4" backing plate for the flex

[Crazy Diamond]

Just got the new plate for the flex and what a awesome difference, may just have to put the Cyclo down for a while, a must buy add on.

[NY-Bondo]

Lake country? When i watched the videos the set-up sounded very noisy and un-balanced?

[Crazy Diamond]

Yes lake country, yes the audio in the video is kind of a hot mix, when I hooked my up it didn't seem that much louder, so much easier to use though.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Yes the 4 inch plate with the 5 inch hybrids is "where its at" on this machine.

[Mike Phillips]

I'm a huge fan of the 4" backing plate on the Flex 3401 and then use the 5" Hybrid Pads for the correction and polishing work.

In fact, I've included this set-up as a dedicated segment at my last two detailing boot camp classes.

This one,

Pictures and Comments - January 26th & 27th 2013 Detailing Boot Camp Class


Sergio using the 5" Hybrid Pad for the narrow portion of the back of the truck bed...







And this one,

Pictures & Comments from September 2012 Detailing Boot Camp

Paul aka Sailfish using a 5" White Hybrid Polishing pad on a 1940 Ford Coupe...





Very good match...

[Mike Phillips]

so much easier to use though.

It's the smaller diameter of the pads that makes doing any buffing easier as far as control goes but also matching the pad size to the panel. The smaller pad diameter reduces the "felt" effect of the orbiting action as compared to the normal 6.5" pads most people use the the 5.5" backing plate.


New cars have a lot of thinner panels than older cars and smaller diameter pads are generally a better fit to avoid buffing on top of raised body lines, edges or trim.

[BrutalNoodle]

Greetings everyone,

Is there a compile list or chart regarding preferred (or as smack puts it "where its at") backing disks & pads for popular machines?

I'm trying to learn as much as I can, and move beyond from just a hobbyist. Having a specific list of arsenal from the pros would help tremendously.

*I'm working out my calendar to make Sep Boot Camp as we speak*.

Thank you in advance.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

There isnt a chart but with some hands on experience I have found the 5 inch hybrids with the 4 inch plate to offer the best feedback in terms of feel and vibration felt through the machine.

Would like to hear others experiences with which plate and pad was used.

[psnt1ol]

There isnt a chart but with some hands on experience I have found the 5 inch hybrids with the 4 inch plate to offer the best feedback in terms of feel and vibration felt through the machine.

Would like to hear others experiences with which plate and pad was used.

I agree.

To me, the best way to describe this combo is "No Drama". I tried the 5.25 LC Ultra MF Pad with Flex 4 3/8 plate a few weeks ago. I had to fight with it a bit to keep it from walking. I think it was the combination of the lower speed and the foam thickness. I swap out the LC pad to Optimum MF cutting and it was smooth sailing.

[rmagnus]

I'm a huge fan of the 4" backing plate on the Flex 3401 and then use the 5" Hybrid Pads for the correction and polishing work.

I PMed you about this combo for last years XMAS specials and low and behold it was the last deal offered. That's what I bought. Got to say it's one of my favorite polishers. I still love RB's maybe because that's what I learned on but forced rotation makes this DA very rotary like with handling charchteristics like that of the PC. It's a nice combo.

Some raise concerns about the left rotation but I honestly don't notice it. Being right handed if anything it rotates back into the center line of your body which is always more controlable.

Love the smaller backing plate and Hydro pads too. Sure glad you did all the R&D and paved the road. Thank you!