autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum Autogeek on TV
car wax, car care and auto detailing forumAutogeekonline autogeekonline car wax, car care and auto detailing forum HomeForumBlogAutogeek.net StoreDetailing Classes with Mike PhillipsGalleryDetailing How To's
 
Page 1 of 4 1234 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 31
  1. #1
    Junior Member hammargren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    ND
    Posts
    49
    Post Thanks / Like

    Which Rupes to Purchase

    I recently sold my Flex 3401 to buy a Rupes. Just have heard they run smoother. I am a newbie and never have used a machine polisher. I am always nervous to jump into using one so I want something that is safe and forgiving. I am debating between three models and need some help. The models are:

    Rupes Bigfoot LHR15 Mark II
    Rupes Bigfoot LHR21 Mark II
    Rupes Bigfoot LK 900E Mille

    If you can help with the deciding of this, that would be great.

    Thanks in advance,

  2. #2
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Apex, NC
    Posts
    1,283
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    If you decide on the long throw models over gear driven pick the 15mm one. It will be more versatile fitting into more panel areas. Unless you are working on something big with large panels.

  3. Thanks Dan Tran thanked for this post
    Likes dlc95 liked this post
  4. #3
    Junior Member hammargren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    ND
    Posts
    49
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    This is just a hobby detailing my own items. Might do friends and family once in a while but mainly my own stuff. I do have an enclosed trailer I will be doing and then my vehicles. I also will be doing my pontoon.

  5. #4
    Junior Member hammargren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    ND
    Posts
    49
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    Would most suggest starting with a long throw and then eventually moving up to a gear driven polisher? I had the flex 3401 which I know was gear driven, just was always nervous to use. My local detailing shop uses the rupes and plan to have them show me some tips on using the polishers.

  6. #5
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Posts
    245
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    If you’ve never used a polisher before. You might want to look at the Duetto to start out with. It’s a versatile machine that a lot of people overlook. Plus it’s a great machine to start with and learn as you go.

  7. #6
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Pasadena, CA
    Posts
    12,615
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    Quote Originally Posted by hammargren View Post
    Would most suggest starting with a long throw and then eventually moving up to a gear driven polisher? I had the flex 3401 which I know was gear driven, just was always nervous to use. My local detailing shop uses the rupes and plan to have them show me some tips on using the polishers.
    The Flex 3401 is NOT a dangerous as most people think. I'd go with the 21mm and use a 5" backing plate. Even if you bought the 15mm, you'll still need a 3" polisher at some point. The 21mm will correct faster than the Mille(once you've got technique in place). I have the 3401, 12mm, 15mm, 21mm and 12mm MINI. I prefer the 21mm over all of them.
    '03 Corvette Z06

  8. Likes Joel1979 liked this post
  9. #7
    Junior Member hammargren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    ND
    Posts
    49
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    Thank you for the response. I was leaning towards the 15 just with what I have read but great point on the 5" backing plate.

  10. #8
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Pasadena, CA
    Posts
    12,615
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    Quote Originally Posted by hammargren View Post
    Thank you for the response. I was leaning towards the 15 just with what I have read but great point on the 5" backing plate.
    The 21mm will also stall less, strictly due to physics and more momentum. Don't get me wrong, the 15mm is a nice machine, too.
    '03 Corvette Z06

  11. #9
    Junior Member hammargren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    ND
    Posts
    49
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    Would you suggest going with one of the Mark II 15/21 over the Mille?

  12. #10
    Super Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Pasadena, CA
    Posts
    12,615
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Which Rupes to Purchase

    Quote Originally Posted by hammargren View Post
    Would you suggest going with one of the Mark II 15/21 over the Mille?
    That's a tough one. Personal preference. You cannot deny the forced rotation of a gear driven polisher. Less of a learning curve with the Mille. Put the pad to the paint and polish. You don't have to worry about technique for pad stall, just keeping the pad flat. Any gear driven polisher is gonna push and pull you and require more energy. The 15/21 will be more enjoyable to use(in my opinion), but take a bit more time to perfect your technique. If you went with the Mille, I would suggest sticking with the Rupes system. Don't use MF pads with any gear driven polisher. With the 15/21, you can use different brand pads aand polishes.
    '03 Corvette Z06

Page 1 of 4 1234 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Rupes polisher, Rupes pads, non Rupes polish
    By joleyred in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 05-27-2018, 10:18 PM
  2. Replies: 29
    Last Post: 05-21-2016, 07:46 AM
  3. Hard Paints : Rupes Zephir Gloss + Rupes Diamond Gloss or Rupes UHS
    By rah28 in forum RUPES BigFoot Oribital Polishers
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 12-22-2015, 02:20 AM
  4. Rupes Microfiber Cutting Disc with Rupes Zephir Gloss Coarse Gel Compound
    By Mike Phillips in forum Ask your detailing questions!
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 07-19-2014, 05:30 PM
  5. Rupes Owners - Are you going to purchase the Duetto ?
    By mg6045 in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 31
    Last Post: 12-15-2013, 09:14 PM

Members who have read this thread: 0

There are no members to list at the moment.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» March 2024

S M T W T F S
2526272829 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 123456