Rupes 15 vs Rupes 21 w/5" backing plate

**expdetailing** · 08-29-2014, 09:04 AM

I need to pull the trigger on the 15 or the 21. I am developing carpel tunnel in my wrists. I need fast cutting power, but hear the 21 vibrates a bit, but settles down when a 5" backing plate is used on it. Well, why not just go for the 15 then, right?
What advantages does the 21 w/ a 5" have over the 15 model?
Any thoughts?

Rupes 21 + 5" plate=$440

Rupes 15 = $369

VOTE NOW AMERICA!

**aburgeson** · 08-29-2014, 09:48 AM

The 21 is more powerful. I have the 15 and looking back at it wish I would have spent a bit more and got the 21. I was fortunate and bought my 15 used with all the pads but still wish I had the 21.

**10secdream** · 08-29-2014, 09:57 AM

I have never used the 21 but I am very happy I went with the 15 after all of my research.

**Madkatz** · 08-29-2014, 10:41 AM

I'd say go for the 21 with 5" BP the reduction in vibration maybe not be that noticeable but it will for sure make corrections faster compared to using the 15, question remaining i guess would be if the price difference would be worth the little added speed, i guess thats something you have to decide upon

The pads and compound combination might also play a factor in your decision making, i love the 21 with the dedicated pads along with the rupes compounds

**Evan.J** · 08-29-2014, 10:59 AM

I have the 21 with a 5" backing Plate and I love it.

**TopThatDetail** · 08-29-2014, 11:03 AM

I have the 15 and I should of got the Griots

**rwisejr** · 08-29-2014, 01:15 PM

I have both and the 21 has noticeably more power .

**greatwhitenorth** · 08-29-2014, 02:16 PM

I use the 15 daily and have not had issues, I got the 15 because of the price difference. It's a smooth machine for sure

**RDZL1** · 08-29-2014, 04:04 PM

I have the 21 and 75E. Love them both.
21 has more power than the 15.
21 w/ 5"BP provides flexibility to switch to 6"BP when needed.
I don't believe you can use 6"BP on the 15, my opinion.

**Rmd** · 08-29-2014, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by TopThatDetail

I have the 15 and I should of got the Griots

I almost hate to agree with this. Have both. Prefer the power of the Griots, but Rupes 15 is smooth and I like using it for medium and finish polishing. A good question would be if the 21 with smaller back plate offers more correction ability than the 15. If so, and if you need that, it would seem the better option to me based on my experience with the 15.