My Flex XC 3401 VRG mini review...

Basically these machines have only just become available here in the South African market. Whilst they could be specially ordered previously the local agents hadn't made them available as an off the shelf type item. The agents have finally come to their senses and are making an initial batch available at very good introductory prices for the first customers.

Considering the machine is still very expensive here (approx $580 at the special price) many of the local detailers were reluctant to buy without 1st having a sample they could test. This is the agent's demo machine that they have loaned me for the weekend to show some of the local guys and get some feedback from them. Whilst I know this machine has been available for sometime overseas, I decided to post this anyways because it may come in usefull for someone new along the way, much as many of your posts are usefull to me.

Lets start off with some pics, excuse the quality they are from my cell phone. I didn't have the batteries for my digital camera charged and there were a few impatient detailers waiting for pics on the local forums :applause2:

The box it came in was alot bigger than I expected.


The contents all unpacked & Flex was kind enough to include both the bag as well as 3 of their pads for sampling.


The machine.



Machine and bag. The bag is really a decent size, one could almost fit all your essential detailing items inside. Quality is top notch and it is nicely padded, it will also double as a cooler bag of sorts with plenty of packing space inside :applause2:




The included pads. We have a soft cut pad (white), meduim cut pad (blue) and a wool pad.





Included with the machine is a side handle.


Side handle attached to the machine with and without the extra cover.


Interestingly the extra cover is actually a godsend in some ways. When you put the machine down on the ground it rests on this plastic cover and not the top of the machine. Handy if you pedantic like me about looking after your tools :thumb:


The local machines also come fitted with the updated 5.5" backing plate with additional foam.

Whilst on the subject of the backing plate there have been recent reports of the backing plate melting because of it touching the metal housing above when using excess pressure that is directed off center to the pad. Some guys found the bolt that holds the backing plate to the machine was loose and this caused excess play in the backing plate. Needless to say I checked this one when it arrived and it was loose, I tightened it up with an allen key and everything was perfect, no play whatsoever in the backing plate. I suggest all of you buying one of these machines check this bolt when you recieve it :crasy:



Ok, on to the machines correction capabilitys. I didn't have that much time this afternoon to play with the machine but I did manage to give it a quick run on a small section of my wife's cars bonnet. The car is white so it is a bit difficult to see but anyways, I think the cell pics came out pretty well.

Here we have the swirled section of the bonnet.



I gave it a quick single pass with some Menzerna IP (85RD3.02) on the supplied white pad. Polish breakdown took about 8 quick passes or so before the polish flashed and turned clear indicating it was done. Here are some quick after pics.



I tried to capture the rest of the bonnet that hadn't been done to compare.


The IP finshed down really nicely however another pass with some FA on the white pad would just give it that little bit extra!

Overall after this quick introduction to the Flex 3401 I am extremely impressed. A couple of points that stick out in my mind from the initial session :

Ergonomics : The machine is extremely well balanced and you can comfortably operate it with one hand if need be. The trigger and speed adjustment wheel are perfectly located and easy to use while working, the lock button also makes it easy to switch hand positions whilst working. The trigger is also a speed control so varying the pressure on the trigger will result in the machine slowing down or speeding up accordingly.

Weight : The machine is really light compared even to a G220 belonging to a fellow detailer I know. It could however be decieving because of the machines good weight balance and ergonomic layout.

Speed settings : I found a speed setting of 2 good to start working the polish, winding it up to 5 or 6 and then back down to 3 to finish worked well. Speed 4 seemed to be the best for me with the supplied pads and IP polish.

Noise : At speed 6 the machine is quite noisy (gearbox noise), not deafening but earplugs could prove handy if like getting your head down close the paint to see whats happening as you working the polish.

Power : What can I say, at speed 3 I tried putting about as much pressure as I could over the pad without denting the bonnet and it didn't so much as flinch or change a note. This machine has decent power and I can now see why it can burn through clear coat if need be :applause2:

Tomorrow we have the 1st local Meguiars Detail Day where we will be comparing the Flex 3401, Meguiars G220, Makita BO6040 and a Makita rotary all on the same panel, should be interesting to see the results. Sunday will see me and Rustbucket using the Flex to polish my brothers Black VW Golf IV so it will be the true test of what the Flex is capable of !

 

nice review

 

Excellent review Carn.

 

If I ever give up the rotory, This is the direction I'll be headed...:thumb:

 

If that's a mini review, what can be the maxi???

Carn, I'm curious to hear the differences/similarities between the BO6040 vs. the Flex.

I have a Mak 9227, but playing with the ideo of buying a Flex too.

 

Thanks for the comments guys :applause:

Bence we did a side by side test between the Flex 3401, Makita 6040, G220 and a 9227CB. Aside from the rotary the Flex and the 6040 were the closest with the 6040 slightly edging out the Flex. With hindsight I can admit there were some inconsistencies in the testing methods, etc but overall I think the Flex and 6040 are very closely matched in terms of correction power.

As far as ergonomics, etc are concerned then the Flex is in a league of it's own. The Flex is by far a nicer machine to work with and one of the local guys actually sold his 6040 for a Flex 3401 and hasn't looked back since :thumb:

If I were buying there is only 1 option and that would be the Flex, no questions asked :mounty:

 

I own both a Flex and a Makita 6040. I do have to say that the 6040 in a little more powerful and is a little better machine than the Flex but the ergonomics makes the Flex my favorite machine. Given the choice I would have to go with the Flex especially if you will be using it all day. I love the trigger location and how you can control the speed with the trigger.

The 6040 actually is not that bad when you put the side handle on it but the switch is still just an on and off switch and is in an awkward position.

Bottom line is they are both awesome machines but the Flex is more user friendly. Makita's definitely a work horse.

 

THX guys!!! I have to check the ergonomics physically... which is more stable, which is tippier, noise levels - especially as I hold the handle (only basket; I hate side handles) or the head of the mahine with my right hand.

 

I never realized the 6040 had that much power and could compete with the flex. I wonder why it doesn't get more press, especially prior to the release of the Flex..Maybe the price?

 

I think maybe because the Flex was designed from the ground up as a polisher where the 6040 is a sander/polisher. The big aluminium housing for the dust bag on the 6040 not only adds weight to the machine but also needs to be kept in mind while working in tight areas

For me personally, Flex all the way :thumb: