Please, help me adjusting Rupes 75E/mini shopping cart, or a Rotary?

[Tato]

Dear AG friends.

I'm having a hard time deciding on a polisher to get even more on spots, A pillars, bumpers, 'ya know it'.

I've made a cart containing the Rupes 75, and would like to hear opinions on it:

---Shopping Cart---

Polisher
1x Rupes LHR 75E Mini Random Orbital Polisher $299.99

Pads
1x Rupes 100 mm (4 Inch) Blue Microfiber Cutting Pad, 2 Pack $19.99
1x Rupes 100 mm (4 Inch) Yellow Microfiber Finishing Pad, 2 Pack $19.99
2x Rupes 100 mm (4 inch) Blue Coarse Foam Pad $19.98
2x Rupes 100 mm (4 inch) Green Medium Foam Pad $19.98
2x Rupes 100 mm (4 inch) Yellow Polishing Foam Pad $19.98
2x Rupes 100 mm (4 inch) White Finishing Foam Pad $19.98

Polishes
1x Rupes Zephir Gloss Coarse Gel Compound 250 ml $15.99
1x Rupes Quarz Gloss Medium Gel Compound 250 ml $14.99
1x Rupes Keramik Gloss Fine Gel Polish 250 ml $14.99
1x Rupes Diamond Ultra Fine Gel Polish 250 ml $14.99

Total: $480.85
---------------------------------------


Quite expensive, no?

Like you can see above, I decided to 'go with the system' for the Mini. Is that the way to go with the Mini?

Do you believe I can get along with less pads (variety), more quantity of one kind, more of a polish than 8oz of each to start, please, opine on that too.


If you have this money and already own a Flex 3401, would you spend $480 for the Mini to 'pair'?

Searching further, here's what is keeping me from ordering the mini right now:

---Shopping Cart---

Polisher
FLEX PE14-2-150 Rotary Polisher FREE BONUS! $419.99

Accessories for Spots
Rotary 2 7/8 inch Flexible Backing Plate $12.99

3x Single 3 x 1.25 Inch Hydro-Tech Cyan Advanced Cutting Foam $14.97

3x Single 3 x 1.25 Hydro-Tech Crimson Finishing Foam Pad $14.97

3x Single 3 x 1.25 Hydro-Tech Tangerine Ultra Polishing Foam Pad $14.97

Rotary Backing Plate Extension $14.00

Total: $491.89

-------------------


I understand we are talking about 2 different actions, 2 totally different machines.

But my 'budget' is ~$500, and I NEED a spot polishing tool. I can have only one additional tool for this moment. After earning more money with it, I can order additional things.

With the PE-14, I'd be able to keep using my Menzerna Polishes I already use with Flex 3401, and also larger pads.

Apart from that, I never used a Rotary and I don't feel the need for a rotary tool since Flex 3401 offers enough power for the work I do. So I'm not after the Power, I'm after precision and enjoyable spot polishing experience.

I just want to make the better decision for my $500,

and hearing from you always helped me.

If you have only a 3401, how would you spend $500 to improve spot polishing? Do the Mini worth all this?

Thanks everyone in advance for supporting me on this.

Kind Regards.

[refreshauto]

i am in the same boat as you are, i am thinking about getting the mini also. i also own the Flex 3401. i used both the Griots 3" and the Rupes mini at the boot camp and they both work great.

from talking with Mike on these and seeing 1st hand how the "Systems" all work together, i think i am going to go with the entire Rupes Mini system with the pads and polishes also.

the only suggestion i would make is to get the 500 ml bottles

[Tato]

Thanks for input. I can polish spots with 3401, but I feel it's just not right for that precision some areas will need.

I know there are few areas on a (general) vehicle that may need a secondary dedicated polisher (if you already have a 4" plate for the Flex), but if you are after doing the best service, you may have to got the right tools for it.

I just see the Mini and all this 'stuff' too much expensive for spot polishing, since I can get other quality products (like the rotary cited above) with the same money.

500ml bottles would make things even more expensive. But in the long term, that may be a good choice. Be sure I'll consider this, thanks for feedback.

Kind Regards.

[refreshauto]

the new Griots 3" for 99, would be a good just for spot polishing, the 2nd version of it really has the power that the 1st version was lacking. that would be an inexpensive route to go.

get your money's worth out of the Griots and save up for the Rupes Mini at a later date.

[Tato]

That would be the best sensate option for the money, but I'm also looking after excitement, novelty, ...

I want something exceptional for the job, and I saw reviews where the Rupes Mini went way better than the GG 3" unit...

If I notice the GG3 is struggling where I can get with the Flex and 4" pads, I'll probably not use GG3 and it'll get dust in the shelf.

I want something that will instigates me to use it on spots, and I don't see excitement I've said earlier when I thing about GG3... maybe I'm wrong.

Thanks again.

[Tato]

Please, need more help!

Thanks in advance.

Kind Regards.

[minorc]

I bounce between my 3401 and the rupes, I love how small and portable it is.

I didn't buy any of the rupes polishes though, the machine works well with the menzerna line. So there's 60 dollars you don't "have" to spend

[Just02896]

I'm loving my Rupes mini, Rupes pads, and Rupes polishes! Was a little unsettled about my decision to go Rupes but am more than satisfied with the fast results and precision the tools allows for. It's compact size yet powerful motor and long throw are perfect for intricate areas, motorcycles, and glass polishing.

[Tato]

I bounce between my 3401 and the rupes, I love how small and portable it is.

I didn't buy any of the rupes polishes though, the machine works well with the menzerna line. So there's 60 dollars you don't "have" to spend

Nice point. Encouragement regarding the use of different products with the polisher may help saving $60, and that's significative.

The pads looks Nice, and if they are really designed to work as a system, stand the throw and use it to remove defects, they really well worth it.

Maybe adding 3" sanding interface and some 5000grit 3M discs can give more versatility to the mini as well.

Do you sand with yours?

I'm loving my Rupes mini, Rupes pads, and Rupes polishes! Was a little unsettled about my decision to go Rupes but am more than satisfied with the fast results and precision the tools allows for. It's compact size yet powerful motor and long throw are perfect for intricate areas, motorcycles, and glass polishing.

And this comment is what makes us spend $60 hahaha

Thanks for tips.

Kind Regards.

[custmsprty]

Please, need more help!

Thanks in advance.

Kind Regards.

Go with the mini. I have the 15, 12 and mini and love all three!