Will the flex get any competition?

backwoods_lex · 11-15-08, 12:45

With all of the heated competition between orbitals (PC, UDM, G100, G110, Griot's), I'm suprised to see that the DA flex is lacking in competition. Anyone know of any existing machines like it or have wind of any companies coming out with something like it? With a price tag of around $300 (about $200 more than an orbital and $100 more than a dewalt rotary), I'd be a pretty happy guy to see some competition introduced.

Yes, I am complaining about pricing

.

Setec Astronomy · 11-15-08, 03:29

First of all, I thought the days of the $100 "PC" were gone when Lowe's stopped carrying them; I thought the PC/UDM/G110 were all in the $150 ballpark.

As far as a "Flex" type machine, there is this from Makita: Makita - Products - Tool Details but I think it costs even more than the Flex.

EDIT: Here you go Makita Bo6040 Polisher

backwoods_lex · 11-15-08, 04:38

If you look online, PC's can still be had for around $110. And the UDM's, G110, and Griot's are all company affiliated with the price ranging from $130-$180 depending on where you shop. FWIW, I'd bet you could come across a gently used one of any of them for around $100. Also, I have found the 3401 for about $270.

It's just suprising that with all of the competition between the orbitals that you don't have the same with DA's. Nice find on the Makita BTW.

Setec Astronomy · 11-15-08, 04:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by backwoods_lex

Nice find on the Makita BTW.

That's been around a lot longer than the Flex, not sure why it never caught on. Found some threads about it plus Festool: Flex Dual Action or Makita B06040 DA
Aloha Detailing- Festool RO 150 FEQ . If you search on BO6040 you will come up with a lot of threads and a couple other machines mentioned.

Cleaning Fool · 11-15-08, 05:07

I would doubt you will see anything from a major manufacturer to compete with the Flex. Woodworkers use random orbit's to finish down there projects, they don't like bulky machines to do this. The car enthusiast market really is very very small, so Im not real optimistic you will see a random orbit type machine out soon with the power of a Flex.

longdx · 11-15-08, 05:14

The Cyclo need to be included as competition. (cost between $250-300 and has been around forever)

backwoods_lex · 11-15-08, 05:21

Thanks for the info guys!

howareb · 11-15-08, 09:10

The Cyclo could be included but IMO it is nowhere in the same league as a Flex. I'm sorry I just cannot stand the Cyclo. I try, but it just never grows on me. My own personal issue, I know.

If any machine came close to the Flex I would say that it would be the Festool. When you are using one, you realize that you are using a high grade piece of equipment and it has the price tag to prove it.

backwoods_lex · 11-15-08, 11:27

I did read some good things about the festool. Sounds nice.

I remember reading about the makita DA a few years ago but could never find info on it. Being shaped more like a PC and not a rotary, I guess I was looking in the wrong sections.

Kevin Brown · 11-15-08, 11:46

The one thing the Flex has that none of the others do is...

A VARIABLE TRIGGER !!!!

Plus it can do 9,600 oscillations per minute. That's a ton.

If you want something cheaper and you already own a rotary, perhaps the Dynabrade #61374 Random Orbital Head Kit.

Wrong type of machine, but I wish the little Metabo rotary had a finger-trigger, too.
It would be so much nicer to use and would probably be a bit more popular.

BigAl3 · 11-16-08, 02:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamwaxman

The one thing the Flex has that none of the others do is...

A VARIABLE TRIGGER !!!!

Plus it can do 9,600 oscillations per minute. That's a ton.

you can tell Flex did their homework...

RDAutosport · 11-16-08, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl3

you can tell Flex did their homework...

and hence, why it isn't particularly cheap (along with the fact that they are a bit more complicated than a rotary or a DA). It is well built, they should last a long time. I have one, I haven't really taken to it as much as I thought I would based on everyone's love of it, I actually will grab for the Makita rotary and Cyclo most of the time, but I'll try it some more. I think it is a quality machine.

To the OP's question, I doubt you will see an equivalent machine from another manufacturer as I believe the market for this particular device is relatively small compared to say a rotary or a more affordable DA.

Regards,

Rich