PC 7424xp, or spring for the Flex?

Gig103 · 09-24-09, 04:55

For the $100+ difference, I can get polishes and maybe even some pads. What is the difference, for someone who hasn't done it --- more cut? less time to break down polish? Both?

Thanks!

Legacy99 · 09-24-09, 05:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gig103

For the $100+ difference, I can get polishes and maybe even some pads. What is the difference, for someone who hasn't done it --- more cut? less time to break down polish? Both?

Thanks!

Look at BigAl's post on the 7424XP it's 200 bucks difference.

vtec92civic · 09-24-09, 05:06

it's a $200 difference like Legacy stated but the Flex is basically a PC on steroids. It is by far a more powerful machine which cuts down the time a lot, but if you are just going to be cleaning your personal vehicles a PC will do just fine.

wfedwar · 09-24-09, 05:32

I like my Flex a lot more than my old school 7424. Doesn't vibrate your hands off, sling pads if you lift it, and does much more correction while remaining hologram-free. I can't tell you if it's worth $100 or $200 to you, but it is to me.

Accumulator · 09-25-09, 09:45

If you can afford the Flex, buy the Flex. If you can't, I'd sure consider the Griot's unit instead of the XP. Search out Mike Phillip's thread where he compared the XP and the Griot's; I just might buy that Griot's unit myself.

abashoe · 09-25-09, 10:59

I just bought my first polisher, the newest Griot's one.

I have nothing else to compare to, but I do like it. The thing I dont like is that I am able to prevent the pad from rotating.

This usually occurs when I'm detailing vertical surfaces with a lot of curves (I drive a BMW MCoupe). I was even using a 4" pad.

If I could do it again, I would buy the Flex.

I mean . . . .buy the Griot's. . in fact buy mine (so i can buy a flex!)

dynamic73 · 09-25-09, 11:20

Ok this is from a noobs point of view. I'm not a pro by any means.

If your going to be doing a lot of polishing. And are looking to correct paint on older cars, with heavy damage. Then yes you might want to get the Flex. If you just going to maintain your own cars and they're not really that bad. Then no I would get the 7424XP. I own 2 vehicles. I figure I'll only need to do full paint polishing and correction. Maybe once or twice a year on them. So for me. I really don't have the need to spend all that extra money on the Flex. I'm sure it's faster and better. But I'm just a casual car detailer. And I'm not in a big hurry when I do my cars. The 7424Xp does a great job on them and I'm very happy with it. Spend your extra money on pads. You can always use extras.

asharma · 09-25-09, 11:28

flex all the way...much quicker to cut and i also have the xp...

Legacy99 · 09-25-09, 12:10

[quote=dynamic73;1313405]Ok this is from a noobs point of view. I'm not a pro by any means.

If your going to be doing a lot of polishing. And are looking to correct paint on older cars, with heavy damage. Then yes you might want to get the Flex.

If your going to do the above get a rotary.

bert31 · 09-25-09, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

I just might buy that Griot's unit myself.

When would you use the Griot that you would not use the Flex or your PC or your Cyclo?

And I thought I owned a ton of power tools, I think you have me beat.

fergnation · 09-25-09, 02:07

If it is just to use on your own personal vehicles the XP works just fine. You can buy all the pads you need and the polishes for the money saved. Can the FLex correct more quickly Yes! Can it correct anything the PCXP can't NO! The new PC is a very nice machine to learn on and very easy to switch from 5 or 6 inch pads to 4 inch pads. Also, with the money you save you can buy the 4 inchbacking plate.

You just need to consider how much you are going to be using it. The Flex is the better machine hands down. But with a higher price tag.

The PCXP can do anything the FLex can plus you can buy the pads and polishes. It just takes more time.

Accumulator · 09-25-09, 02:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by bert31

When would you use the Griot that you would not use the Flex or your PC or your Cyclo?

And I thought I owned a ton of power tools, I think you have me beat.

Yeah, I'm a tool junky...no question about it

Heh heh, but consider that my late father put *me* to shame

I'd use the Griot's RO in place of my PCs, both of which are soooo old that I can'thelp but think the Griot's would be sufficiently more powerful that I'd appreciate the diff.

The Cyclo doesn't really compare to these types of machines when they're fitted with 4" pads. I use them for spots that're easier to do that way as compared to using the Flex.

Analogy- wrenches to polishers: this would be like replacing a Crescent wrench (PC) with a Facom brand adjustable wrench (Griot's). Same only a little bit better (and yeah, the Facom really is too). Neither one is a substitute for my *good* fixed-size wrenches (Flex) or my various ratchet sets (Cyclo).