Which Flex to get?

Gf's wanting to get me one for my birthday but i keep seeing different model numbers. Not sure on the differences or which one to choose for my needs, i am a new learner with buffers but prefer to buy the best. Please help me out, any advice is appreciated.

 

I've got a Flex 3401 polisher. Very solid machine. You could sit on this machine and it would just smile and keep on going. Although not a rotary, it should get the job done with excellent results.

The other two are rotary buffers. There is alot more potential to damage your paint with these if you dont know what you're doing.

 

You'd want the Flex XC3401 Dual Action Polisher... 'The Flex' in detailing world is mostly synonymous with this particular machine...

 

Flex anything is not recommended for beginners.
I believe it was detailersdomain that had a video on this topic.
Try PC 7424XP or Griot's Garage 6 inch ROP.
Both are very good DAs, and much safer to use.
The upside to the GG6 is that it comes with a lifetime guarantee against defect.
Upside of PC is that it's been proven to be reliable over the years.

 

Buy the Flex 3401, this machine is the most powerful DA out there and IMO the best DA. If you buy a PC I assure you you will have to upgrade! What are you buying this for?? Personal vehicals or are you thinking of buisness usage? If money is no object the FLEX is the machine! There are plenty of videos out there to watch and get the idea of use. Go by your local body shop and ask if you can have some damaged parts (hoods deck lids). Usually they will let you have anything you want. Then do all the practice you want!

 

Flex 3401 or Flex 3403 L , don't be afraid of rotaries, I had a Makita 1st, went to a body shop n grab myself a panel to practice on. from there I took off. Now I have Makita, flex 3403 L and PC. for the price of Flex 3401, you can get FLEX 3403 L and a PC!!

 

I agree, have the same and a GG ro.

 

oh nice gift!!!

i really want to move up to a flex 3401 before my next correction project (from G110/220), wish my gf was so loving

 

whatever the rotary can't finish, PC is good enough to fix.

 

Overtime is dead on. I went from a PC to a 3401 to a 3403 and never looked back. There is a slight learning curve with the rotary but a test panel can do wonders. Take the money for a 3401 maybe with DD's package kit with the 3m backing plate and some pads.

 

ive seen some awesome correction with a 3401

i dont believe as a hobbiest you need a rotary.

if you're car is that fked (for lack of a better word) then either a) you arent a hobbiest detailer in the first place to let it get that bad, or b) get it professionally corrected, which will be cheaper and safer than buying a rotary, and then maintain it yourself with a DA

my $0.02

 

I agree, but it depends on what level of a hobbiest you want to be and will you be doing other cars for love or money.

 

Thanks for the responses guys, i'm looking to use this for myself as well as a couple cars from friends and what not...def will get some test panels from friends at auto body shops. I'm leaning to the 3401 since its easier to use...i'm tired of seeing these water marks on my car and want to do things right with making my Midnight Black looker deeper.

 

coo!!l order a kit from Phil n use coupon 40020! but ask him first if the kit is included with the sale

 

hit me up if you have questions, but the one you should be asking is

are you going to use it for yourself?
for side work?
do you have more than one car?
what is the current state of your car do you really need more power?

 

I started with a PC and got into doing other cars on the side. Did about 3 cars and said screw this. About the same time the 3401 was just hitting the states. Made the investment into the 3401 and now the PC is sold. IMO, the 3401 would be pretty hard to burn paint as well. AS long as you stick with the basics of polishing, such as 2 x 2 section, keep it moving, spread on a lower speed, etc., you'll be fine. There should be plenty of online videos on it by now. Looking back, even if I were only doing my 2 cars, I would still invest in the 3401 starting out. I have also since picked up a 3403, but 8x out of 10, I still reach for the 3403. I've been using it for about 3 years now, and it almost feels 2nd nature to me anymore.

 

im about to pull the trigger on a flex 3401

but what are you guys doing about not being able to use a 4" pad?

i like using my 4" pads for pillars, mirrors, numberplate surrounds

would i just have to keep my megs G220 then for 4" pad work


this video will sell you on the 3401

YouTube - Flex XC 3401 VRG vs. Porter Cable 7424

 

Yep keep your G for smaller pads.

 

i can just imagine my correction pics with 2 machines on the ground in the reflection of a panel

BALLER!

 

Don't be misled by that video as they were using the old PC. The Griot has a ton more power and with Meg's 105 with a surbuff pad it can handle anything the Flex can do for a fraction of the cost. Oh, and a lifetime warranty.