Metabo or the new Flex?

[Crazy Amos]

Ok so after getting the 3401 and using it, I have decided I like the ergonomic feel of it much better than the traditional stick or bail handles found on rotarys. If I can get by with just using my flex, I always favor that over my rotary because of it.

I am looking to buy either the new flex or the metabo and would like to know if anyone has experience with the metabo to kinda give me a run down on it.

The two are pretty close to being comparable to each other but the metab is $100 cheaper.

My dad has a Makita I use when I can and when I can't use it I use a Kawasaki. My neighbor has a dewalt that I have used a couple times just to try out and I have found i prefer my flex over any of them.

My question is to the guys with experience with the metabo and/or 3403. Which should I choose? Metabo or the new flex and why?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[BobbyG]

Since you already own the Flex 3401 you're very familiar with its ergonomics and balance therefore in my opinion I'd say the new Flex Rotary is the logical choice.

FLEX PE14-2-150 Rotary Polisher, FLEX circular polisher, rotary buffer, circular buffer, FLEX PE14

Late last week I ended up ordering the FLEX PE142150 Rotary Polisher!

[CleanGene]

[mbkite]

To me it's a no brainer but hay i ain't lending out my brain today

[Jons6.7]

If your job is detailing then a $100 is cheap to have a product you like and can use well. If your just doing your own car then that may be harder to justify.

I would look at it as a long term investment. That makes the difference all but pointless. You have found the one you like and just need to bite the buffer.

[C. Charles Hahn]

If your job is detailing then a $100 is cheap to have a product you like and can use well. If your just doing your own car then that may be harder to justify.

I would look at it as a long term investment. That makes the difference all but pointless. You have found the one you like and just need to bite the buffer.

Totally agreed. The extra $100 will pay for itself quickly if you're doing work for customers and can justify that you'll be using the rotary often enough.

[Crazy Amos]

Can I ask why you would choose the flex over the metabo? They are both pretty close to one another in features and weight.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Can I ask why you would choose the flex over the metabo? They are both pretty close to one another in features and weight.

For me, the main factor is heat. I've heard in the past that the Metabo rotaries were known to have problems with overheating if they were pushed hard for long buffing sessions. The new Flex is supposed to have been engineered to have superior internal cooling to prevent that from happening. Only time will tell if their new design is as effective as they claim.

[rwright]

This post may ruffle a few feathers but I'm hoping it grabs the attention of a few people. After chatting with several people, the following is my view on a few popular machines.

The lightweight rotaries go into thermal shutdown when used for extensive heavy corrections or use. The Metabo falls into this category along with the Flex 3403. The exception here is the new Flex due to the improved cooling system.

The Makita is a very popular choice due to it's increased power over the lightweight machines. To me it appears that the Makita falls into a medium duty category even though it has the ability to correct "hard" paints.

The DeWalt, Dynabrade, and Milwaukee machines appear to fall into the heavy duty category due to the increased torque and the ability to handle any task thrown at it. After consulting with several detailers, these machines are best suited for working on "hard" paint continuously because they don't go into thermal shutdown.

I'm in a similar situation, which machine do I want? The real question should be - which machine do I need? Make sure you check out the article by Mike Phillips about choosing the right polisher for your project.


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[Crazy Amos]

Thanks guys, this is the info I was looking for.

According to this, my best option is the new flex. I really like the way they are designed because they are so much more comfortable to use hours on end.

It would be nice if all of them would have the option of the molded grip....