The DA Cutting Pad Show Down

SSizzlin' said:
I'm not surprised the Meg's pad is at the top. I am surprised at the overall cutting and finishing ability of the LC yellow pad, especially the finishing. I've read that its weakness is finishing, but that obviously wasn't the case in this test. The foam pads in this test would do even better with the 3401, at least for removing defects.
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Lake Country's old yellow foam felt more like a brillo pad and was a very aggressive open-celled formula. The yellow foam used on the DA pads is very fine and finishes great.


SSizzlin' said:
Todd, if you used M105 in this test, do you feel the ultra fiber pads would have ranked near the top of all categories? Do you prime the ultra fiber pad when using M105?
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Hard to say, because who knows how the other pads would have worked in relation? I believe it would have run cooler (more air flow since the material wouldn't have matted down) and I think it would have come very close to the cutting ability of the other pads in this test. Those are just guesses though.


skibik said:
Great job. This was really informative to a person like myself and really helps clarify some of the pad use questions I have had stirring around in my head.

I do have a question though. Since my car doesn't need heavy correction how about a similar article for finishing pads? If it has been done I guess I need to look for it, although I have only been a member for less then a year I don't recall seeing one done in that time frame. The reason I ask is because since I am a novice and have used a rotary a couple times years and years ago I didn't want to mess with one and bought a DA last year. I have only used it a few times for polishing and numerous times for waxing but the last time I polished even though it seemed to look great when I was done to me it still looks like it has a haze or a slight fog to it in the right light, black paint of course. So I am not sure if I used the correct pads/polish. I did see the thread that was done on polishes and that was great information.

Thank you for the very helpful information.

Dean.
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I'm not sure how to do a finishing pad test because we sell a ton of pads that all finish paint perfectly. Perhaps rate them on the defects they can correct? Even then, I prefer a less abrasive pad when finishing (I don't care about its correction ability) since a more aggressive pad will remove more material which means the pad will gum up with spent-paint residue faster (thus reducing the chance of getting a flawless finish).

Trouble said:
That is a $5000.00 write-up!
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Thanks Trouble!
 
Great writeup! Answered a lot of questions for me. I bought a CCS pad kit along with my PC... once I use up all the pads I have I have a better idea of what I'll want to buy next! Thanks!
 
My problem is that the Meguiars microfiberpad velcro let loose during the session. All of them (5,5" and 3") ! I used the Chemical guys version and have no problems with it. I must say that i have the 1st series of the Megs.
 
chost10 said:
My problem is that the Meguiars microfiber pad velcro let loose during the session. All of them (5,5" and 3") !...I must say that I have the 1st series of the Megs.
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I will admit I had the same issue with the first run of Megs microfiber discs.
I believe they addressed that quite a while back.
I have had no issues with the newer Megs mf discs.

...and BTW Todd...OUTSTANDING review! Very detailed and very informative!
 

1st: Great test / product comparison

2nd: I took me a full 2 sitting of reading this to take everything in and get the full effect. I am sure I will be returning to this in the future.

3rd: I would love to see this test done with a Flex3401 & Rupes21. Comparing the pads as well as the machines since everyone seems to be asking the question of which machine cuts better.

 
Todd,

Thank you for the dedication and hours it takes to put these write ups together. It is appreciated by us all.
 
Todd,

Thanks for the great info. Your write up would have save me some serious $$$$$ if you had done this several years back. :rofl

Keep them coming!!!!
 
Awesome info! Will have to reconsult all my pads to figure out a good attack scheme when Megs MF Cutting pads with 101 doesn't cut it on the really bad defects that need levelling!
 
Pats300zx said:
Amazing write up Todd and a wealth of info. Thanks for taking the time to put it together :yourrock
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Thanks Pat!


tropicsteve said:
thanks for the great review todd. definitely have to try the thin wool pads too.
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They are pretty awesome and will be serving regular duty in my rotation.

Mike lambert said:
Very nice work Todd !
Thanks
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groebuck said:
now do it all again with a flex and then a rupes and tell me which one is better..:lol2:

great work!
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Oh boy.. ;)


ShaneB said:
Great writeup! Answered a lot of questions for me. I bought a CCS pad kit along with my PC... once I use up all the pads I have I have a better idea of what I'll want to buy next! Thanks!
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You are very welcome!


chost10 said:
My problem is that the Meguiars microfiberpad velcro let loose during the session. All of them (5,5" and 3") ! I used the Chemical guys version and have no problems with it. I must say that i have the 1st series of the Megs.
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Meguiar's had a well-documented problem with their first batch of MF pads. Such issues have been resolved. I haven't had any issues with their newest offerings.


Merlin said:
I will admit I had the same issue with the first run of Megs microfiber discs.
I believe they addressed that quite a while back.
I have had no issues with the newer Megs mf discs.

...and BTW Todd...OUTSTANDING review! Very detailed and very informative!
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Thank you Merlin. These are always fun to do.

classofshine said:
Thanks for the very through review Todd, awesome as always.
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Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed :D


TroyScherer said:

1st: Great test / product comparison

2nd: I took me a full 2 sitting of reading this to take everything in and get the full effect. I am sure I will be returning to this in the future.

3rd: I would love to see this test done with a Flex3401 & Rupes21. Comparing the pads as well as the machines since everyone seems to be asking the question of which machine cuts better.
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I may do something like this in the future. The thing is that the PC is by far our best selling machine so I wanted this info to help as many people as possible. Also, like any comparo, the results are going to be dependent on the paint, temperature, etc.

sprocketser said:
Great job again Todd , Thanx for sharing .

Learned about pads today .
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You are very welcome.


Smack said:
Todd,

Thank you for the dedication and hours it takes to put these write ups together. It is appreciated by us all.
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psnt1ol said:
Todd,

Thanks for the great info. Your write up would have save me some serious $$$$$ if you had done this several years back. :rofl

Keep them coming!!!!
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Well what fun would that be? You are welcome!


Woob said:
Awesome info! Will have to reconsult all my pads to figure out a good attack scheme when Megs MF Cutting pads with 101 doesn't cut it on the really bad defects that need levelling!
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;)
 
great review todd. i can tell you work very hard at what you do and i personally want to thank you for helping all of us novices as well as experts on what and how to use the myriad ways of polishes and pads to use on our cars. thank you sir
 
Thanks for the great review Todd ! I just have a couple of questions you may be able to answer. 1. Do you think that the haze that was left behind from the lake country thin wool pad would clean up with just some M205 on a white pad ? 2. Do you think this pad would work well for removing deep etched water spots in glass ? I see this problem a lot in the area I am from. Thanks !
 
I really appreciate all the info and hard work Todd. You helped me decide on my pad order. Perfect timing. I think your results were right on and honest. Thanks man!
 
sjb89 said:
I really appreciate all the info and hard work Todd. You helped me decide on my pad order. Perfect timing. I think your results were right on and honest. Thanks man!
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Honestly, my pleasure! :bigups

I will be updating this chart soon.
 
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