Here it is! BOSS - Best of Show System!

Back on topic a bit here... Is there any plans for a new 3" polisher to compete with the Rupes 75e? Seeing as we now have the big ones, I would think a new mini polisher would make sense
 
How is the smoothness & ergonomics compared to the rupes? Also how noticeable is the difference in smoothness from the 21 to the 15 variant?

Smoothness is right on par with the Rupes, I couldn't detect any difference. Unlike a lot of the other tools using cast aluminum counter weights, the BOSS counter weights are CNC machine steel and balanced. Ergonomics and comfort is night and day in my opinion and is where I see the biggest difference. The tools do have more power but I always thought the Rupes was more than powerful and thinking it's double the power simply because its 900w is way off base, but it be better on contours. Bob's opinion on the power is slightly different of mine, but that's his opinion and is one I hold in high regard. I've also always believe there are always some slight variation in power between units. I'm sure we've all heard stories of the random G100 monsters. I will say the difference in power between my Rupes 21 and the G21 test mule I have is not as obvious as my Rupes 15 and the G15. Not sure why but my Rupes 15 just seems to stall easier, which was observed in side by side testing on my flat test pans, both tools on at the same time and at the same speed with various pads.

 
I'll ask since you were an early reviewer and seem to understand the Rupes lineup..

One of the major bullet points of the Rupes are it's noise level and smoothness. How does the Griots compare?

Alright............................ now this is what works on a forum if honest information is disclosed. Both the 15 & 21 Boss machines have a different pitch to the motors collectively from the Rupes and even unto themselves ie: 15 & 21 Boss models.

The noise is more muted in the GG machines, it is slight but one can tell the difference and I will not say it is a better machine overall from the Rupes but I will say it is comparable with a few ergonomic advantages presently(As mentioned the next gen Rupes machines will have improvements rest assured) with the trigger being one with the ability to "feather" from a very low speed to full power(Much like my trusty DeWalt rotary) also the detent on the top of the machine when you set the tool down after buffing until the pad stops spinning the tool stays upright.

The only thing that has ever went down on my first Rupes was the cord and my second 21 model will need the cord replaced soon, Kevin replaced the cord with a more flexible stout cord and all was good. The GG Boss tool has a very nice supple and soft cord(Newer Rupes models I have seen do have a better cord) and I have a Mini 15 model which has the detent to prevent the tool from falling over(This tool is a real workhorse for me as I do so many cars with curves and tight spaces).

In the past I was part of GI, fully onboard until the issues of honesty (In my opinion) came to be a problem so I am wary of being tied to any product line so I speak honestly as much as possible as ALL people have likes and skewed opinions for one reason or another but my faith keeps me honest in this or I will pay a price believe me to the best of my ability(In other words keeping it real) and most even those that despise me know I tell it right.

Good product developments help all who do detailing for hire or as a enthusiast, some products are sold with loads of deception and hype, the new offering from Griots has solid performers in this system because if it did not I would say so and I told Jeff Brown @ Griots this when asked to test the new gear "Remember in the end I will say it's good or bad..................ok" he said fair enough give it to me straight and I did and have.

Some Griots products with the catalog etc......... are boutique priced no doubt, but guys don't even blink when coating prices were being raised within short periods sharply. Stuff has to make sense or no matter how it performs it does not pencil out but a serious detailing tech has to have the best gear along with the experience as I cannot get the results I do even with my experience if I had to go to the parts store and use what is on the shelf the finished product would suffer.

To those who have made up their mind before investigation................ keep on, to others who will try the stuff come to your own conclusion(s).
 
Here is a plan for you .......................... mind your on business


:kick:

I know what you meant even though it was typed wrong, keep the banter to why you feel the GG Boss stuff sucks(That you have never used) and zinging another member was not really called for now was it?
 
I know what you meant even though it was typed wrong, keep the banter to why you feel the GG Boss stuff sucks(That you have never used) and zinging another member was not really called for now was it?

I call it like I see it Robert. Too bad you feel you are able to do this but not anyone else


Oh, and by the way ............ exactly what assumptions have I made regarding this polisher that are not true?
 
I call it like I see it Robert. Too bad you feel you are able to do this but not anyone else


Oh, and by the way ............ exactly what assumptions have I made regarding this polisher that are not true?

I could escalate this, calling it as you see it but being soundly wrong is your right I will acknowledge that. I would love to see American manufacturing excellence return believe me but the Rupes machine is made offshore and I do chuckle at the bad quality knock offs of this type of machine and stated if I made the a machine it would look very different so nobody could say it's a copy cat. I asked you who was bought cheap and at least you owned it(Could have stated this in a PM though as well).

You said assumptions..................defined as opinions voiced without conclusive empirical evidence, the facts are the machine is made in China and looks just like the Rupes but their GG 6 inch is also made in China so the copy catting of the design is really what you are bent about or do you think the GG6 inch sucks as well?
 
*Griot's Garage Lifetime Guarantee - Griot's Garage will repair or replace any defective tool, without charge, due to faulty materials or workmanship for the working life of the tool, subject to exclusions.

