I`m going through the same process as you right now. Been detailing my cars for years but just getting into machine polishing. I decided on the Groits Garage because it is more powerful and has a lifetime warranty. It gets good reviews here and other detailing websites.
To keep it simple and keep costs down I decided on UNO
HD Uno HD Poxy Professional Sizes as a polish --- you use it to cut, polish and finish by changing pads, speed, pressure and Poxy as a LSP/Sealant as it seems to have good durability and great looks.
I`ve decided to stick with foam pads until I have more experience before moving to the Optimum MF pads.
I`m torn between 5.5" HD pads
3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store and 5.5" LC Flat pads
Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads CUSTOM 6 Pack, lake country flat pads . Starting with 3 orange, 3 green (HD) or 3 White (LC) and 3 blue (LC) or 3 red (HD) About $53 for the LCs and $78 for the HDs. Both require a 5" backing plate.
There are plenty of great Sealants/LSPs out there if you don`t want to use Poxy--Zaino, FK, Optiseal, DG. Currently using DG105--very durable and not expensive.
Do as much reading as you can before you start and view as many videos as you can -- search around on this and other good detailing websites like Autogeek as there is allot of great "how to" info out there. I`ve made my decisions based on the great recommendations of the guys on this website and others.
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