Which one would you choose and why

**bigmikela** · 07-09-2009, 06:00 PM

FLEX L3403 VRG Lightweight Circular Polisher
or
Makita 9227?

**Old Pirate** · 07-09-2009, 06:10 PM

I`m thinking...............:banghead:

**Harleyguy** · 07-09-2009, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by zoomzoom mazda5

I`m thinking...............:banghead:

i think he should buy both from you :hurray:

**Old Pirate** · 07-09-2009, 07:39 PM

I`ll take the Makita.

TOGWT · 07-10-2009, 06:56 AM

Orbital Buffer or Rotary Polisher

There is a place for both a random orbital buffer and a high speed polisher in a detailer?s toolkit, once you are proficient with an orbital all that is required to ?step-up` to the polisher is practice, practice and then more practice, which should be done on a scrap vehicle panel as opposed to your own or someone else?s vehicle

Sometimes a dual-action polisher just isn?t enough for really tough scratches and swirls. You need the cutting power of a rotary polisher to penetrate the clear coat and smooth over rough edges to restore your paint to its original flawless finish.

On a scale 1/10

Porter-Cable - 7424XP
Safety - 9
Correcting time - 10
Correcting ability - 5
Learning curve -2

Flex - L3403 VRG
Safety - 8
Correcting time - 9
Correcting ability - 7
Learning curve - 5

Rotary - Metabo PE-125
Safety - 3
Correcting time - 5
Correcting ability - 9
Learning curve - 8

Like all tools there is a learning curve with it, so first gain experience on a paint surface that doesn?t matter i.e. a scrap panel, practice until you feel confident enough in its use and capabilities to use it on your own vehicle.

An extract from one of a series of in-depth, unbiased detailing articles ? TOGWT ? Ltd Copyright 2002-2009, all rights reserved.

**FJF** · 07-10-2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by bigmikela

FLEX L3403 VRG Lightweight Circular Polisher
or
Makita 9227?

I was faced with a similar choice a few weeks ago, and also included a Flex LK603 as an option. I decided on the Makita, because it seems to be the industry standard. FWIW, I`m very happy with the machine. Though there`s definitely a learning curve, the Makita is much easier to work with than the Chicago rotary I picked up at HF.

**Todd@RUPES** · 07-10-2009, 08:22 AM

I own and use both regualary, they are my most frequently used rotaries.

If I could have only one it would be the Makati, hands down, but these are two totally difference machines. I use the miniFlex when I want to change it up or to manuver in tight areas, but the Makita is my workhorse.

The main reason would be that I find it more comfortable. The engine seems `less strained` when it is working, where as the Flex is loud and high pitched. This isn`t to say the miniFlex is weak, it is harder to bog down then the Makita (although if you are bogging either machine nocieably your probably using too much pressure!). The miniFlex will get hot after a while, and given the little handle, you may find yourself burning your finger tips frequently.

Some times I will just use the miniFlex and I really enjoy it. After a while I grab the Makita from the bag, plug it in, and fire it up... Everytime I wonder why I put it away to begin with.

**gmblack3** · 07-10-2009, 08:42 AM

Like Todd said the mini-flex can get hot. While the Makita will roll on without a hitch for what seems like hours.

If you must just choose one and are just doing a car or two a week, then the mini-flex should work fine for you. If you are in a shop enviroment and polishing everyday, I would get the Makita.

**bigmikela** · 07-10-2009, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by FJF

I was faced with a similar choice a few weeks ago, and also included a Flex LK603 as an option. I decided on the Makita, because it seems to be the industry standard. FWIW, I`m very happy with the machine. Though there`s definitely a learning curve, the Makita is much easier to work with than the Chicago rotary I picked up at HF.

FJF,

Your prior post about the Chicago rotary compared to your Makita and the awesome deal PAC is having now is why I am pounding my head :drool5: right now. I also picked up one of the Chicago rotaries (20 bucks) to get my feet wet and have not really been to happy with it. I probably looked at all the same videos you were looking at and was think damn how do they make it look so easy. I know it`s the tools (and experience). You get what you pay for right? Well at least most of the times.

Thanks all for helping me out on this one. You guys are great. :clap:

**imported_Slik560** · 07-10-2009, 10:34 AM

From what I see there are two versions of the 9227 - a 9227C and a 9227CY. The last one appears to have a complete variable speed control, while the C model has the pre-set speed dial by RPM. For consistency, would the 9227C be the best one to own? A complete variable speed would offer a lot of control, but it would not be as precise as the pre-set speed control.

[this was from Makita`s web site]

**D!Tailed** · 07-10-2009, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Slik560

From what I see there are two versions of the 9227 - a 9227C and a 9227CY. The last one appears to have a complete variable speed control, while the C model has the pre-set speed dial by RPM. For consistency, would the 9227C be the best one to own? A complete variable speed would offer a lot of control, but it would not be as precise as the pre-set speed control.

[this was from Makita`s web site]

I think that the different letter designations had more to do with the accessories that come with the rotary if I`m remembering correctly from when I got mine.

For what it`s worth, I got the Harbour Freight one as well. It was cool and I got pretty comfortable with it, but the first time I fired up the Makita, it was like night and day! It was SO much smoother and SO much easier to control. I really like my Makita.

D!

**Todd@RUPES** · 07-13-2009, 03:47 AM

Any choice made?

**bigmikela** · 07-13-2009, 02:36 PM

No not yet. I am leaning towards the Makita but the Flex keeps calling my name. I already own the Flex 3401 and I love that machine. I do have a cheap HF rotary and I was using it last night for about 30 mins and boy that thing got real hot. Does anyone know if the Mikata gets really hot after 30 mins of use?

Mike

**Old Pirate** · 07-13-2009, 07:42 PM

Not really Mike, but like most machines they do get hot after a long time usage.

**bigmikela** · 07-16-2009, 12:08 AM

AaaaGGGHHHH!!! :cursing: I can`t decide. Now PAC sells the Hitachi as well. I have been trying to read all the reviews I could on the Makita 9227,Flex 3403 VRG and the Flex LK603VVB. I like that fact that the 3403 is so light weight. I like the Makita because it has a very good rep and it`s lighter than the Dewalt 849 (also a great machine). The Flex LK603VVB from what I read is like the love child of the Makita & Dewalt. Now I have to read up on the Hitachi. :banghead:

Guys I need your help BAD, because the "DogDays" of summer deal is coming to an end real soon.

Once again thanks for the help on this.

Mike