Which DA? Flex 3401 or Megs G110V2

**NemesisM5** · 11-28-2010, 10:58 PM

Hi everyone,

Want to get a DA polisher, but the more I read, the more I am lost. I am a complete novice, never have I used a mechanical polisher. Ever.

Here in Europe, the price difference between a Flex3401 and a Megs G110V2 is ALOT smaller than in the US (here the Flex3401 costs only 30% more than the Megs). A PorterCable is out of the question since I cannot purchase one in Europe at all...

I have heard that in terms of newb safety, the G110V2 wins, as the Flex is direct drive and doesnt "shut down" under too much pressure.

I intend to buy a machine for myself, and to work on friends/family cars. A project I want to do is a entire BMW 7series black metallic with mega swirls and water etching...

**Thomas Dekany** · 11-28-2010, 11:04 PM

For me - there is no competition between the two. The flex is a much more powerful polisher. Easy choice. Either way, both DAs are going to make a huge difference.

**NemesisM5** · 11-28-2010, 11:07 PM

Thanks for the reply tdekany

Problem with choice is that I heard from one or two people, that because of the lack of clutch on the Flex, its easier for a newb to apply too much pressure and damage the paint? Since I know nothing about DA polishers, I could not comment on that...

**BigAl3** · 11-28-2010, 11:17 PM

note with the G110v2 (PC, GG6), you can swap out backing plates enabling you to use different size pads and carpet attachment as well (the Flex backing plate is fixed). if you could get the Griots 6" random orbital (video links below) out there, i would opt for that instead of the G110v2...

Griot`s Garage 6" random orbital polisher

YouTube - How to polish a car

**Thomas Dekany** · 11-29-2010, 01:34 AM

You can not damage the paint by "applying" pressure - I mean would you put your whole weight on it? Using common sense, you will quicly learn ho to polish.

**Alexshimshimhae** · 11-29-2010, 10:10 AM

the way i see it, for the average man, 15lbs is even pushing it for most cars--especially as you get halfway through the car...the purpose of the dual action is that it significantly reduces the chances of you burning paint...My vote is for the flex and the griots for tight spots.

love my flex

**JaredPointer** · 11-29-2010, 10:27 AM

I would choose the Flex.

**NemesisM5** · 11-29-2010, 11:30 AM

Wow, Flex it is then

Can I use Megs Soft Buff 2.0 pads with the Flex? Will the Megs Professional DA Backing Plate (W68DA) fit on the Flex?

**Accumulator** · 11-29-2010, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by NemesisM5

Can I use Megs Soft Buff 2.0 pads with the Flex?

Yes, you can use any pads of 6" or larger (though most would say that 6.5" is the practical minimum size).

Will the Megs Professional DA Backing Plate (W68DA) fit on the Flex?

No, the Flex takes a special backing plate (and you oughta have a spare as they do sometimes fail).

Oh..almost forgot, I think somebody sells a whittled-down Flex backing plate for use with ~5" pads. I thought about doing that for 4" ones but decided it`d compromise the stuctural integrity of the plate too much.

**Danilo** · 11-29-2010, 03:10 PM

With the internet at your finger tips you can`t get a portercable in europe? I bet you could...

**NemesisM5** · 11-29-2010, 08:39 PM

Thank you Accumulator for the reply

Originally Posted by Danilo

With the internet at your finger tips you can`t get a portercable in europe? I bet you could...

I could, but:

-shipping costs (about $60)

-customs fee (22% VAT and 6% import tax)

-no warranty

-the PC runs on 110V which means I would need to run it through a converter to 220V

Same thing goes for the Griot`s Garage DA

**Kevin Brown** · 11-29-2010, 10:19 PM

How about getting your hands on the Festool Rotex RO150 FEQ?

You can run it as a random orbital or as a forced rotation orbital. Perhaps the pricing is similar? It`s a lot more $$$ here. Between the Flex and the Festool... I much prefer the feel of the Festool.

**TLMitchell** · 11-29-2010, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by BigAl3

note with the G110v2 (PC, GG6), you can swap out backing plates enabling you to use different size pads and carpet attachment as well (the Flex backing plate is fixed). if you could get the Griots 6" random orbital (video links below) out there, i would opt for that instead of the G110v2...

The Flex` nonchangeable backing plate was a dealbreaker for me. Used it a few times and sold it for about what I paid for it. Yeah, it was a quality machine and worked well but I prefer as much versatility as I can get with my tools. I`m always swapping BPs between the Flex rotary, PC and GG6 and prefer 5.5" pads for correction on the DAs. If I`m going to use 6.5 or larger pads I break out the rotary. If the 3401 had changeable backing plates it`d probably make everything else moot and corner the market.

TL

**Accumulator** · 11-30-2010, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by TLMitchell

If the 3401 had changeable backing plates it`d probably make everything else moot and corner the market.

TL

Except for the issue of ultimate gloss

Regulars here know that I really like the Flex 3401, but I do reach for a different machine once the real correction is done.

I keep finding OK ways to work around the Flex`s fixed backing plate size, but yeah...it`s a PIA at best. Some ideas that`ve worked for me: using the outer edge of a big pad, taking off the plastic handle (watch out, that housing gets *HOT* very quickly), and even sticking a 4" pad on the big backing plate for a spot-repair (don`t try this at home, kids).

**NemesisM5** · 11-30-2010, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by Kevin Brown

How about getting your hands on the Festool Rotex RO150 FEQ?

You can run it as a random orbital or as a forced rotation orbital. Perhaps the pricing is similar? It`s a lot more $$$ here. Between the Flex and the Festool... I much prefer the feel of the Festool.

The Festool RO150 is exactly double the price of the Megs G110V2 here.

Kevin Brown, what makes it better than a Flex? (the Flex is only a bit cheaper)