Sound comparison (video) - Flex 3403 vs. Makita 7227

**Driven Auto Detail** · 03-27-2008, 02:31 PM

Ok, this comparison for a recent thread here that questioned the sound level of the Flex 3403. You be the judge of which is louder. In person, I think that the Flex is louder. I`ve even thought about wearing small ear plugs while using it.

Video comparison:

YouTube - Flex vs. Makita

Pic comparison:

**SuperBee364** · 03-27-2008, 02:56 PM

They sound fairly comparable. The Flex has more of a gear box noise to it, though. Seeing it side by side with the Makita makes the Flex look miniscule! Great video, thanks!

**gmblack3** · 03-27-2008, 04:16 PM

My 3403 is louder then both my hitachi and metabo. The only time the noise irritates me is when I am polishing a roof and its close to my ears.

**maesal** · 03-27-2008, 04:44 PM

Great video, thank you very much

I have the Flex 3401 and the Metabo PE12-175 and I "prefer the noise" of the Metabo.

**SuperBee364** · 04-02-2008, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by mshu7

Ok, this comparison for a recent thread here that questioned the sound level of the Flex 3403. You be the judge of which is louder. In person, I think that the Flex is louder. I`ve even thought about wearing small ear plugs while using it.

Originally Posted by gmblack3a

My 3403 is louder then both my hitachi and metabo. The only time the noise irritates me is when I am polishing a roof and its close to my ears.

I see what you guys mean. I just received my 3403 today. It is quite a bit louder than what I had expected. It seems MUCH louder than the Makita 9227. It kinda sounds like the majority of the noise is coming from the gearbox. Not alot of actual "motor" sound.

It`s still much quieter than my old piece of junk, though. Can`t wait to use it tomorrow! I`m hoping I don`t miss the vertical bail handle on my old one, though. I have tendonitis and the vertical bail handle was nice.

Do you guys use the screw in side handle or just the palm handle?

**Driven Auto Detail** · 04-02-2008, 08:42 PM

So far, I`ve not used the side handle. I might put it on just to see how I like it though.

**SuperBee364** · 04-03-2008, 01:08 PM

I was concerned about the minimum speed setting being just over 1k rpm. The RPMs do drop off pretty fast with any weight on the pad at all, though. You can definitely tell that it has a smaller motor in it. A little pressure = much greater drop in rpms compared to the other buffers I`ve used. Not complaining at all.. just a difference. The feathering trigger also makes it nice for speeds at less than 1k when you want mimimum pad pressure.

I`m using 1Z Hochglanz today since my ultrafina hasn`t arrived yet, and it really likes the slower rpms. So far, no problem using it with the 3403. It really is quite a nice polish.