Flex 3401 BP size frustration!

[Caleb@ImpeccableImage]

While I enjoy my Flex 3401, one thing Ive never been able to wrap my head around is the odd backing plate sizes. Why the heck did they not make a standard size like everyone else!? I dont understand why they think a 4-3/8 inch is a good size for 5 and 5.5 inch pads. Anybody know the reason behind this madness? Im seriously thinking of taking my 5.5 inch plate and mounting it to a lathe and turning it down so it will fit my 5.5 inch inch pads velcro backing perfectly like the rest of my polishers.

[Nick McKees37]

While I enjoy my Flex 3401, one thing Ive never been able to wrap my head around is the odd backing plate sizes. Why the heck did they not make a standard size like everyone else!? I dont understand why they think a 4-3/8 inch is a good size for 5 and 5.5 inch pads. Anybody know the reason behind this madness? Im seriously thinking of taking my 5.5 inch plate and mounting it to a lathe and turning it down so it will fit my 5.5 inch inch pads velcro backing perfectly like the rest of my polishers.

I've used 5.5 inch foam pads on the standard 5.5 inch plate without any issues. If you want an EXACT fitting backing plate, that set up will make you happy. I would not advise this set up unless you're very confident and very experienced.

Ever since Lake Country introduced the Hybrid pads a couple years ago, that's all I use on the 3401, and for good reason - they're the smoothest, most durable pads you can use on that machine. My favorite set up is the 5 inch Hybrid pads (used with 4 inch Changeable Backing Plate System). That's the cat's meow.

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish Ultra Performance Pad System

FLEX XC3401 4 Inch Changeable Backing Plate System

[Caleb@ImpeccableImage]

I understand that and i have the LC interchangable plate system and hybrid pads but I also like my buff and shines and new megs pads

Thanks Nick

[dlc95]

Totally agree, Caleb.

I really like Hydrotechs, and Hex Logics on the 3401. Maybe they'll come out with one sometime?

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

While I enjoy my Flex 3401, one thing Ive never been able to wrap my head around is the odd backing plate sizes. Why the heck did they not make a standard size like everyone else!? I dont understand why they think a 4-3/8 inch is a good size for 5 and 5.5 inch pads. Anybody know the reason behind this madness? Im seriously thinking of taking my 5.5 inch plate and mounting it to a lathe and turning it down so it will fit my 5.5 inch inch pads velcro backing perfectly like the rest of my polishers.

The only thing that I can think of why Flex offers the 4 3/8" plate is that is designed more for the European market where they use a 125mm pad as opposed to our 5.5" pads. With the 125mm pads they often feature a 110mm Velcro attachment thus the 4 3/8" plate fits.

Like you, I would like to see a 5" plate made to use the normal 5.5" pads. Perhaps a 5" plate could designed for use in the LC interchangeable plate system.

Ever since Lake Country introduced the Hybrid pads a couple years ago, that's all I use on the 3401, and for good reason - they're the smoothest, most durable pads you can use on that machine. My favorite set up is the 5 inch Hybrid pads (used with 4 inch Changeable Backing Plate System). That's the cat's meow.

Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish Ultra Performance Pad System

FLEX XC3401 4 Inch Changeable Backing Plate System

IMO, this is the benchmark setup for the 3401.

[J.Kempster]

I just tracked my shipment on UPS and my 4" backing plate and 5" hybrid pads should be delivered today. I am excited to try these out. Seems the consensus is a smooth machine with this setup.

[AGOatemywallet]

A local machine shop took mine down to 5.3" for $5

Perfect for 5.5" pads and a perfect fit for the CarPro Denim Pads