5.5 vs 5 Hybrids

I ordered a ton of 5.5 Lake's and am wondering if I made the wrong purchase? The hybrid seem to be a staple in here I did however buy 4" pads and the backing system. Any insight on the "huge" difference between the two or just work the 5.5s?

What machine are you using? I have used both on my Flex, and have no issues using either pad on that machine.

Flex 3401

I didn't know if the half inch/or material were better than the other.

I don't think i would notice any difference a half inch makes and you'd be fine spinning both on a 3401. Obviously the right sized backing plate makes a difference but apart from that, have at it. Having said that, i do like the hybrid pad performance over the regular LC flats but i have a bunch of the non-hybrid 5.5" pads and still like them a lot.

IMO:
With everything else being equal---tool,
product, downforce, tool speed, etc...

4" pads will be more efficient in transferring the
tool's energy (torque) to the vehicle's paint than
5" or 5.5" pads; along with: the ability for improved
paint correcting (defects removal) capabilities.


Bob

You all are great!

I have both and to be honest, I can't tell any difference in terms of performance. The 5" Hybrids fit well with the 4" Flex Backing Plate and it is easy to control with the Flex. The 5.5's work well too with the standard Flex backing plate, which I believe is 5". I could be wrong about that, however, I have all 4 sizes of the Flex Backing Plates. The 7" Lake Country Backing Plate is useless. It's a great paperweight for my desk. All others work well with my Flex as well as all the pads you have mentioned.

You have the best of both worlds and again, you can't go wrong with either.

Yes, I have all three now, the Flex System 4", 4 3/8", and the standard size on the unit itself. So the standard backing plate can be used with the 5.5s? That's nice to know.

Are we talking about the same pads?

LC Hybrids are available in 5" and 6.5" that are the thick pads that work great on the Flex 3401.

The new ThinPro 5.5" THIN pads are better suited (in my opinion) for NON gear driven orbital polishers.

:)