Rupes 21 or Flex 3401..Which would you really want?

**ShawnF350** · 03-28-2015, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by rlmccarty2000

Different strokes for different folks, said a great man. I`ve got the 21 and one day hope to have the 15 and just purchased the Mini. With the 3 I believe I could do just about anything. I just like the smoothness of Rupes. It`s good for us old guys.

If I find myself reaching for the 15 and not wanting to use the flex , I may at least buy the 21 to see if it`s a keeper for me.
I may also get the pe8, but I`m not rotary experienced and it starts at 1300rpm. (Sounds high)
And I agree with the old guys statement. My wrist likes to tell me when it`s had enough. I`m looking for a comfortable machine that gets the job done. But if on side panels the 21 lacks, I`ll need to keep that 3401. Plus the 3401 is as close as I`ll get to having a rotary.

**RaskyR1** · 03-30-2015, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by ShawnF350

If I find myself reaching for the 15 and not wanting to use the flex , I may at least buy the 21 to see if it`s a keeper for me.
I may also get the pe8, but I`m not rotary experienced and it starts at 1300rpm. (Sounds high)
And I agree with the old guys statement. My wrist likes to tell me when it`s had enough. I`m looking for a comfortable machine that gets the job done. But if on side panels the 21 lacks, I`ll need to keep that 3401. Plus the 3401 is as close as I`ll get to having a rotary.

Every car I`ve done over the last 2.5 years has been done with either the Rupes 21 or the 15 and probably 90% of them were with the 21. Once you learn how to use/adjust the tool the only areas you should need a different polisher is for the tight 2-4 inch work (pillars, bumper covers, vents).

**Rsurfer** · 03-30-2015, 02:50 PM

[QUOTE=ShawnF350;1985125]
I may also get the pe8, but I`m not rotary experienced and it starts at 1300rpm. (Sounds high)

Because the pads are small, you need higher speeds to correct. 1300rpm with no pressure is not high at all.

**Rsurfer** · 03-30-2015, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by RaskyR1

Every car I`ve done over the last 2.5 years has been done with either the Rupes 21 or the 15 and probably 90% of them were with the 21. Once you learn how to use/adjust the tool the only areas you should need a different polisher is for the tight 2-4 inch work (pillars, bumper covers, vents).

Since you do some high end cars, you should get the PE8 if you haven`t already.

**RaskyR1** · 03-30-2015, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Rsurfer

Since you do some high end cars, you should get the PE8 if you haven`t already.

I already have the PE14. I wouldn`t buy the PE8 simply because it has a rocker switch and not a traditional rotary variable speed trigger. Great tool I`m sure, but I simply can`t understand why they went the route they did. For delicate and intricate work I feel it`s a must.

**Rsurfer** · 03-30-2015, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by RaskyR1

I already have the PE14. I wouldn`t buy the PE8 simply because it has a rocker switch and not a traditional rotary variable speed trigger. Great tool I`m sure, but I simply can`t understand why they went the route they did. For delicate and intricate work I feel it`s a must.

Exactly why they made it, for intricate work. Your right about that cumbersome switch. I still favor the Mini for work that can be done with a 3.5" pad.