On the fence with the FLEX 3401vrg

I just ordered a Flex last night from Detailing Bliss, now I am not sure it was a wise spend.

I always rip through a car with a rotary first, then I final polish with the Porter Cable and a 4" Edge 200 pad. I am looking for the Flex to either replace the Porter Cable or offer a mid-tier polishing experience that will provide results on a not so thrashed finish.

For those who have a rotary and really know how to use it properly, and have a Flex, am I expecting too much or is this a soltion?

 

Well I purhcased a Flex but it really wasent for my self, it was ment to be a gift...heck I haven't even used the darn thing on a full detail, but I gave it a spin and it's much better then the Porter Cable. If you were thinking of replacing the Porter Cable with the Flex then this is your machine, I consider the Flex to be much better then the Porter Cable oh and if your planning on using it on minor imperfections then it will hold up quite well.

I'm a rotary person but it's nice having the option of grabing the Flex for some more delicate panels...but for the most of the time I can take care of everything with the rotary.

Just my opinion, not sure if it will help.

 

Your Flex can replace the Porter Cable, trust me, you'll be VERY happy with it!

 

Ill post the outcome after I do the first car. I like toys, so I wont be biased.

 

Sounds like your like me there jsatek, can't have enough toys :woo:

Look forward to the detail :thumb:

 

My customers love to see the toys.... I have a small wine refrigerator in my garage with the waxes in it.

Soon the Swissvax collection.

 

Cool do you think you could post pictures of your wine refrigerator, I got my eye on a wine fridge but I'm thinking it's too small...well just wondering that's all.

 

Its personal preference, most people preach about the Flex being a greatest thing, but it will NEVER replace a rotary in my book. I have a UDM and Rotary...no need for anything else...rotary is my goto...if the car isn't bad at all...Ill usually use the UDM... and for $300...i can have a Rotary and a UDM!! best of both worlds...just my .02 though..

 

The Flex is a great machine. I just got mine today and I love this thing. It is very well built, has superior correction abilities compared to the UDM/PC, excellent weight distribution, and your hands won't be dead after you are done using it. You won't regret it.

 

I think the Flex is good for anything up to minor correction. Anything more would still need a rotary. I have the 3403 rotary (small one) and find that its a better option than the 3401. 3403 rotary and a pc/udm to apply wax or sealant is my combo.

 

IMHO, the FLEX is not meant to replace a rotary, but rather, a definite upgrade to a PC/UDM. If you are already an expert in rotary, then you might end up disappointed in the flex. Given the proper skill and materials, the rotary is a lot faster and can correct more severe paint problems.

With that said, the Flex is highly praised because a lot of flex owners are stepping UP from the PC/UDM or are buying a machine for the first time. The main concern is a machine that can do paint correction, yet still be safe enough for an ordinary Joe to use without fear of damaging their paint.

If i already had the experience and confidence with the rotary, i probably would not buy the flex. But since i don't, the Flex is the next best thing.

 

Detailers have been useing a rotary for heavy paint corection and switching to a DA polisher to finish the job for a long time, and if done right and with good technique you can count on a swirl and halograme free finish. So if you look at it as a DA polisher then you got one of the best.

 

Well said sir, well said!

 

um..... I dont think you can say it any better than that!

 

I received my Flex, I tried it on the hood of my wifes car. It confirmed that I am a rotary person, not loving it.

Its not quite a toy, but I do see a place for it in my detailing. I follow up using the Porter Cable to glaze finishes sometimes. I think it will come in handy for that by making the process quicker. No more correction is needed at this phase, but the PC is way too slow for me.

 

I concur completely.