CCS pad selection for new flex!

[2quikta]

1st, should I be looking at the 5.5 or 6.5? I`ll only be using the stock backing plate.

I`m looking at getting the "Pick 6" package, but instead of just getting one of each is there a better mix of pads that people tend to use more often?

[Angus]

If by Flex, you mean the Flex 3401 then you`ll need to go with 6.5 CCS pads. Reason being is there isn`t enough of a safety margin with the stock backing plate and 5.5 CCS pads. If you want to use 5.5 CCS pads, you`ll need the 4 3/8 Flex bp.

Have you considered the Lake Country interchangeable bp system and 5" hybrid pads? That`s by far the most popular combo.

Regarding the pads, if you do get the CSS pads go with orange, white, and black to start. And you`ll need a least 3 pads per color. This way you can rotate clean-dirty-drying - ie use 1 clean one, while soaking the 2 in pad cleaner, as the 3 one dries. More of each color is always better but 3 is a minimum. Consider picking up a foam pad conditioning brush and pad cleaner too. Both will make your life a whole lot easier

I recently picked up a Flex 3401, had an existing assortment of 5.5 and 6.5 CSS pads, and have really noticed a difference in the end results! Its a really great machine!

[2quikta]

Sorry! Yes, a 3401

[Angus]

No worries! Feel free the ask any follow up questions!

[roger3380]

5.5 CCS pads work great on the flex 3401. I just replaced my old polisher with a flex i wish i got one sooner.

[Migue]

5.5 CCS pads work great on the flex 3401. I just replaced my old polisher with a flex i wish i got one sooner.

Sorry for the thread bump. You`re saying you use the 5.5" Pads on the standard BP that comes with the Flex which is the 5.5" i assume? aside from the minimized margin of error, is there an issue with doing this?

[Ronkh]

Sorry for the thread bump. You`re saying you use the 5.5" Pads on the standard BP that comes with the Flex which is the 5.5" i assume? aside from the minimized margin of error, is there an issue with doing this?

Safety margin is the biggie as Angus said.

I have both, but only feel comfortable on flat panels w 5.5

[Migue]

Safety margin is the biggie as Angus said.

I have both, but only feel comfortable on flat panels w 5.5

so the 5.5" Stock plate from the flex 3401 and a 5.5" Pad work out for you pretty well Ronkh? i got plenty of 5.5" Pads, and seriously about to bite bullet on a brand new Flex(been doing corrections with a PC this whole time and need to finally step it up) , but i wanted to make sure i can purchase the flex, and use my 5.5" pads without having to buy another plate or new larger pads.

[Ronkh]

so the 5.5" Stock plate from the flex 3401 and a 5.5" Pad work out for you pretty well Ronkh? i got plenty of 5.5" Pads, and seriously about to bite bullet on a brand new Flex(been doing corrections with a PC this whole time and need to finally step it up) , but i wanted to make sure i can purchase the flex, and use my 5.5" pads without having to buy another plate or new larger pads.

You can. just BE SUPER CAREFUL. I bought a bunch of 5.5 pads by mistake, so I know it works. But little margin of safety

[Angus]

so the 5.5" Stock plate from the flex 3401 and a 5.5" Pad work out for you pretty well Ronkh? i got plenty of 5.5" Pads, and seriously about to bite bullet on a brand new Flex(been doing corrections with a PC this whole time and need to finally step it up) , but i wanted to make sure i can purchase the flex, and use my 5.5" pads without having to buy another plate or new larger pads.

For $37, make your life easier by getting the mini 4/38 backing plate:

FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate

If i was home right now I`d take a photo of and show you the difference between the stock and mini Flex BP on a 5.5" pad. It`s just not worth messing up your paint with too large of a BP for your pad selection.

[Migue]

You can. just BE SUPER CAREFUL. I bought a bunch of 5.5 pads by mistake, so I know it works. But little margin of safety

Thank you sir! even with a PC, i`ve always been extra attentive keeping an eye on the edge of the BP to ensure it doesn`t bump against anything. I`m still going to order the 4 3/8" BP , but at least i know that IF that BP doesn`t get here on time, i can still use what i have with EXTRA care.

Also, is it a big pain in the butt to exchange BPs in the middle of a job? or is it similar to the PC method of unscrewing the BP and replace/tighten down quickly?

[RaysWay]

Sorry for the thread bump. You`re saying you use the 5.5" Pads on the standard BP that comes with the Flex which is the 5.5" i assume? aside from the minimized margin of error, is there an issue with doing this?

Technically no, there`s no issue at all with putting a 5.5 inch CCS pad on the stock backing plate. But it is scary...

Here`s a 5.5 inch CCS pad.



On the stock FLEX XC3401 backing plate.



There is a small area around the backing plate that is exposed. Imagine losing focus for a second and tilting the polisher at an angle....allowing the backing plate to touch the paint.





Personally I prefer the Lake Country Hybrid Pads in the 6.5 inch size with the stock backing plate.

[Migue]

For $37, make your life easier by getting the mini 4/38 backing plate:

FLEX XC3401 Mini 4 3/8 Backing Plate

If i was home right now I`d take a photo of and show you the difference between the stock and mini Flex BP on a 5.5" pad. It`s just not worth messing up your paint with too large of a BP for your pad selection.

yup! that`s the one i`m getting ready to order. Thank you.

[Angus]

Also, is it a big pain in the butt to exchange BPs in the middle of a job? or is it similar to the PC method of unscrewing the BP and replace/tighten down quickly?

Nah, it`s the same. Swapping between bp`s is easy peazy.

[Migue]

Technically no, there`s no issue at all with putting a 5.5 inch CCS pad on the stock backing plate. But it is scary...


Personally I prefer the Lake Country Hybrid Pads in the 6.5 inch size with the stock backing plate.

Thank you for the pictures, that IS scary ! Just placed my Order, heck i might`ve spoken to you when i called just a few minutes ago about shipment/delivery speed. I will eventually get 6.5" Pads but for now i will use the pads i have with the small BP. I have an AIO detail coming up next week and i`d hate to use the PC on that, Infinity Q56...big old monster with lots of real estate to polish. I know the 6.5" Pads would be ideal for certain areas on this, but i`ll stick with 5.5" for now since i already have enough for the job.

I cannot wait to try that Flex out, i`m finally over the PC and it`ll be retired to a permanent 3" BP/Pad for small spots and back up only.