UPDATE!! Current Dual Action Polisher Comparison - Garry Dean - Tampa, FL

[RaskyR1]

I don’t think it’s fair to discredit a product just because something is Chinese made and if that aspect bothers you then by all means then be my guest and avoid this tool. I think many people have lost sight of the target audience that 3D is focusing their machine towards and that’s primarily the clients they hands on service at their storefront and on location (detail shops/dealerships). 3D’s internet sales account for less than 1% of their overall global reach. Out of the several 100’s that have already been sold in their main venue, I’ve been told that only 2 have been returned due to issues. I’d say that’s quite low, especially considering most of these sectors(dealers/high volume shops) tend to be quite rough on their equipment in general. And 3D is also working on bringing this kit to large retail merchandisers and the price point they are (or will be) at is one of value and performance which I feel confident in saying this machine is not lacking in. Otherwise they would certainly be providing an ala carte machine offering.

Hopefully you don't think I was trying to discredit the HD polisher in any way. I was simply stating that I long for a powerful, high quality DA built like my Makita, Dewalt, or better yet, my Flex PE14 rotary. I don't care where its made, I just want a solid, durable machine that doesn't have to be sent in for repairs every few months like the Girots DA's I have, and I'd be willing to pay for such a tool. This is something I have voiced my opinion on for a while now.

I've not used the HD polisher and will make no opinion on it until I have.

Rasky

[Underdawg736GTC]

With a lot of first generation products, there are bugs and issues not initally anticipated and fly under the radar in testing ie....recalls on new model and redesigned model vehicles. Most issues tend to present themselves only after it's been released to the masses. From what I've seen with Garry's video's and even having the oppertunity to try Barry's out for a day, it's solid but it does come with concerns. I'm sure that the 3D team is taking these concerns to heart and implementing these concerns as a lessons learned tool and driving on and improving future polishers to give the end user and outstanding product!

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

I don't care where its made, I just want a solid, durable machine that doesn't have to be sent in for repairs every few months , and I'd be willing to pay for such a tool. This is something I have voiced my opinion on for a while now.
I've not used the HD polisher and will make no opinion on it until I have.

Rasky

I agree 100% Chad.

Due to the fact that I have machines than people the machine has to be a premium offering to get my attention.

Same thing with products, I have refined m process with my current products to the point that product has to be pretty revolutionary to get me to entertain making the switch.

[Thomas Dekany]

Unfortunately, just because the product is "made better" and cost more, they still break down and break often. That includes my flex polishers, metabo products, Festool etc....

I agree 100%. I have no issues paying good money for a quality too! Anyone listening?

[David Fermani]

Not at all Chad. I would suggest you (or anyone else for that matter) to look into the Rupes machines that Buff Daddy offers(or will be offering). It looks like a very beefy unit if that's what people are after.

As far as the DA that 3D is selling...all I can suggest is for people to look at it with an open mind. Way too many people have overanalyzed it without trying it.

[RaskyR1]

Not at all Chad. I would suggest you (or anyone else for that matter) to look into the Rupes machines that Buff Daddy offers(or will be offering). It looks like a very beefy unit if that's what people are after.

As far as the DA that 3D is selling...all I can suggest is for people to look at it with an open mind. Way too many people have overanalyzed it without trying it.

I did try the Rupes out at SEMA last year (briefly). It looks like a solid machine but I'm not sure I'll like that large of an offset (edging). I'll probably wait until a few others have tried them out though, especially with non-Rupes pads....knowing how I am though I'm sure it will find it's way to my arsenal, along with the 3D unit.

[C. Charles Hahn]

I think this is where the issue lies. Why not just pay a good dollar for a quality machine instead of buying made in China crap? I paid $225 for my PC ( a long time ago! LOL ) and used it hard in my shop for a few years before it died. Then the Griots comes out at $129 and we all know how that has worked out. Lots of power but sketchy reliability. My on/off switch went rendering the machine useless. Now we have a $70 machine. Who cares if the warranty is for 10 years. I want the machine to work. Period. Charge me what you need to in order to sell me a quality machine. We have done this to ourselves by insisting on the lowest possible price and refusing to pay for quality.

I totally get where you're coming from, and I do agree that as a consumer society we've put ourselves in the position of having available low price instead of high quality. Generally folks tend to look at the short term (I want it cheap and want it now) instead of the long term (paying more now for something that can be repaired/kept in service is cheaper than having to replace the whole unit later because I can't fix it). My original PC (Meguiar's G100) I bought 11 years ago for right around $300, and I still use that machine regularly today, but it doesn't have anywhere near the power of some of the newer offerings.

That is where this whole issue becomes a double-edged sword. We have to look at the fact that even though this machine is "cheap" and has a few quality issues, it still has the potential capacity to out-perform other "PC-style" DAs on the market and get more correction done faster, which for a professional is key (time is money). Sure, you could go with other types of polishers (long-stroke DA, forced rotation DA, rotary) to get more done faster as well, but each of those comes with trade-offs that must be dealt with too.

