No BS Is The Flex 3401 Really Worth It?

[Josh@BR]

No BS Is The Flex 3401 Really Worth It?

So heres the situation. I have had my orginal PC 7424 since 2006 and it's the only buffer I own. Surprisingly I have done several corrections with this thing with no problem but there were always some cases where the PC just didnt have enough to do the job. Now since the VIP special is with the Flex I am highly considering buying this thing and I even got the gf's approval. I

do not want to get a rotary just yet so this SEEMS like the next best thing. I can't afford to risk damaging the paint on any of my clients cars so DA's are my best friend. Heres a couple questions I have before I really commit to buying one of these:

1. Will the Flex correct paint that the other MUCH cheaper DA's(GG, Megs) cannot?

2. The VIP kit comes with 6.5" pads. Are these a better size pad for the Flex(I know the PC works better with smaller pads)

3. Would a Griots Garage/Meguiars DA still be an upgrade from my original PC? I can save almost $200 getting this one over the Flex and I'll be able to get a bunch more stuff with it with the money I'd save.

Thanks for any help guys!

[Mike Phillips]

1. Will the Flex correct paint that the other MUCH cheaper DA's(GG, Megs) cannot?

In a word... when comparing tools to tools, "yes".

2. The VIP kit comes with 6.5" pads. Are these a better size pad for the Flex(I know the PC works better with smaller pads)

With the factory backing plate, 6.5" pads and 7" pads work great.

3. Would a Griot's Garage/Meguiars DA still be an upgrade from my original PC?

The Griot's Garage DA Polisher has the most power of any DA Polisher I've ever used. When the pad is held flat to the surface, you cannot stop the pad from rotating with common sense pressure.

Common Sense Pressure = No more pressure than you would normally use to do correction work.

Therefore, for all practical reasons, it's like a safe version of a rotary buffer as it does a great job of maintaining pad rotation yet you can still stop the pad from rotating around more risky buffing areas or by cranking the OPM's down to a slower speed setting.

The Flex is a direct drive, forced rotating dual action polisher and you cannot stop the pad from rotating at all. So it' is more powerful but doesn't burn the paint, doesn't heat the paint up and doesn't put the swirls like a rotary buffer can instill when used with too coarse of a compound and/or compound and pad combination.

There are different "Tool Camps", you'll find loyal fans of all the tools we talk about here on the AG forum.

Consider attending our next Detailing 101 and 102 class as one of the key benefits is you get to use all the tools and thus gets real-world, hands-on experience before making a decision.



Sign-up for our next Hand-On Detailing Classes!

Detailing 101 Class - Machine Polishing - Saturday, May 14th, 2011

Detailing 102 - Wetsanding, Cutting and Buffing for a Show Car Finish - Sunday May 15th, 2011

Or call 1-800-869-3011 to sign-up over the phone

Note: You must have attended Detailing 101 before you can take Detailing 102

Hands-on Classes with Mike Phillips


Info Threads - Post Questions or Comments:
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Detailing 102



Read the comments our students have posted in the below two threads...


Pictures & Comments from January 29th Detailing 101 Class



Pictures & Comments from January 30th Detailing 102 Class


Do you want to attend a Detailing Class?

Do you want to learn the art of polishing paint to remove swirls, scratches, water spots and even orange peel? Then send me an e-mail...

If you want to be notified when the next Detailing 101 and 102 classes are scheduled, then please send me an e-mail, (not a Private Message), with the subject: Class Request to Mike.Phillips@Autogeek.net

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Only the GG DA would be an upgrade from your old school PC, not the PCXP or Meg's G110v2, IMO. With the new Meg's DA MF system released, you can get just as good of cut with a DA compared to the Flex 3401. However, I can't stand how a traditional DA stops rotating so easily on non-flat panels. I love the forced rotation of the 3401!! If you're use to a DA, save yourself a few bucks and buy the GG DA. I have the GG DA, but still prefer using the Flex 3401.

[Josh@BR]

Great information guys thank you so much. That was just what I was looking for. Mike, I'd love to attend a hands on class if I'm ever out your way

[Mike Phillips]

As I posted, you'll find people in different "Tool Camps" that are loyal to their tools. It's real easy to see the new PC 7424XP does a better job of keeping the pad rotating as compared to the first generation PC's. That's what it comes down to when it comes to doing correction work, maintaining pad rotation.

I've been using the first generation PC's since they were first introduced to the enthusiast market back in the early 1990's, (whenever it was that Meguiar's introduced them to the car detailing world), that's around 15 years...


The Griot's does have the most power but check out this brand new thread...


Another black Fbody saved





Heck check out these from my "Success Stories" section on my article page...

All the below were done with the Porter Cable 7424XP


Lessons I learned from a Black 2009 BMW 550i

How To Remove Horrible Rotary Buffer Swirl Marks out of a 350Z using the Wolfgang Twins

Proof You Can Do It! - Joe The Detailer - Black Porsche Turned into Black Pearl!

Proof the Average Guy can get Professional Results their first time Machine Polishing



We did use the Griot's Garage Polishers on the RV Detail Last Weekend, plenty of power to maintain pad rotation as we buffed out this huge RV

Good upper body workout - Buffing out Bruno's RV




The XP version of the PC does in fact do a better job of maintaining pad rotation as compared to the first generation PC's... just for the record.

Do what you're doing, gather information and opinions...

[Mike Phillips]

Great information guys thank you so much. That was just what I was looking for. Mike, I'd love to attend a hands on class if I'm ever out your way

There's nothing like hands-on training but they're also a lot of fun...

The next class in May will probably be broadcast live, so if it is, be sure to be on www.AutogeekOnline.net to find out where to click to in order to watch.

[jimmyjam]

Hey Josh,
I own the Flex3401, and I to received the VIP reward, and I'm gonna jump on it! After receiving my Flex for the first time, I was SOLD. I was just telling my dad last week, that I wanted to buy another Flex just in case. With the Flex your options are endless with pad/polish/wax combos. The shaking/vibration is minimal and the quality is second to none. Oh ya I'm not biased! lol
Mark makes a good point with GG/Megs MF system, in the near future I'm gonna purchase this exact combo, but if you're going to upgrade from a DA I'd suggest the Flex IMO.

[Mike Phillips]

but if you're going to upgrade from a DA I'd suggest the Flex IMO.

And there you go!

Lots of tool camps and they're all good...

One thing for sure, any of the Flex tools are well-built machines that will take punishment day-in, and day-out...

[Slava]

I'd say Flex. I've used mine for the first time this weekend. It took me a bit of time to get used to it but once I got a hang of it, it was a blast to work with.

[jpegs13]

Personally, I've owned the tools you've listed and the Flex is by far the best.
I've had several shoulder surgeries and the Flex gets the job done the quickest and easiest ( quickest on the paint, easiest on the shoulder).
Go for it. You won't be disappointed.