flex 2403 rotary vs. metabo 175

Damn them store mark-ups :bat:

 

It's a great machine with a great rpm range From 600 to 3000. At 6.6 lbs with a 10 amp motor. I can't say enough good things about it...:thumb:

 

Thought I bring this thread back as it is the same choice I am trying to make for my first rotary. Anyone else any input on the two machines and which ones is better? What is the weight difference actually, I seem to be finding different numbers for the Metabo from 5 lbs to 5.8 lbs

 

Hi Agpatel,


You still not made up your mind which rotary to go? hehe ... flex is a bit pricey rite? how about the flex BP? I think that flex do not have small BP rite?

 

the one that doesnt have small bp is flex 3401 VRG, but with the small rotary 3403, you can change the bp with the small one..no problem as long it has 5/8" thread

 

Have a Flex and like it, in particular the weight. In regards to the noise, wear protective ear pieces. When watching the video by Richy and hearing his machine the Dynabrade, you can understand the importance of wearing something. They're all good machines and you be hard pressed to not like any of them.

 

agapatel;

I have them both as secondary options and if i have to choose the flex will be my first choice
PRO
less weight,
the rpm dial its way better than the metabo
overheat much less than the metabo (both machines get over heated in high temps)
and the ergonomic its far way better
CON
starts at 1000rpm
hope this help IMHO
Billy

 

I have both as well and if I had to choose . I would opt for the Flex . Weight ,trigger and feels more comfortable to me.

 

I use my Flex 3403 as my go to machine. Does everything I need it to on a daily basis and its a full 2 lbs lighter than my Makita. I weighed them. Its smaller body and removeable handle mean I can get it into areas I would never be able to with my Makita. It may be loud, but its so smooth. My Flex is smoother at 2500rpm than the Makita is at 900. No contest.

 

If you want, you can play with my Hitachi since I'm next door. Also have the Chicago Electric as a backup sitting around in its box. The Makita is still a great polisher, it really depends on what you want to grow out of and what you prefer. I'd go with the Makita then if you need something more heavy duty a Flex/Metabo etc.

 

Thanks but I already got the Flex in and from the limited experience with it I do like it. Cant wait to buff out a whole car with it.

 

I have both the metabo and flex rotary and I think overall my makita is my crowned favorite.... its just perfect!

 

Really? I have the Metabo and the Makita and I tend to favor my Metabo all the time (keep in mind I've only had less than 10 hours on the Makita). The Metabo is considerably lighter than the Makita but what is nice about the Makita is the bail handle and the trigger/lock. On the other hand, I like the slim profile of the Metabo in addition to its light weight.

 

Its funny I had my makita as my first rotary, then a year ago I got the Flex 3403 and thought that was the superior machine, than I played with a metabo and said I had to have one and now that I do I think thats better than the 3043.... but since I just got my makita back from getting serviced I realized how OVERALL I think its the best. Just feels most natural with me, although its the heaviest I just think its got it all. Plus the tabo and 3403 are pretty loud.

 

Sounds like you have a love hate relationship with your buffers. LOL

 

I love my Makita and have no interest in purchasing another buffer...

 

Yeah, I'm definitely glad I listen to music to drown out the sound, LoL.

 

No its just that when I get something new, I want to believe its better than something old I have but in all honesty the Makita is just my favorite to use for correction, the metabo makes for an excellent finishing buffer and I can one hand that one easier than the Flex 3403 cuz the weight is just more even spread.

 

Do the ergonomics of the metabo cause an issue for you at times? I have the metabo and makita but am wanting to get a flex because I think it would 'fit ' better or more naturally like the makita.

 

I've been using a makita for years (still have the same one), and decided recently to eiter get a metabo or flex. After handling both the tabo and 3403 at phils, I found the flex to be more comfortable for me. I got a flex needless to say. I find that being used to the makita, the ergonomics of the flex were more similar to the makita. The flex is light, well balanced, and smooth. I'm happy with my choice but haven't really gotten any legit time on the flex yet.