Flex vs. BOSS vs Rupes: Im not seeing something here..

[The Driver]

picking a machine is like buying a car, its what suites you that differs from others.

I own (in DA`s only) Flex 3401, Rupes 21 & Duetto, Meguiar`s MT300, Griot`s GG6, Meguiar`s G110v2 and a PortaCable 7424xp and use them all regularly.
Each machine has it`s place!
I tend to agree about the workout with the Flex3401, but try some lower profile pads with it and it becomes much more controllable

I forgot to include that in the little talk, sorry it was just off the top of my head real quick. I think what really gets me is the reverse motion, the counter clock wise isn`t bad for beginners but being a righty and having used so many DA`s it literally throws you off.

[The Driver]

How does one thats not a pro go about learning to use a rotary?

I hope this helps, PDF DL ~ http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ypolishing.pdf

A guide to rotary polishing including the Zenith Point Rotary Technique

Machine Polishing by Rotary Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World

[Detailology Oz]

The zenith is just one of dozens of rotary techniques.

[Detailology Oz]

The FLEX 3401 is a forced rotation random orbital polisher. It`s not only just forced rotation. Which other forced rotation + random orbit machines do you have?

To my knowledge it`s not like the rotex, it`s gear driven forced rotation only, no random orbital mode like a rupes which is not geared

A random is just that, non gear free spin unit. Anything gear driven is forced and rotex has both but not good as it vibrates too much and lacks orbit throw size

[jrock645]

The zenith is just one of dozens of rotary techniques.

Care to mention some others you like, so I can do some reading?

[RaysWay]

The FLEX 3401 is a forced rotation random orbital polisher. It`s not only just forced rotation. Which other forced rotation + random orbit machines do you have?

To my knowledge it`s not like the rotex, it`s gear driven forced rotation only, no random orbital mode like a rupes which is not geared

A random is just that, non gear free spin unit. Anything gear driven is forced and rotex has both but not good as it vibrates too much and lacks orbit throw size

You`re right! I`m sorry I used the wrong term. I meant the Flex 3401 is a forced rotation dual action polisher. I should have said dual action instead of random orbital. Because the Flex 3401 is gear driven, the orbital pattern and rotation are locked together so it`s not a random orbital. I misunderstood and just didn`t want anyone to think it`s not a dual action polisher. I`m giving myself a yellow card.

[Detailology Oz]

No dramas vega. Well ultra low speed rotary is one. 200 to 500 and finishing at 350
fast

[Bunky]

I finally ordered some Rupes brand pads for my Rupes 15. My goal is to sell the Flex at some point since I just want one machine that does it all - wax and correct reasonably well.

[RaskyR1]

I`m trying to understand the more expensive tools that detailers use. Ignoring rotary polishers for the purposes of this thread, many detailers seem to gravitate to the Flex 3401, BOSS 15 or 21, or a Rupes 15 or 21. I understand that the BOSS and Rupes are long throw DA machines, and I also understand the Flex 3401 is a forced rotation machine that keeps spinning the pad when the others would stall out. I understand the concepts surrounding DA machines vs forced rotation machines as well.

But given the prices of those units are in the same ballpark, why would anyone prefer a BOSS or Rupes over a Flex? Given the forced rotation of the Flex, wouldn`t it be the superior tool over the other options around its price point? Maybe I`m missing something here, but I don`t understand the value of each of these tools compared each other given the correction power of a Flex. Does anyone have an explanation as to the arguments for or against these tools? Thanks.

I prefer the smoothness, low vibration, speed of correction, and finishing ability of the Rupes/BOSS tools over the Flex. I do feel the Flex is a very well built and capable tool, but after 18 months of ownership it just started sitting on the bench so I sold it, and this was even before the Bigfoot was released. No denying the Flex handles curved panels better and on same cars may be the only tool you`ll need, but I simply feel the Rupes/BOSS large throw tools are superior once you learn how to use them.

Flex is fixed rotation where the Rupes/BOSS tools are free spinning and capable of creating much more rotation. On a flat panel with all variables being the same, I believe the Rupes/BOSS tools will almost always cut/finish better.

At the end of the day it simply comes down to preference.

Just my $.02

[SwedishRider]

RaskyR1, what are your thoughts on the Rupes/BOSS 15 vs 21 debate (using a 5" backing plate either way)? Any advice from experience?

[RaskyR1]

RaskyR1, what are your thoughts on the Rupes/BOSS 15 vs 21 debate (using a 5" backing plate either way)? Any advice from experience?

I prefer my BOSS tools over the Rupes but you really can`t go wrong with either. The 21`s are the workhorses and equipped with the 5" plate they will be the most aggressive combo. I use both 5" and 6" plates on my machines, which I go with depends on the size of the vehicle and panel shape. If you`re detailing for money the 21 is the tool to get but I feel the G15 is a better all around tool for someone just wanting to polish their own cars. It`s very smooth and the shorter offset is better at getting into tighter areas, while still being a major step up from traditional 8mm offset DA`s. I do almost all of my cutting with my G21 but I will often finish with my G15 just because it`s better at getting in tighter on certain body lines and things like protruding door handles.

[LeMarque]

The key with the 3401 is to use softer cutting pads like the pink pads from lake country. As far as which is better? On jet black paint the Rupes type polishers are superior the way they finish. And here is another trick for the Rupes users - if the machine slows or stops in those common areas, move the polisher fast like the old school rotary guys. It keeps spinning and actually cuts maybe even better.

Is this the pad you`re referring to? Couldn`t find it in the Autopia Store

Lake Country Low Profile 6.5" x 7/8" Pink Foam Light Cutting Pad

[Thomas Dekany]

Is this the pad you`re referring to? Couldn`t find it in the Autopia Store

Lake Country Low Profile 6.5" x 7/8" Pink Foam Light Cutting Pad

Yes! Not sure why they call it light cut but that is the one.

[Detailology Oz]

I`m not a flex, boss or rupes user (rupes too dear in my country) but the flex when I tested it once was very nice but I`d never finish with it
Im a pad and machine polisher nut so I have alot of them, they all have their place and they destroy defects.

Every size and thickness of backing plate, every pad material type currently available in every size from 25 millimeters and up

I started with rotary so I`m used to it and forced but random is great also

[derekdunlop62]

I totally agree that the Flex vrg can wear you out, but if you limit yourself to having one machine this would be my choice as it can correct to a level much better than a bigfoot. On paint that requires alot of correcting i start with my Rotary Flex first to do the bulk of the work and would finish off with the flex vrg or the bigfoot. To be honest i much prefer using a rotary machine as much as possible depending on the colour as you get a much sharper finish, but on the darker colours an orbital or dual action is neccessary to avoid leaving swirling.


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