First thoughts on the Rupes LHR 15

[HateSwirls]

I received it early this morning, just in time to perform a full paint correction on a black GMC
I wasn't sure if I'd get in time so I had my Flex 3401 setup.

The very first thing I noticed was how nice it looks, lots of style, not that it's important but it did get my attention.
Very well balanced and not too heavy.
Long cord
Great backing plate

So how did it perform for me?

Wow, really, I was blown away after just working on panel.
No vibration , easy to control, even with one hand.
Plenty of power
No bogging down as I've read, it's all about keeping the pad flat, even with good pressure the pad continued to spin.
Corrected the entire truck without feeling pain in my arms, unlike my Flex 3401
I was very surprised as to how fast it removed the defects.
So is it better than the Flex 3401?
Overall no but I plan on using the Rupes more than my Flex.

Now I'm waiting on my Rupes pads.
My lead detailed didn't get to try it because I was having fun using it.

No plans to do the washer mod.

It's great machine, well worth the money.
Fast shipping by Palm Beach Motoring

[WaxMaster1]

Wondering if you got the new MKII or the original one.

[HateSwirls]

Wondering if you got the new MKII or the original one.

It's the LHR.
Not sure how to identify the difference.

[Mantilgh]

I guess you have been out for a while. Rupes updated both the 15 and the 21. There have been a couple of threads on it. They are still at preorder stage so you must have the previous Mark I.

Pre-Order! Rupes LHR 15 & 21 MarkII Polishers!

Did you miss the hearing about the new Nano iBrid too.

The Next REVOLUTION: The BigFoot Nano w/ iBrid Technology

Rupes=new technology

[craigdt]

When you say that overall, it's not as good, can you specify areas that the 3401 is better?

[Calendyr]

I received it early this morning, just in time to perform a full paint correction on a black GMC
I wasn't sure if I'd get in time so I had my Flex 3401 setup.

The very first thing I noticed was how nice it looks, lots of style, not that it's important but it did get my attention.
Very well balanced and not too heavy.
Long cord
Great backing plate

So how did it perform for me?

Wow, really, I was blown away after just working on panel.
No vibration , easy to control, even with one hand.
Plenty of power
No bogging down as I've read, it's all about keeping the pad flat, even with good pressure the pad continued to spin.
Corrected the entire truck without feeling pain in my arms, unlike my Flex 3401
I was very surprised as to how fast it removed the defects.
So is it better than the Flex 3401?
Overall no but I plan on using the Rupes more than my Flex.

Now I'm waiting on my Rupes pads.
My lead detailed didn't get to try it because I was having fun using it.

No plans to do the washer mod.

It's great machine, well worth the money.
Fast shipping by Palm Beach Motoring

I felt the exact same way when I first tried the Rupes 21ES. Mine was washer moded and I replaced the original backing plate by the one thst is used on the 15 (5 inch one).

This machine is awesome. I have never tried the Flex but in Doyle's book he talks about having to fight the machine because it always tried to get away from you I did not want that so that is why I chose the Rupes 21. I love it every time I use it. I suspect you will too

[HateSwirls]

When you say that overall, it's not as good, can you specify areas that the 3401 is better?

When I said the Flex is better overall is because......

The forced rotation corrects like no other machine out there.
It's impossible to bog it down no matter how much pressure you bare down on it.
The Flex can correct even the worst clears without leaving behind swirls, also works well for polishing.

That being said I still stand correct when I say the Rupes 15 is by far the most friendly D.A I've ever used.

Bottom line if your in the detailing business is both are needed.

[HateSwirls]

I guess you have been out for a while. Rupes updated both the 15 and the 21. There have been a couple of threads on it. They are still at preorder stage so you must have the previous Mark I.

Pre-Order! Rupes LHR 15 & 21 MarkII Polishers!

Did you miss the hearing about the new Nano iBrid too.

The Next REVOLUTION: The BigFoot Nano w/ iBrid Technology

Rupes=new technology

Yes I've been out of it for a while now.
Since opening my own detail shop for over a year ago keeps me very busy, less time for reading like I once did.

I'll check out the links you posted, thanks.

[HateSwirls]

I felt the exact same way when I first tried the Rupes 21ES. Mine was washer moded and I replaced the original backing plate by the one thst is used on the 15 (5 inch one).

This machine is awesome. I have never tried the Flex but in Doyle's book he talks about having to fight the machine because it always tried to get away from you I did not want that so that is why I chose the Rupes 21. I love it every time I use it. I suspect you will too

It doesn't take long to learn how to use the Flex.
I've never had any issues of it walking on me, I guess using a high speed rotary for over 30 years helped.
Only problem for me using the Flex is it takes a toll on my body, in fact I had to stop using it for months to allow my right arm to heal.
Rotating counter clock wise is what makes it more difficult to use than other machines but that's why for the great paint correction.
Well engineered unit.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

FWIW, the Mark II 15 is much more powerful than the LHR15