Best of the three...

If you choose the Makita (what I use), you can get it at Coastal Tool for $169.

 

Makit a is a heavy duty machine built to last for ages. It´s much more bulkier then the smaller Flex. Two diffent kind of buffers.

Flex 3043 is a superb machine, perfects for us who don´t compounding cars 8 hours a day. Very easy to handle, very light and yet powerful. But this guy is NOT made for larger pads. I prefere 5-6".