Help selecting my next polisher?

[dschribs]

I currently have a Griots Garage 6" random orbital (2nd Gen). I do like it and I have no plans to get rid of it...however, as we all do on here, I was thinking of trying something different.

So, with that in mind...I`m wondering if there is a buffer out there that meets all the items on my "wish list"?

- Needs to be a DA type machine - not a rotrary.
- More effective/powerful than the Griots so it can get the job done in less time. The Griots is awesome for final polishing but it does take its time on heavy defect removal.
- Accepts a 5" backing plate. I don`t have any plans to purchase an entirely new arsenal of pads so the machine needs to be compatible w 5.5 inch LC buffing pads.
- Ideally I would like it to be a little quieter than the Griots polisher.
- Less vibration than the Griots polisher
- I sort of like the idea of a variable speed trigger as well

Do you guys have any suggestions??

Thanks!
Dan

[Angus]

Given your wish list, I would suggest picking up a Flex 3401:

- Needs to be a DA type machine - not a rotary.

Check.

- More effective/powerful than the Griots so it can get the job done in less time. The Griots is awesome for final polishing but it does take its time on heavy defect removal.

Check. Forced rotation helps cut down on the time it take for serious defect removal. There`s a reason Mike Philips calls this machine "the Beast"

- Accepts a 5" backing plate. I don`t have any plans to purchase an entirely new arsenal of pads so the machine needs to be compatible w 5.5 inch LC buffing pads.

Check. Flex makes a 4 3/8 BP for 5.5 pads

- Ideally I would like it to be a little quieter than the Griots polisher.

Check. I still wear ear protection tho.

- Less vibration than the Griots polisher

Check.

- I sort of like the idea of a variable speed trigger as well

Check.

Now here`s the best part, Autopia has a 3401 open box deal on their ebay store:*Open Box* PINK Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher | eBay

As long as you don`t mind pink!

Hope that helps. I also started with a GG 6 (Gen 2) like you and wanted to step up to a better machine w/o having to purchase a whole new set of pads. The 3401 perfectly fits my needs. I still have my GG6 and use it from time to time.

[BudgetPlan1]

In the same boat; GG6 served me well but looking for something a bit quicker w/ a little more `finesse` to it, less vibration and a bit easier on the `ol body. Initially thought the Rupes Duetto might fit the bill but am now leaning towards Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot. Also considering the Griots Boss 15 as in the end it`d be a lower cost option. Downside to Rupes is the fact that they are *never* discounted but since it`s `off-season` here in NE Ohio, I can spend some time waiting for Black Friday/Holiday sales of Autogeek gift certificates which I can then use to purchase the Rupes. I like the progressive/variable trigger on the BOSS 15 but am drawn to the Rupes for some intangible reason. It just seems to be a more `artistic` tool. BOSS does have the fantastic GG warranty behind it though. The BOSS 15 would certainly be a more practical choice (and more economical) but still the Rupes calls to me...

Here`s a thread on Autogeek w/ some commentary, opinions from other folks: Pondering the Rupes LHR 12E Duetto...

[felixthecat]

In the same boat; GG6 served me well but looking for something a bit quicker w/ a little more `finesse` to it, less vibration and a bit easier on the `ol body. Initially thought the Rupes Duetto might fit the bill but am now leaning towards Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot. Also considering the Griots Boss 15 as in the end it`d be a lower cost option. Downside to Rupes is the fact that they are *never* discounted but since it`s `off-season` here in NE Ohio, I can spend some time waiting for Black Friday/Holiday sales of Autogeek gift certificates which I can then use to purchase the Rupes. I like the progressive/variable trigger on the BOSS 15 but am drawn to the Rupes for some intangible reason. It just seems to be a more `artistic` tool. BOSS does have the fantastic GG warranty behind it though. The BOSS 15 would certainly be a more practical choice (and more economical) but still the Rupes calls to me...

Here`s a thread on Autogeek w/ some commentary, opinions from other folks: Pondering the Rupes LHR 12E Duetto...

You got my head swimming now after reading that.......

[BudgetPlan1]

You got my head swimming now after reading that.......

Yeah...when dropping that kinda money, wanna make best decision but I second guessed myself all the way up (and following) clicking the BUY button.

No regrets though...Rupes is amazing. And so is Flex 3401 I bought 2 weeks later. As is the Rupes Mini I bought after that. Expensive Holiday season but compounding/polishing is so much more effective and pleasurable with different machines for different tasks.

Doing a Ford Ranger work truck right now for giggles...totally neglected and beat paint. Flex 3401 w LC Force gray cutting pad with M101 for initial defects, Flex 3401 w LC Force white with M205 to refine, Rupes LHR15 Mk 2 w Rupes white pad and Rupes Diamond Ultra Fine polish to squeeze maybe a last bit of gloss before coating with Gyeon Mohs. Rupes Mini for tight spots. Way overkill for truck that`s just gonna be beat on but it`s more about the fun of doing it for me.