*Two Year Comprehensive Warranty - With online warranty registration, Griot's Garage will facilitate replacement of worn parts caused by normal use, without charge, anytime during the two year from date of purchase.

Exclusions?!?
When did that start and what are they?

2 years?!?!?!?
What happened to lifetime warranty?
 
Back on topic a bit here... Is there any plans for a new 3" polisher to compete with the Rupes 75e? Seeing as we now have the big ones, I would think a new mini polisher would make sense

Yeah, I'd like to see a 3" polisher with some guts that's got a smaller form-factor than the Rupes Mini.
 
I could escalate this, calling it as you see it but being soundly wrong is your right I will acknowledge that. I would love to see American manufacturing excellence return believe me but the Rupes machine is made offshore and I do chuckle at the bad quality knock offs of this type of machine and stated if I made the a machine it would look very different so nobody could say it's a copy cat. I asked you who was bought cheap and at least you owned it(Could have stated this in a PM though as well).

You said assumptions..................defined as opinions voiced without conclusive empirical evidence, the facts are the machine is made in China and looks just like the Rupes but their GG 6 inch is also made in China so the copy catting of the design is really what you are bent about or do you think the GG6 inch sucks as well?

The GG6 is the most powerful, but that's not necessarily a good thing. That machine has permanently damaged my wrists from using it (and the 2 others that broke) on a daily basis. Its been in the trunk of my car for over a year now collecting dust

My RUPES is smooth like butter. I can run that machine all day. No user fatigue there
 
How does the GG compounds/polishes/pads compare to the Rupes?


I honestly never spent much time with the Rupes polishes, a few sessions on the test panels was about it. The pads are solid though, at least the white and yellow, but I had switched up to mainly B&S foam pads and then the new Megs discs when they came out. I would say the Groit's pads are most comparable to the Megs discs, being so thin, but they have the addition of one more foam choice. Both are excellent options!

As far as the liquids go, I would say Fast Correct Cream is on par with M105, HD Cut, FG400, ect, and it has very little dust, especially when using the Griot's MF pads, and a nice long working time. Wipe off is about average, but not as easy as say D300. Finish is very good and should only need a quick follow up with a finishing polish. You will see opinions all over the place on which compounds cut faster, so I won't even bother with that as there are just too many variables. I had no issues removing 1500 grit sanding marks as well as heavy swirls and RIDS on hard German clears with same efficiency as any of my other go to compounds.

Correct Cream I would most closely relate to HD Adapt. Great one step that can cut well and finish LSP ready on most paints.

Finishing Cream has worked very well and finished down perfectly with every paint I used it on over the last 6 months.

My biggest draw to the liquids is the low dusting and long working time. I like to work clean and being able to 2-step a car without having to wash it or even dust it off is a big plus. Will I use these exclusively, of course not, but they have earned a solid spot in my detailing arsenal and have my nod of approval.
 
If you don't work for Patent burrow, Rupes, or hold any of their stocks (assuming they are traded) I don't see what the big huff and puff is about, LOL. Yes it's a look-a-like product lots of things are...


Honestly like others have pointed out we rely on Asia for most for components in most of our consumer goods. Thus where it's made is really a non issue to me. What is more important is were the profits are spent and reinvested if you want to get into economics of it all... But I for one think that's best left for another forum all together.


I can't wait to read some real objective based reviews from first hand accounts rather than speculations. I was on the cusp of buying a Rupes 21...
 
Although I agree that Griot can't claim they came up with this large throw DA and is in any way innovative with this product. But they took something that is innovative, put thought and research in how to make it better and attempted to create a superior product.

If we really want to get technical, Rupes did not come up with the large throw/long stroke-length DA concept either; that credit would actually go to Dynabrade in the industrial space.
 
^ I can't help but think of the documentary Talhotblond (Netflix) every time I here Dynabrade. It's about a murder that took place at the Dynabrade factory.
 
But that's the point, not every product is patented nor is patentable. Are the Rupes machines covered by any patents? I don't know; I went down to look at my Flex manual and the machine itself, and I see no indications of patents (that doesn't mean there aren't any on that machine)

It is also about having the money for lawyers to defend your patents. Even if the Griot's is wildly successful and Rupes was successful in some patent claim to recover significant part of the lost revenue as damages, it may not be worth the legal battle. The polisher volumes are NOT that high.

Rupes' only real strategy is to make their unit even better and try to reduce the price.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
 
This happens in every industry everyday. The only real solution is to :

Make the best product at the best price point. When a company feels that they can "over charge" the market because their current product is above the rest and tried to re-coupe their investment too fast this can open the door for imitators and competition.

We distribute 3M commercial cleaning products. They are always priced at a premium over the market. They have features that are not easily copied but over time they are copied. At that point they release a new product. They are usually top dog on the business every 2-3 years and it last 2-3 years until the industry catches up and they need to re-invent them selves again.

If Rupes follows the 3M model a new batch of polishers will be released and they will drop pricing on the current batch.

Lets see what happens. My guess it the Rupes will now be discountable everywhere just to keep pace with the new entrants in the market.
 
Since when is Italian made a good thing? I see a lot of people here that might be insecure about their RUPES.....

Good for GG. Will be purchasing one or both of these machines.
 
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