What is your "Go To" pad/product combo for Flex

[tenblade2001]

I just purchased a Flex. I am considering several options:
(1) purchase a separate backing plate and use 5 inch pads in addition to the 6.5 inch pads. Then, 4inch pads for my 7424
(2) Use the flex only with 6.5 inch pad and use 5 inch pads for 7424.

Car: 2012 Alpine White M3
Products: Menz 400/4000, WG sealant vs. Blackfire (I really want to try the Ice over Fire combo).
Pads: I was planning on using hydrotech pads.

What are y'alls recommendations or favorite pad/product combo?

thanks, Steve

[Kamakaz1961]

Get the 4" Lake Country Backing Plate and get the 5" Hybrid Pads. The stock BP the Flex came in is fine for the 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Pads. This does wonders for the Flex 3401. Just get them...period. Get Mike Phillips book on How to use the Flex 3401 it is the bible for the Flex.

I use Menzerna FG400 and SF4500 as my combo.

[rms64]

This thread says it all.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...brid-pads.html

Hybrids, a Flex, and Menz products - BMW's love 'em.

I'm sure Mike aka "Smack" will chime in - I know he can't resist.

[dlc95]

I like Hydrotech pads on random orbit style machines, like the porter cable 7424xp. The 3401 might hasten the deterioration of Hydrotech pads.

Like LC's H20+PC is a winner, the same can be said for the Hybrid+3401 combination.

I personally use the green light cutting/heavy polishing, and blur polishing foams from hex logic, which are supposedly manufactured by Buff and Shine.

Side by side, they appear to be the same foams..

I use these because I have a ton of them, they work, and they're tough, and hold up really well.

I'll pair them with any Meguiar's, or Menzerna product I have on hand. Even Ultimate Compound / Ultima polish works great with those pads and the 3401.

[tenblade2001]

That clears a lot up. Thank god I didn't complete my purchase last night (had about $300 in hydrotech pads... for the flex).

[dlc95]

That clears a lot up. Thank god I didn't complete my purchase last night (had about $300 in hydrotech pads... for the flex).

They would work great with that machine. Mike Phillips had an in depth video using Hydrotech pads with the 3401.

But since the Hybrids became available, they have been the #1 choice for that machine. You'll need the Lake Country backing plate conversion kit. The 5" Hybrid pads go on their 4" 3401 plate.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Get the 4" Lake Country Backing Plate and get the 5" Hybrid Pads. The stock BP the Flex came in is fine for the 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Pads. This does wonders for the Flex 3401. Just get them...period. Get Mike Phillips book on How to use the Flex 3401 it is the bible for the Flex.

I use Menzerna FG400 and SF4500 as my combo.

I agree.

Your best bet is to start off with the smaller "5 pads with the 4" plate. This will really give you the best handling of the machine and you will get a good feel for it.

Later on you can pick up the 6.5" pads to use with it when you get some seat time in with this system.

This thread says it all.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...brid-pads.html

Hybrids, a Flex, and Menz products - BMW's love 'em.

I'm sure Mike aka "Smack" will chime in - I know he can't resist.

German paint loves German products.

Thanks for the reference Rob.

They would work great with that machine. Mike Phillips had an in depth video using Hydrotech pads with the 3401.

True. That was up until the release for the Hybrid system.

But since the Hybrids became available, they have been the #1 choice for that machine. You'll need the Lake Country backing plate conversion kit. The 5" Hybrid pads go on their 4" 3401 plate.

And for good reason.

OP, your best bet is to get going with the "5 Hybrid pad setup.

[Mike Phillips]

.

What are y'alls recommendations or favorite pad/product combo?

thanks, Steve

I'd agree with most of the above.

Get the Lake Country Backing Plate Adapter Kit so you can burn and turn 5" Hybrid pads.

For 5" Hybrid pads get the orange, white and black. You can tackle just about anything with this combo.

Remember, thin pads are only necessary for tools like the PC. Thicker foam pads are perfectly fine for gear driven tools.

Next time you're using the Flex 3401 practice on a flat panel holding the tool perfectly flat. Then on purpose tilt it,

• Toward you.
• Away from you.
• To one side.
• To the other side.

Purposefully cause it to want to "walk" so you get the feel of the walking effect caused by not holding the pad flat.

Then, when using this tool hold the pad flat and anytime you feel the tool trying to walk in any direction you'll know/understand it's not the tool. It's how you're holding the pad in relationship to the panel being buffed.

[tenblade2001]

Thank you for the responses! BTW, I ordered Mike's book and the video AG has on using the Flex.

[Mike Phillips]

Thank you for the responses! BTW, I ordered Mike's book and the video AG has on using the Flex.

Thank you for your business!