UDM vs PC comparison w/ pics

Jngrbrdman · 07-05-07, 02:58

My new UDM arrived from Autogeek today. I haven't seen too many side by side reviews, so I figured I'd throw in my $.02.

It's a nice looking device. Very similar looking to the PC. It seems to be heavier, but that could just be my imagination. It feels different, that's for sure, but it could just be ballanced differently. I'm sure the weight specifications are somewhere, but it is the perception of more weight that is of note.

Side by side they look really similar. There is one big difference though. The UDM's speed dial juts out a bit. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet, but it will be nice if the treads ever get filled with polish like my PC sometimes gets.

Something else to note is that the power cord on the UDM is about 40 inches shorter than the PC by my measurments. I don't think that is really an issue since there probably isn't anybody using the PC without an extention cord anyway.

The tool was very similar to the PC as well. In fact, the PC tool can be used with the UDM if you wanted.

Other things to note are the vibrations. The UDM seems to vibrate less when there isn't a pad on it, but one I put the Edge 2000 white pad on and put a coat of wax on my Reflex I noticed that it does vibrate quite a bit more. It is quieter than the PC though, so that is a decent trade. I'll get better forearm muscles, less damage to my ears, and a bit of a massage while I'm using it I guess.

I can't say it is any better or worse than the PC yet, and I may never be able to tell the real difference unless I try removing damage by alternating machines, but for now I can say it is a nice looking machine that is very similar to the PC. If it has more power then that makes it worth it. It seems to operate and work just like the PC, so if you are familiar with that tool then this will be an easy transition. I would be comfortable recomending this tool to beginners just like the PC is good for beginners.

A short video demonstrating the sound and the above differences is uploading as we speak and will be posted as soon as it is done.

Jngrbrdman · 07-05-07, 03:08

And here we go. Hopefully that helps answer some questions. It was nice to get it in my hands and these were the first things I noticed. I'm sure I'll come up with something more helpful in the future that has more to do with actual detailing.

Sorry for the muffled part. The mic on my camera is in a really stupid place right on top of the left side. Dumb place for a mic...

rwisejr · 07-05-07, 03:28

I see your using it with the edge system which is not recommended until they release the counter new counter weight that should take care of the vibration issue you have with it. I'm using mine with the supplied backing plate and my LC 5 and 6.5 pads and find it has mildly less vibration than my PC using the same setup.But you can feel a definite power difference.As far as cord length goes it would have been nicer to have a longer cord but as noted most use an extension cord anyway.The machine is also quieter and a bit smoother.Only thing that is annoying is the power switch that is very sensitive .But David has a fix for it and is sending it out to all owners in the next couple of weeks as he has stated in another thread..Overall it is a great machine and i have since out fitted my pc for 4 in pad use in tight spots.

Jngrbrdman · 07-05-07, 04:38

That could explain the vibrations I felt when I used it with the Edge pad. I only gave it a quick spin around a small area, so I didn't do a whole lot with it. I'm polishing some nasty cars this weekend and will be able to try a number of different things with it though. I'll try it with the velcro pads and see how it works from there.

DavidB · 07-05-07, 04:54

Jngr,

Interesting observations. Allow me to add a few comments.

First, if you completely tear down each machine you will find that the internal design is 90% the same. In fact, the whole gear drive system is the same, and the motors are nearly interchangeable. Our motor is sligtly larger (more powerful) and that is where the added weight comes in.

The difference in noise is due to the bearings and the fan. The UDM bearings are much better, as is the venting system.

If you want a machine that really rocks with your Edge Pads, I can tell you how much weight you need to add to the UDM counter weight. I did it by tapping the counter weight and adding a nut & bolt with the correct weight. The other alternative it to move the PC eccentric shaft to your UDM. Mine balanced out perfectly with the Edge adapter and pad.

Jngrbrdman · 07-05-07, 05:06

Hmmmm..... That is an interesting idea. I'm not sure I want to be drilling much into the counterweight to balance it out though. There isn't anything wrong with hook and loop pads, but I am really a fan of the Edge system. I think I'll just stick to the hook and loop pads until a new counterweight is devised for use with the Edge system. I can always use the PC if I'm feeling like Edge would be better for the situation.

So is there really a weight difference? How much heavier is the UDM than the PC? It didn't feel like much, but it was noticable when I took it out. I will say that the weight isn't a bad thing. I like a tool to have some weight to it.

The added benefit of the carrying bag is a huge thing. That bag is absolutely perfect. The UDM fits in it perfectly even with the handle on it. I can't say enough good about getting that with the machine. The added power on top of getting a carrying bag make the cost difference between this and a PC worth it. That bag was a really nice touch.

DavidB · 07-05-07, 05:10

The weight difference is only like 4-5 ounces. The motor housing is a bit bigger, and that is partly what makes you think it is heavier.

Jngrbrdman · 07-05-07, 05:15

It may just be a weight distribution thing then. It feels heavier because the added weight is all in one place and not distributed throughout the machine.

The material the machine is made of seems lighter too. Is it as durable as the PC? I've dropped the PC on it's head so many times I've lost count, but it just has a little rash to show for it. No cracks. Have you done 'abuse' testing on this machine? I'm not hard on my PC, but I do dangle it by the cord and set it down on the ground that way all the time. The guts are going to be fine I'm sure, but how about the casing?

DavidB · 07-05-07, 05:33

I did extensive abuse testing. One of the tests was to drop it on its head on concrete from a height of 6 feet (ladder test). On the second drop the handle broke. On the third drop the plastic cover over head end cracked. The pad and backing plate protected the counter weight housing from damage.

Jngrbrdman · 07-05-07, 05:36

Perhaps if you have a disposable PC you could perform a similar test to see how it compares. I've never dropped a PC from 6 feet before. Three feet maybe, but I'm not usually setting it down that high above the ground. Once when I did a boat it nearly fell 15 feet, but the cord caught and it just sort of dangled there. lol

DavidB · 07-05-07, 05:42

I have Franken-PC here I could drop. It really does not prove much.. Again, the design of the system is the same. I was dropping the tool for electrical safety testing.

VF-x · 07-06-07, 09:15

That was a great video. I just ordered by UDM from Autogeek and I'm looking forward to receiving it. I'm a noob when it comes to detailing so getting a good and forgiving tool is important.

It's great to see how much pop one has to go through to detail a car, but was that a lightsabre on your workbench in the video? And is that a necessary tool for detailing your car? And how do you use it?