still king? I have 2 days and 18 hours to get this figured out before the sale is over. Thank you for any thoughts you may be able to provide.

Haz

I used the Rupes Bigfoot 21 with the 6" backing plate yesterday on my truck and I have to say, I was impressed.

Bouncers Capture the Rapture Monster Truck Detail


I'm a huge fan of the Flex 3401 though and it's two main best features are...

1. Pro Grade - If you're detailing full time for money, you should be purchasing tools that won't wear out or break if you drop them.

2. Gear driven, forced rotation and forced oscillation. You cannot stop the pad from spinning no matter what.

I prefer the Flex 3401 with the LC 4" backing plate and the LC 5" Hybrid pads. Set-up like this there's pretty much nothing you can't tackle and do the job right without any wasted time.


Tough choice, both tools are very different but also very good. Like Lost Highway stated, some people really like the Flex 3401 while some people don't like it. The thing is you don't know until you actually get one in your hands and buff out a few cars.

That's what's so cool about my detailing classes, you get to use LOTS of tools and work on cool cars and then you'll have a real world opinion that will help you to make up your mind.


Ah heck... get them both...

[ocmike]

I used the Rupes Bigfoot 21 with the 6" backing plate yesterday on my truck and I have to say, I was impressed.

Bouncers Capture the Rapture Monster Truck Detail


I'm a huge fan of the Flex 3401 though and it's two main best features are...

1. Pro Grade - If you're detailing full time for money, you should be purchasing tools that won't wear out or break if you drop them.

2. Gear driven, forced rotation and forced oscillation. You cannot stop the pad from spinning no matter what.

I prefer the Flex 3401 with the LC 4" backing plate and the LC 5" Hybrid pads. Set-up like this there's pretty much nothing you can't tackle and do the job right without any wasted time.


Tough choice, both tools are very different but also very good. Like Lost Highway stated, some people really like the Flex 3401 while some people don't like it. The thing is you don't know until you actually get one in your hands and buff out a few cars.

That's what's so cool about my detailing classes, you get to use LOTS of tools and work on cool cars and then you'll have a real world opinion that will help you to make up your mind.


Ah heck... get them both...

...I have both!

[WRAPT C5Z06]

You CANNOT deny the forced rotation of the 3401. On the other hand, it has a mind of it's own, it can be harder to control than a traditional DA.

The Rupes is great with it's huge throw, which equals very fast correction. It's pretty easy to control. However, on non flat panels, the pad stops rotating too easily. That really bugs me.

They both have their pros and cons.

[Becciasm]

^^ was waiting for you to post some more details, Mark - you were (are?) very vocal about the 3401. which worked better, for you, on the Z?