FedEx just delivered my Kamikaze Beast backing plate for LHR15 so gonna give that a shot.





Flex good for knocking out the tough stuff quick and getting things done fast but it takes its toll on you after a few hours. Rupes is just a joy to use but does take some learning to truly master like you see the pros do in videos; it`s like an art form and I`m probably about 15% there technique-wise but still way more effective than GG6.

[Joel79]

Yeah...when dropping that kinda money, wanna make best decision but I second guessed myself all the way up (and following) clicking the BUY button.

No regrets though...Rupes is amazing. And so is Flex 3401 I bought 2 weeks later. As is the Rupes Mini I bought after that. Expensive Holiday season but compounding/polishing is so much more effective and pleasurable with different machines for different tasks.

Doing a Ford Ranger work truck right now for giggles...totally neglected and beat paint. Flex 3401 w LC Force gray cutting pad with M101 for initial defects, Flex 3401 w LC Force white with M205 to refine, Rupes LHR15 Mk 2 w Rupes white pad and Rupes Diamond Ultra Fine polish to squeeze maybe a last bit of gloss before coating with Gyeon Mohs. Rupes Mini for tight spots. Way overkill for truck that`s just gonna be beat on but it`s more about the fun of doing it for me.

FedEx just delivered my Kamikaze Beast backing plate for LHR15 so gonna give that a shot.





Flex good for knocking out the tough stuff quick and getting things done fast but it takes its toll on you after a few hours. Rupes is just a joy to use but does take some learning to truly master like you see the pros do in videos; it`s like an art form and I`m probably about 15% there technique-wise but still way more effective than GG6.

Mate you bought the wrong Kamikaze :/ Katana is for 15 and Beast is for 21 and Duetto. Let us know how Kamikaze works.

[BudgetPlan1]

Mate you bought the wrong Kamikaze :/ Katana is for 15 and Beast is for 21 and Duetto. Let us know how Kamikaze works.

Plate is correct for LHR15 Mk 2...according to distributor anyway...





...and it`s magical!

[ShawnF350]

Maybe a local Autopian will let you try what your interested in.
I bought a mini, (open boxes R15 & R21) and a 3401.
3401 wasn`t for me.
21 and 15 I sold to upgrade to the MK2s. I wanted to see the difference on stalling.

Tempted to get a Duetto or maybe even the ibrid for Xmas.
But do I need a Duetto?
and ibrid I rather have a cord than deal with batteries. Wish they sold a wired unit to cut cost.

[BudgetPlan1]

Tempted to get a Duetto or maybe even the ibrid for Xmas.
But do I need a Duetto?
and ibrid I rather have a cord than deal with batteries. Wish they sold a wired unit to cut cost.

They have ac adapter, no?
RUPES iBrid AC/DC Power Adapter, replacement ibrid adapter, ibrid power adapter replacement

[Angus]

Maybe a local Autopian will let you try what your interested in.
I bought a mini, (open boxes R15 & R21) and a 3401.
3401 wasn`t for me.
21 and 15 I sold to upgrade to the MK2s. I wanted to see the difference on stalling.

Tempted to get a Duetto or maybe even the ibrid for Xmas.
But do I need a Duetto?
and ibrid I rather have a cord than deal with batteries. Wish they sold a wired unit to cut cost.

Great suggestion, Shawn.

They have ac adapter, no?
RUPES iBrid AC/DC Power Adapter, replacement ibrid adapter, ibrid power adapter replacement

I think what Shawn means is a hard wired unit would be cheaper (and lighter) than the current battery / plug-in ibrid adapter. Just like a cordless drill is almost always more expensive than the corded version of the same tool.

[dschribs]

Maybe a local Autopian will let you try what your interested in.
I bought a mini, (open boxes R15 & R21) and a 3401.
3401 wasn`t for me.
21 and 15 I sold to upgrade to the MK2s. I wanted to see the difference on stalling.

Tempted to get a Duetto or maybe even the ibrid for Xmas.
But do I need a Duetto?
and ibrid I rather have a cord than deal with batteries. Wish they sold a wired unit to cut cost.

Can you explain why the Flex 3401 wasn`t for you???

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

[jrock645]

Can you explain why the Flex 3401 wasn`t for you???

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

My guess is he`s like me and the Flex just beat him up too much. It vibrates and is just a beast of a machine. You`ll feel it the next day for sure.

[ShawnF350]

Can you explain why the Flex 3401 wasn`t for you???

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

sorry, just saw this. ..
I think the 3401 corrects well but at a price on my body.
Where the Rupes was very comfortable to operate, the 3401 killed my forearms. Great for correcting side panels, but I can do the same with my Rupes without aching.

[Accumulator]

While I do like my Flex3401 for serious correction, it`s not for everybody.

I`d probably recommend the Griot`s Boss15/Boss21.

[The Driver]

Well, if you`d like to try out the Rupes line up I`d more than happy to let you if you want to make the trip. I`m in Huntington, NY. If you take the Bridgeport ferry over its probably a 2-hour trip.