Beginner: How to choose pads?

[MackDSM]

Hello all,



I have been lurking here for quite a while, and have spent more hours than I care to admit to myself reading through all the very informative threads. However, I decided to register today to see if I could get some clarification on something I am stuck on.



I understand the difference in all the different cuts where different color pads are concerned, but I am having a bit of trouble deciding on the design of pad to purchase. For reference, most of the correction I am doing will be on a 2008 Subaru WRX, which is notorious for having thin, soft paint. The car has a few moderate scratches, but is mostly covered in swirl marks.



My local supplier has stock of LC CCS, LC Flat, LC Hydro-tech, LC waffle, Meg`s MF and Optimum MF pads. I know each of these have their benefits and drawbacks, but which do I choose to start out with as a beginner? Will the MF pads be better because the cut will be more dependant on the compounds/polishes I choose?

[Accumulator]

MackDSM- Short answer- Get the Meguiar`s MF Cutting Disks for the aggressive work and the LC Hydrotech tangerine for moderate work. Maybe the LC flat black pads for finishing work and the LC gold ones for LSPing.



Skip the LC CCS and waffle ones.



EDIT: Welcome to Autopia!