Flex 3401 vs. traditional DA thoughts...

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 11-12-2011, 10:35 PM

I've changed my mind about the 3401 at least 10 times!

Anyhow, the best cut and finish I've found with any polisher(outside of a rotary) is a traditional DA, MF pad, and a good compound. However, with a traditional DA NOT being forced rotation, technique becomes huge, because the pad rotation is constantly changing depending on pressure and curved surfaces. With the Flex 3401, once you get passed the buffer trying to control you, you're getting CONSISTENT polishing results because the pad never stops rotating, regardless of pressure or non flat panels. With that said, I'd say a newbie can get better results from using a Flex 3401 compared to a traditional DA. All you have to do is keep the pad flat and go to town!

It's takes a bit of getting used to not letting the polisher control you, but it sure is a great machine!!

I'm still trying to find a pad/polish combo with the 3401 that cuts AND finishes as well as a traditional DA and MF pad.

**Garry Dean** · 11-12-2011, 10:38 PM

Have I told you lately, Mark, that I like your haircut?

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 11-12-2011, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Garry Dean

Have I told you lately, Mark, that I like your haircut?

Did you change your mind?

Bald is beauuutiiifffuuulllll!!!!!!!!!!

**LuxuryMobile** · 11-12-2011, 10:44 PM

hahaha

Mark, your explanation makes a ton of sense to me. I agree. Although the technique of learning a traditional DA (to keep pad spinning) might be easier than the technique of not letting a machine walk you around they car like the Flex 3401 may do for a beginner.

**Garry Dean** · 11-12-2011, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by 07 z-oh-6

Did you change your mind?

Bald is beauuutiiifffuuulllll!!!!!!!!!!

No way! Im a baldie for life!

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 11-12-2011, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by LuxuryMobile

Mark, your explanation makes a ton of sense to me. I agree. Although the technique of learning a traditional DA (to keep pad spinning) might be easier than the technique of not letting a machine walk you around they car like the Flex 3401 may do for a beginner.

Stephan,

You do bring up a good point, but, I really think it depends on the type of curves a car has. It can be a real PITA trying to polish a car with a traditional DA that has a lot of curves.

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 11-12-2011, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Garry Dean

No way! Im a baldie for life!

I know!

Let me ask you this, could you grow a full head of hair if you wanted to? :P

**Garry Dean** · 11-12-2011, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by 07 z-oh-6

I know!

Let me ask you this, could you grow a full head of hair if you wanted to? :P

No sir... Very thin on top!

**LuxuryMobile** · 11-12-2011, 11:03 PM

Yea...not much more frustrating than using a DA, especially at a lower speed and trying to manage to keep the pad moving. And forget about low speeds and curves with anything other than a Griots.