Questions about "Gimmick" Pads ???

**2003 GMC Denali** · 04-23-2010, 07:39 AM

3 questions for you.

1) By buying the bigger diameter pads, is there a risk that there is so much drag on the Pad, that it has difficulty doing it's "DA-Orbital" thing? The Kompressor pads are almost 7 inches in diameter. For a newbie, I like the fact that they have a rolled lip of Foam, so the Backing Plate won't hit anything, but their huge size worries me.

2) Are these Kompressor, CCS, Cross Hatch Pads gimmicks or do they really work? I see so many guys just buying the plain ol Pads, that it leads me to wonder if these "gimmick" Pads really work.

3) The Kompressor Pads seem to have a limited Velcro Contact Patch. Is it enough to keep the Pad on solid, or does it sometimes get loose and fall off?

I have the Second-generation Griots DA Buffer... that hopes to see operation this coming Summer.

**Irish** · 04-23-2010, 08:03 AM

I've got a few Kompressor pads and a fair sized collection of CCS pads. Yes, they do work. As for why many people, myself included, opt for simple flat pads is personal preference. Flat pads simply feel better to me while polishing. I really don't know how to put it into words. More predictable I guess?

On a DA, even one with a huge amount of power like the Griot's, a 7" pad like the Kompressor line may be asking a bit much. You'll have to wait for someone who owns a Griot's to chime in on that though.

**PAR Detailing** · 04-23-2010, 08:27 AM

I have never used the new GG but everyone talkes about how the larger pads create too much drag on the buffer. Everyone I have read (atleast that I can remember) uses the 5.5 pads. Since the GG does not have forced rotation that makes sense with physics. Less surface area of the pad therefore less friction and loss of power

Again wait for someone who actually uses the machine to help.

Lastly I wouldnt worry too much about having extra clearance on the sides. I have used pads with very little clearance and not once have I come close to hitting the paint or anything with the bp. Take your time and you will be just fine IMO.

Jon

**jeryjon** · 04-23-2010, 08:29 AM

I have some of the 6" kompressor and I use them with my GG DA Buffer. I haven't used them much but I like them.

**Irish** · 04-23-2010, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by jeryjon

I have some of the 6" kompressor and I use them with my GG DA Buffer. I haven't used them much but I like them.

I didn't even know they offered them in 6".

**termigator** · 04-23-2010, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Irish

I didn't even know they offered them in 6".

The just came out with them a month or two ago, I think. I'll probably start buying them instead of the 7"s.

**Harleyguy** · 04-23-2010, 02:27 PM

Kompressor pads really shine when using a rotary .I feel they are to big for a DA.I would stay away from pads larger then 5.5 for use on a DA that's the size you get the best correction with i feel.

**CEE DOG** · 04-23-2010, 03:00 PM

I think the necesity of having a little clearance of pad around the perimeter of your backing plate depends on the vehicle. Depending on the curves and angles in each panel it can be needed. On my Sky using a pad without any clearance is a tricky proposition paticularly on the lid.

btw: As stated with the GG those pad sizes are a bit much.

**DARK HORSE** · 04-23-2010, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by CEE DOG

I think the necesity of having a little clearance of pad around the perimeter of your backing plate depends on the vehicle. Depending on the curves and angles in each panel it can be needed. On my Sky using a pad without any clearance is a tricky proposition paticularly on the lid.

My Stang has more angles and curves then (well you know)...

**O.C.Detailing** · 04-24-2010, 09:31 AM

I haven't used anything larger than 6.5" on my GG and haven't had the pleasure of trying the Kompressor pads yet. I'd stick with the 5.5" pads as they do offer better correction. It is a bit easier to stop a 6.5" pad from spinning in comparison to the 5.5" low-profile pads though.