Recommendations on backing plates and Buffing pads

[Chalk]

Newbie here. I have a Milwaukee 7/9" variable speed polisher with a standard backing plate. I have been using 3M foam pads for polishing and compounding. They seem to start to tear around the edges after very little use.

I am having a hard time finding foam pads locally and have two questions:

Any preferences in backing plates sizes?

Any suggestions regarding foam polishing/buffing pads?

TIA

[DetailQueen]

I like a 5" backing plate and 6.5" Lake Country pads.

[rollman]

Check out the Edge 2000 pads for your rotary . They do away with the backing plate and your centering problems by using an adapter that threads onto your arbor and the pads click on and off . Besides the easy on and off and perfect centering features these pads are 2 sided . You can find them on PAC and Auto Geek . Good luck and Happy detailing