Battle of Swirl Finder Lights: Rupes Vs. FLEX

**Todd@RUPES** · 03-21-2014, 02:39 PM

Rupes Swirl Finder Pen Light
FLEX Swirl Finder Light

Let me kill the suspense right now... There is NO WINNER!!!

These two different swirl-finding lights couldn`t look more different, nor could they feel much more different. The FLEX is big, robust, industrial... The Rupes is svelte, purpose-built, sexy...

The FLEX is brighter (marginally but noticeable), the Rupes fits in your shirt pocket..

Color Temperature:

Rupes did a lot of research on which color temperature will show the maximum amount of swirl marks on a maximum number of colors. Color ranges from near red to purple, on the scale below (sourced from juliusngphotography.com)

Color`s that are too warm can struggle to reflect light on red because they don`t produce a light that red can reflect, as illustrated by the graphics below (courtesy of Rupes)

BOTH the FLEX and Rupes lights have a near white color scale, with the Rupes being slightly cooler. If you were to look at both lights, both would appear white, however, when you compare them to eachother, slight differences appear.

(as viewed as reflected on a LED TV screen)

Since red is the most difficult color to view (and photograph) swirls on, I wanted to try each light on two shades of red.

First up: Dark Cherry Red, Metal Flake

FLEX:

Rupes:

In the Dark Cherry Red, the Rupes pen did expose more swirl marks and paint damage, although the difference may not be as dramatic as the pictures suggest.

Second Up: Bright Red (slight hint of orange)

FLEX:

Rupes:

In the Bright Red Test, the Rupes again did a better job of capturing the damage on the surface, although the difference was extremely small and far less than it was on the first test.

Other Colors:

I had the chance to use both lights on other colors besides red. I should note that on my colors, both lights to an equal job, with little difference to photograph and even less difference in person.

However, as we approach the darker colors such as dark blue, charcoal, or black, the FLEX`s higher output does a better job of illuminating the swirls and scratches, however the margin is slight (and noticeable).

Conclusion:

Ultimately the FLEX Swirl Finder Light and Rupes Swirl Finder Light Pen both do an excellent job of highlighting the paint defects that can ruin your paint job.

The FLEX features an adjustable focus, multiple modes (strobe/low-light/full-power), and a very bright illumination.

Minus the multi-modes, the Rupes shrinks the FLEX`s abilities down into a light, pen style that is ultra convenient. However, the Rupes is more expensive so you do pay for the lightweight, purpose-built design.

Ideally you would want both, given the Rupes` slight advantage on reds, and the FLEX`s advantage on dark colors, but if it comes down to only one, pick the style that best matches with you. Then let either light illuminate your way towards polished paint perfection.

**mrclean81** · 03-21-2014, 03:10 PM

Wow I was expecting that Flex light to be more expensive than it is. I think I might just order one of those today.

**Pats300zx** · 03-21-2014, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by mrclean81

Wow I was expecting that Flex light to be more expensive than it is. I think I might just order one of those today.

I know I was surprised as well. I got mine on sale for $40.00. It`s a great light at that price.

**pwaug** · 03-21-2014, 03:59 PM

Nice write up Todd!! Do you know the Lumen output of the Flex light??

**Paul Sparks** · 03-21-2014, 05:23 PM

Got my fingers crossed. Trying out my Rupes light tomorrow after picking it up. Today I was lucky and had the sun available. Need some of that available in a hand held light .lol.

**Swanicyouth** · 03-21-2014, 11:35 PM

I played with the Rupes light at DF. It was pretty impressive. I think you will be pleased.

**radarryan** · 03-22-2014, 01:01 AM

Great review, Todd!

I won the FLEX light in a giveaway on the Geek side, and I look forward getting it, especially after your review. It looks like they both have their strengths and weaknesses, and you did a fantastic job of laying them out. I hope my review can complement your analysis.

**Smack** · 03-22-2014, 01:26 AM

Outstanding review Todd! Thanks for putting it together!

**Klock** · 03-22-2014, 07:10 AM

Great review Todd! I`ve made up my mind on which one to get. thank you.

**Bunky** · 03-22-2014, 04:50 PM

Nice review. It seems the Flex is more usefulness for other activities.

**dc52nv** · 03-22-2014, 06:01 PM

Awesome comparison review Todd! Which light would work best on white paint?

**tedj101** · 03-23-2014, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by dc52nv

Awesome comparison review Todd! Which light would work best on white paint?

I can`t speak to best, but I can tell you that the Flex works well on white. My personal vehicles (3) are all various types of white and the Flex proved its worth on those. My wife has a silver car (another tough color) and it was very effective there too. Of course it works on dark colors too, but almost anything works on black<g>!

<TED>

**Nav45** · 05-17-2015, 05:01 PM

Sorry for bumping an older thread but I`m curious if the Flex light can be useful when used outdoors to check for swirls. Let`s say your working in a shaded area outdoors. Does this light work well there?

In my experience, sunlight at certain angles and parking lights during nighttime are the only reliable ways for me to truly check the paint for swirls. Sometimes I polish and then come to find swirls under the parking lights at night. So I`m thinking the Flex might be a good way to check for swirls. Any experiences?

Thanks.