Flex OR Makita?

I detail about 10 cars a year and have used the PC for about the last 5 years. Time to move up. I have used both machines briefly and I do feel comfortable with the rotary but seeing Im only doing 1 car per month, the Flex is appealing. I do plan to do more cars this next year. I can't decided.

 

I would go with the Makita, it's cheaper and can do more paint correction.

 

:support:

It's not as hard as you might think

 

Makita IMO, having a PC with a Flex would be kinda redundant...although I know of a few who are content with having both and no rotary.

 

I agree with the above....

The rotary demands respect BUT it is nothing to be feared...

My words or advice are:

#1 Tape is your friend.. Use it!
#2 Start with slow speeds, don't go all out. Respect speed one and get to know it well. Just remember, speed #1 on a rotary is faster than speed 6 on a PC

 

makita!

 

I have both machines. I started with a flex and it was great, but it does vibrate quite a bit IMO and the correction power is pretty good but not great. The makita is just a superior machine though, super smooth and it can correct anything. Go with the makita and keep the PC for glazing or super soft finish down jobs.

 

I'm all for the Makita. I have two. If you are only going to do ten cars a year. I think you would have more fun with the flex.

I don't disagree with any opinion that is posted. ( fun would be the key word for me )

 

Wow, all these replys already! I love this place

 

I second it go with the mikita, I just purchased one last week and love it, slow is your best friend up to 1500rpms is all you need, merzerna is a very good compound and finish polish to works great with a rotory, worked out 1200 grit w/powergloss on number 2.5 with no finishing polish.:applause2:

 

I sold my Porter Cable in order to purchase my Makita. I like it a lot - it's much, much faster than the PC.

I actually sold my PC after getting the Makita. But I quickly came to miss it. I prefer using the PC in spots like windshield pillars, where there's lots of plastic and rubber trim surrounding the painted area. The PC is a lot less likely to hurt any of those plastic and rubber bits. So, I picked up another PC for stuff just like that.

 

Id go with the Makita over the Flex, especially since you have good experience with the PC. Are you set on only the Makita rotary? Id look into others as well (Dynabrade).

 

Go with a rotary but I would choose a different brand of rotary.

 

I own both. And both have a place in my arsenal. If you are not completely comfortable with a rotary I would get the flex. It has a lot of correction power and is safer than a rotary. I can tell you I did ALOT of research on rotary's before I bought mine and makita is the tool of choice for most detailer's. Hope this helps you. Good luck.
Seth

 

I had a Hitachi Rotary and after having one of the first Flex machines to sample I sold the Rotary shortly after. I find I can get the same results with the Flex with less effort. I still use the PC, it has a 4" setup on it for hard to reach spots.

 

Good tips..thx

 

I read your review on the Flex when I was searching the board. Thats part of the reason I posted this in the first place!

 

Makita builds top rate stuff, I want something durable which is why I was leaning towards the 9227c. Not at all familiar with Dynabrade, but I'll check it out.

 

Why would you choose a different brand?

 

Good point