Finally bit the bullet; Ordered new Griot`s D/A

**jaymz** · 09-12-2010, 08:07 AM

Not sure I really need this, but the prospect of more "nuts" and less time spent on paint correction, finally overcame my frugalness.

Have had a Porter cable unit for 5-6 yrs, but reviews of the new Griot`s machine convinced me to give it a shot.

Since I`m a cheap *astard, I was looking for a sale, but apparently this doesn`t happen often. Normal price seems to be $129, but then you have shipping ($16 or so) and if I buy from in-state vendor, I get hit for sales tax (SHOPNBC). Finally bought from AutoAnything with free shipping, no tax and a $10 off coupon; Net was $119. Still wish I could have done better, but that`s the best I could find. Sure wish the vendors would man-up and discount this thing more. I hate the "price control" Nazis.

Now, just gotta wait for it to arrive. Hope it lives up to expectations.

Jim

**neighborsenvy** · 09-12-2010, 10:11 AM

I havent used anything else but its a nice machine. Its got more power than the PC so it should knock your time down some.

**Accumulator** · 09-12-2010, 12:10 PM

jaymz- Good move :xyxthumbs IMO you gotta weigh the cost against the benefits, and if you can swing the expense it`s worth it to make the work easier.

Which size pads are you planning to use with it?

**jaymz** · 09-13-2010, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Accumulator

jaymz- Good move :xyxthumbs IMO you gotta weigh the cost against the benefits, and if you can swing the expense it`s worth it to make the work easier.

Which size pads are you planning to use with it?

I have an assortment of LC pads; plan on using 5.5"-6" pads; have mostly the CCS variety. Also have 4" CCS pads. Used the 6" pads yesterday, and they worked fine: lots of power in this unit kept the pads spinning much better than my old PC. 4" pads worked OK, but still easier to stop spinning than the 6" ones.

Jim

**Alexshimshimhae** · 09-13-2010, 08:23 AM

Glad you like it I figured if anything I could just detail a persons car to make up for the price of the stuff I buy

**Accumulator** · 09-13-2010, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by jaymz

I have an assortment of LC pads;.. lots of power in this unit kept the pads spinning much better than my old PC. 4" pads worked OK, but still easier to stop spinning than the 6" ones.

Glad it`s working so much better for you than the PC. Sorta surprises me that you find it easier to stop the spinning with the smaller pads though :think:

**Tyrus3** · 09-13-2010, 03:32 PM

Congrats! Is this the one you bought? I`ve been looking into buying one as well ans saw it on Amazon.com. The extended cord one is only $10 more. Maybe I`m confusing this with something else though. I`m still researching machine polishers/polishing.

Amazon.com: Griot`s Garage (GRI10765STDCRD) 6" Random Orbital Polisher: Power & Hand Tools

$105.98 shipped (edit, tax not included, might be added later on)

**jaymz** · 09-14-2010, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by Tyrus3

Congrats! Is this the one you bought? I`ve been looking into buying one as well ans saw it on Amazon.com. The extended cord one is only $10 more. Maybe I`m confusing this with something else though. I`m still researching machine polishers/polishing.

Amazon.com: Griot`s Garage (GRI10765STDCRD) 6" Random Orbital Polisher: Power & Hand Tools

$105.98 shipped (edit, tax not included, might be added later on)

That`s the one...and a damn good price. This specific item/price does not come up when just searching under "griot`s 6" buffer."

Jim

**lee@glosshaus** · 09-19-2010, 08:10 PM

That is a crazy good price for that buffer...

Even though I`m a PC guy, I might grab one just to test it out and have a second platform...

**Toymachine2009** · 09-27-2010, 10:10 PM

I am also I interested in this DA let us know how you like it.. I dont wanna spend that kind of money the. Regret not getting the flex because this one can`t do what that one can do.. If someone can confirm this will do just fine I`ll prob bite the bullet and buy it.

**Legacy** · 09-27-2010, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by toymachine2009

I am also I interested in this DA let us know how you like it.. I dont wanna spend that kind of money the. Regret not getting the flex because this one can`t do what that one can do.. If someone can confirm this will do just fine I`ll prob bite the bullet and buy it.

If you mean that the Griot can`t do what the Flex DA can do your wrong.

**Toymachine2009** · 09-27-2010, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Legacy99

If you mean that the Griot can`t do what the Flex DA can do your wrong.

Well that`s why I asked the question... If it can do what the flex can or not.. If it can I`ll order one.. If the flex is way out of it`s league I`ll just save $$ and wait on the flex..

**Legacy** · 09-28-2010, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by toymachine2009

Well that`s why I asked the question... If it can do what the flex can or not.. If it can I`ll order one.. If the flex is way out of it`s league I`ll just save $$ and wait on the flex..

A few months back before the new PCXP, Griot RO and Megs DA the Flex was King. Now with the more powerful DA`s and new compounds/polish ( Wolfgang Twins, Meg`s 105/205 and Optimum Spray Compound/polish) the Flex is no longer King. It may be a tad faster in correction being that it is forced rotation, but does that justify the price. I know there are a lot of satisfied Flex owners out there, but for someone just doing an occasional polish (2 times a year) any of the above mentioned DA would work fine. If on the other hand you want power and cost is not an issue, get the Flex.

**Toymachine2009** · 09-28-2010, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by Legacy99

A few months back before the new PCXP, Griot RO and Megs DA the Flex was King. Now with the more powerful DA`s and new compounds/polish ( Wolfgang Twins, Meg`s 105/205 and Optimum Spray Compound/polish) the Flex is no longer King. It may be a tad faster in correction being that it is forced rotation, but does that justify the price. I know there are a lot of satisfied Flex owners out there, but for someone just doing an occasional polish (2 times a year) any of the above mentioned DA would work fine. If on the other hand you want power and cost is not an issue, get the Flex.

Cool thanks for that.. One more question.. For griots should I order it in a package that comes with griots polishes and pads and waxes.. Or should I just get there polisher and get polishes from mezerna or meguiars.

I am just looking for best combination of pads and polishes like you said. And I don`t want to get there packages if there polishes are not as good as other brands.

**lee@glosshaus** · 09-28-2010, 07:56 AM

I have a Flex and a PC, and I use both constantly with my GlossHaus system. The Flex has more raw correcting power but has a bit more learning curve and risk. It is also a more demanding machine to use - it wants you to pay attention and hold it with two hands. The PC/Griot`s, etc. are extremely easy to use and have the added benefit of being able to use a range of smaller backing plates for different size pads, something the Flex is pretty limited with.

I`d start with the Griot`s and get a Flex later if you stick with it. I wouldn`t want to give away either, but since I`m not a detailer for a living, I`d choose the Griot`s/7424XP if I had to choose one.