Best Backing Pads?

[Dispatch]

For polishing with a Flex 3401, who makes the best backing pads that give the best results?

[Dispatch]

Anyone?

[pmnewton]

As far as I know, only FLEX makes backing pads for the machine.

- Patrick

[Bunky]

Do you mean foam polishing pads or backing plates that retains the pad?

LC Hybrid are considered the best polishing pads for the paint.

[MooreImpressive]

never tried a Flex, but if they make their own brand of plates, that is usually going to be the best option, since its specifically made for that polisher.

[Merlin]

There are a couple of choices for Flex 3401 backing plates.

I personally prefer the 5" backing plate made by Flex.

[Dispatch]

I was thinking about the soft backed ones from Lake Country as opposed to the hard backed ones that Flex makes.
In particular I was thinking about getting a 4 3/8" plate so I can use it with my new LC 5.5" polishing pads.

[Merlin]

After reading the reviews I went with the FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate
I`ve had good results with this BP and the Lake Country HD Orbital Foam Pads.
This is the BP for 5.5" pads. It also works great with the CarPro 5" Flash Pad.

Just a FYI - I have had NO problems with the FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate

[Dispatch]

After reading the reviews I went with the FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate
I`ve had good results with this BP and the Lake Country HD Orbital Foam Pads.
This is the BP for 5.5" pads. It also works great with the CarPro 5" Flash Pad.

Just a FYI - I have had NO problems with the FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate

What about using the 5.5" backing plate the 3401 came with then use 6.5" pads instead?

[Merlin]

What about using the 5.5" backing plate the 3401 came with then use 6.5" pads instead?

IMHO Dual Action machines (whether its a Rupes, a Flex forced, PC, Griots etc.) work better with a 5" BP and 5"-5.5" pads.
This is reiterated by folks such as Jason Rose & Kevin Brown etc...Save the 6.5" pads for the Flex PE-14 & Rotary polishers.