Flex XC 3401 VRG Review

blkyukon · 02-10-08, 10:57

Hey all,

I just put up a review of the Flex XC 3401 VRG on my website. Flex XC 3401 VRG Review

I'm also finishing up a video comparing the Flex to the PC, I should have it up in the next few days.

Brief summary:

The Flex is a great machine and IMO narrows the gap between the PC and a rotary. It has great cutting abilities and will cut polishing time down substantially if moving up from a PC...The video I'm working on will show that.

Update - the video is now online, the link is at the bottom of the review

Enjoy and I'll update this post when the video is on line.

kkjv1 · 02-10-08, 12:46

Thanks! I can't wait for the video. Which products / combo are you going to use to demonstrate the Flex (Menz SIP/ Menz 106ff perhaps?)

Also, i believe the new batch of Flex with the fixed backing plate comes in 5.5" size ( at least mine did).

frostydog · 02-10-08, 02:55

Very nice review, the pics are a great addition.

I'm sure many will benefit...

One thing you noted that I've been amazed by myself. It's very hard to micro-mar or haze the paint with the 3401. And I truely believe I can get a better/sharper finish with the Flex vs my PC. I never felt like I was getting a poor finish with my PC, and perhaps if I had more patients I could have got it to the level of the Flex. But time and time again I'm amazed at the sharpness of the finish I can achieve with the Flex.

Again...Great Review!!

blkyukon · 02-10-08, 03:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkjv1

Thanks! I can't wait for the video. Which products / combo are you going to use to demonstrate the Flex (Menz SIP/ Menz 106ff perhaps?)

Also, i believe the new batch of Flex with the fixed backing plate comes in 5.5" size ( at least mine did).

I'm going to do a couple of videos, but the first one will show the different cutting/finishing/time between the PC & Flex using 106FF and a polishing pad. The ones to follow will show the Flex with more aggressive polishes/combos.

You are right, I started the review before I received the replacement backing plate...I've updated the page, I had a revision and forgot to update it on line. Thanks for the heads up !

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostydog

Very nice review, the pics are a great addition.

I'm sure many will benefit...

One thing you noted that I've been amazed by myself. It's very hard to micro-mar or haze the paint with the 3401. And I truely believe I can get a better/sharper finish with the Flex vs my PC. I never felt like I was getting a poor finish with my PC, and perhaps if I had more patients I could have got it to the level of the Flex. But time and time again I'm amazed at the sharpness of the finish I can achieve with the Flex.

Again...Great Review!!

Thanks...Yes it does tend to finish more like a rotary, then a PC, but I've been able to achieve the same results with a PC.... It just takes longer.

It can cause hazing (if you don't break down the polish completely or are using an aggressive pad/polish combo) but the hazing doesn't have the "hook type" hazing that a PC produces. The hazing looks more like a rotary haze because of the forced rotation.

Thanks again guys!

artronnie · 02-10-08, 04:09

Great review. One question...Is it right that during one rotation, the flex orbits 20 times?

jdoria · 02-10-08, 04:20

Good write up on your site.
Do you feel the Flex 3401 is a good tool for an existing rotary user that wants to occasionally be lazy?

blkyukon · 02-10-08, 04:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by artronnie

Great review. One question...Is it right that during one rotation, the flex orbits 20 times?

Thanks and Yes...10x left & 10x right (or back & forth) orbits for one rotation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsatek

Good write up on your site.
Do you feel the Flex 3401 is a good tool for an existing rotary user that wants to occasionally be lazy?

Yeah, I'd say that. It's won't replace a rotary, as far as speed of correction or extreme restoration, but in most cases it would be great substitute. It's similar (but better) to the PC in that you sacrifice your time for lower risk of damaging the paint.

blkyukon · 02-14-08, 08:53

The video comparing the cutting power of the Flex to the PC is up:

Flex XC 3401 VRG Review

(Link is at the bottom of the page)

detaildoc · 02-14-08, 08:59

Do you have a comparison of the RPM's/OPM's at each speed between the Flex and the UDM?

blkyukon · 02-14-08, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by detaildoc

Do you have a comparison of the RPM's/OPM's at each speed between the Flex and the PC/UDM?

No I don't, sorry... what comparison are you looking for? I don't think you'll see much difference in a video between the various speeds other than the sound.

I do plan on doing another video, solely with the Flex, showing removal of deeper imperfections, using different speeds, etc. that might show what you are looking for.

detaildoc · 02-14-08, 09:19

I was wondering approximately which speed on the flex equates to a 6 on a UDM. My guess is that a 3.5 on the Flex is probably a 6 on the UDM.

blkyukon · 02-14-08, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by detaildoc

I was wondering approximately which speed on the flex equates to a 6 on a UDM. My guess is that a 3.5 on the Flex is probably a 6 on the UDM.

I think you are right...There is a chart that shows the speed comparison...I'll can't seem to find it right now. If I find it I'll update this post and my review with the comparison.