Reviewed: FLEX PE14-2-150 Rotary Polisher

tropicsteve said:
i really envy those who can properly use a rotary. it seems like the only way to go for those hammered finishes and a real time saver.
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You should have drove down for Detail Fest! I got Al (Bunky) and Shane (CiersaSL) using the FLEX! :bigups:bigups
 
I want one of these BAD!!

I have a Makita and got a new Dewalt 849x but haven't used it much yet.

Anyone ever use the Festool Shinex? It looks very similar in size / shape to the PE14-2-150.
 
i own a de walt and the makita and never got comfortable with either. into the drawer they went. in fact i would sell them in a minute. got the 14-2-150 and since i do a lot of daily drivers and beaters i started with compounds and fell in love with the tool. being a old fart it just makes my life easier to get the cars done with great results. a pound or two on the tool when doing 3/4 ton hd pickups and suburbans is big. i save at least one hour per detail and can actually walk away tired not doubled over. a big yes on this one.
 
daveinsweethome said:
i own a de walt and the makita and never got comfortable with either. into the drawer they went. in fact i would sell them in a minute. got the 14-2-150 and since i do a lot of daily drivers and beaters i started with compounds and fell in love with the tool. being a old fart it just makes my life easier to get the cars done with great results. a pound or two on the tool when doing 3/4 ton hd pickups and suburbans is big. i save at least one hour per detail and can actually walk away tired not doubled over. a big yes on this one.
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I used nothing but the Makita for years and (still) love that machine. After years it was literally a second extension of my arm. Great balance, smooth, etc. The I used and fell in love with the FLEX PE14. Now, by comparison, the Makita feels heavy and bulky (I NEVER thought I would say this).

Ultimately, the best rotary polisher for somebody is going to be the one that is the most comfortable to use. We carry a great selection of rotaries, and everybody has their favorite. There are no wrong or right answers. For me though, the PE14 gives me the best results.
 
jetset4me said:
I finally got to use it a TNOG at Meguiar's in Irvine, CA. last Thursday night. I own an old Cadillac and the paint was hard and full of swirls. I ended up using Megs 105 and a light wool cutting pad and finishing with Megs 205 and a black pad. The Flex performed flawlessly and the swirls were gone. Can't wait to use it on the GF's car this week.:rockon
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Great. How are the microfiber pads with the new Flex?
 
jetset4me said:
Great. How are the microfiber pads with the new Flex?
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I personally think microfiber pads work best on dual action orbital polishers. However if you prefer the feel and working of these pads on a rotary, then I am sure you will love them on the PE14-2-150.
 
I just got my FLEX PE14-2 in the mail today! Very excited to try it out on the first car Saturday. I was holding it and it feels light and perfectly weighted. I think it's going to be a dream to use. I do love my Makita, but the feel and sound of the FLEX have me thinking I might have a new favorite...
 
Refined AD said:
I just got my FLEX PE14-2 in the mail today! Very excited to try it out on the first car Saturday. I was holding it and it feels light and perfectly weighted. I think it's going to be a dream to use. I do love my Makita, but the feel and sound of the FLEX have me thinking I might have a new favorite...
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Make sure you let us know how you like it. I think you will be very impressed!
 
Refined AD said:
I just got my FLEX PE14-2 in the mail today! Very excited to try it out on the first car Saturday. I was holding it and it feels light and perfectly weighted. I think it's going to be a dream to use. I do love my Makita, but the feel and sound of the FLEX have me thinking I might have a new favorite...
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I'm jealous......jr.......enjoy it!
 
Todd Helme said:
Still my all time favorite polisher!
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Wow! Big statement, Mr. Helme! Question... Would this be your pick for the best polisher for a beginner to purchase? I assume the lower RPM, lighter weight, and maneuverability all benefit a newbie, while being nice for a skilled artisan such as yourself?

While I would be practicing for ages before I put rotary to paint on a vehicle (as opposed to a test hood/panel), I really want to be able to use a rotary polisher for the burnishing/jeweling step that cannot be accomplished using DA polishers. Other than that, I don't do any real correction work that would require the power of a rotary, as an enthusiast. What I am needing, is more shine :drool:

Thanks Todd! :rockon
 
radarryan said:
Wow! Big statement, Mr. Helme! Question... Would this be your pick for the best polisher for a beginner to purchase? I assume the lower RPM, lighter weight, and maneuverability all benefit a newbie, while being nice for a skilled artisan such as yourself?
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To me, the FLEX PE is the pinnacle of rotary polishers for all of the reasons you mentioned above. Smooth, light, cool running, easy-to-use, quite, etc... These attributes benefit both the seasoned pro and the beginning rotary user.

While I would be practicing for ages before I put rotary to paint on a vehicle (as opposed to a test hood/panel), I really want to be able to use a rotary polisher for the burnishing/jeweling step that cannot be accomplished using DA polishers. Other than that, I don't do any real correction work that would require the power of a rotary, as an enthusiast. What I am needing, is more shine :drool:
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The DA polisher can produce equal levels of shine, no problem. Maybe I will go into a more detailed explanation today. Keep in mind that most of the old-school rotary users who claimed they couldn't get as good of a finish with a DA simply don't have as much experience with a DA. If you have 10 years experience with a rotary and 3 days with a DA, you should be able to achieve a better finish with the rotary.
 
Outstanding article Todd! I have a PE on its way in the mail and can't wait to get my hands on it.

Could I ask your personnel favorite plate and pads?
 
Smack said:
Outstanding article Todd! I have a PE on its way in the mail and can't wait to get my hands on it.

Could I ask your personnel favorite plate and pads?
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You misspelled the word "dosent" Should be - doesn't -

Dan F
 
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