At the end of the day it's all a matter of preference since there is no single "perfect" tool or type of tool.

I don’t think it’s fair to discredit a product just because something is Chinese made and if that aspect bothers you then by all means then be my guest and avoid this tool. I think many people have lost sight of the target audience that 3D is focusing their machine towards and that’s primarily the clients they hands on service at their storefront and on location (detail shops/dealerships).

For the most part, professional mechanics and other technicians spend their money on high grade tools (think Snap-On, Matco, MAC, Cornwell, etc.) because they value high reliability and longevity. If 3D is focusing this machine toward the professional-user market, a higher quality offering would seemingly make more sense. A detailer wouldn't want to spend the money for a quality tool (with which they will earn their living), but a mechanic would?

I fully realize there are professional mechanics/etc. and pro detailers out there relying on lower grade tools to do their jobs and are getting along fine with them, but that doesn't mean it is or even should be the norm.

3D’s internet sales account for less than 1% of their overall global reach. Out of the several 100’s that have already been sold in their main venue, I’ve been told that only 2 have been returned due to issues. I’d say that’s quite low, especially considering most of these sectors(dealers/high volume shops) tend to be quite rough on their equipment in general. And 3D is also working on bringing this kit to large retail merchandisers and the price point they are (or will be) at is one of value and performance which I feel confident in saying this machine is not lacking in. Otherwise they would certainly be providing an ala carte machine offering.

I would think, though, that even dealerships and detail shops wouldn't really want or need to keep buying these in kit form. Most of those customers probably buy their MF towels and chemicals in bulk anyway. In a retail setting though, absolutely a kit has value.

Unfortunately, just because the product is "made better" and cost more, they still break down and break often. That includes my flex polishers, metabo products, Festool etc....

OK.... but then let's look at what breaks down and why. Are we talking about mechanical parts in your Flex/Metabo/Festool stuff breaking? Or is it electrical components?

The weaknesses the HD Polisher seems to have (in my opinion) are mechanical in nature due to the fact that the castings are of a lower grade metal and machining done to the parts is minimal and rough. Both of those factors invite accelerated wear and higher NVH (to borrow a term from automotive engineering), and that seems to be what separates better tools from lesser ones and contributes to a difference in operator experience.

[Thomas Dekany]

OK.... but then let's look at what breaks down and why. Are we talking about mechanical parts in your Flex/Metabo/Festool stuff breaking? Or is it electrical components?

The weaknesses the HD Polisher seems to have (in my opinion) are mechanical in nature due to the fact that the castings are of a lower grade metal and machining done to the parts is minimal and rough. Both of those factors invite accelerated wear and higher NVH (to borrow a term from automotive engineering), and that seems to be what separates better tools from lesser ones and contributes to a difference in operator experience.

Both

I am on my second Flex rotary, and honestly it isn't a great unit to begin with.

3 Flex 3401, each went back for repairs several times.

4th Griots. Up in smoke each except one, that was a complete mess, won't embarrass Griots here.

Metabo's are know to overheat and shot down.

Festools break too I see it on DW.

How about Mercedes Benz-es? They break a lot more than they should.

Not sure if I answered your question, let me know.

I personally like the 3D polisher, don't even use the Griots for wax application anymore. Feels very sturdy and powerful

[BigAl3]

Both

I am on my second Flex rotary, and honestly it isn't a great unit to begin with.

3 Flex 3401, each went back for repairs several times.

How about Mercedes Benz-es? They break a lot more than they should.

thomas.. it seems you aren't the only one to experience problems with flex (both DA and rotary) and for the price they are, you would expect more even though any man made machine is subject to being defective at any given time. it seems that the makita or dewalt seem to hold up better while being a little cheaper in price too. if makita came out with a newer DA with interchangeable backing plates i'm sure it would be a winner. i guess you never know in this day and age what will come out these days...

[Thomas Dekany]

Just today i was assisting someone who had the new dewalt rotary and it heats up so much the operator can't hold it. 6 months old.

thomas.. it seems you aren't the only one to experience problems with flex (both DA and rotary) and for the price they are, you would expect more even though any man made machine is subject to being defective at any given time. it seems that the makita or dewalt seem to hold up better while being a little cheaper in price too. if makita came out with a newer DA with interchangeable backing plates i'm sure it would be a winner. i guess you never know in this day and age what will come out these days...

[BigAl3]

Just today i was assisting someone who had the new dewalt rotary and it heats up so much the operator can't hold it. 6 months old.

sheesh, i guess maybe not...

[C. Charles Hahn]

Just today i was assisting someone who had the new dewalt rotary and it heats up so much the operator can't hold it. 6 months old.

Interesting... I haven't run into that with mine.

Just goes to show no tool or manufacturer is bulletproof.