Advice for upgrade from older 7424

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dwend

New member
Greetings:



I am not a Pro detailer and mainly just want to polish used cars for resale that i repair. I bought a 7424 back in 2000 and have not used it much but was always impressed with how easy it was to use. However I thought it was a little slow on serious paint correction. I have seen the video comparing a Flex 3401 and a 7424 (non XP model????) and see the results from that. But was that a fair comparison as there is a 7424XP model which is supposed to be much better than the older model. The slickest thing I have seen out there is the Flex with the Edge 2k adapter and the Edge pads. Yet I don't see much chatter about edge pads. So is the Edge system a good choice and is the Flex 3401 much better than the PC 7424XP? I just want to get a good system that will be easy to use. I tried circular equipment but frankly found it a bit troublesome for a part time user like my self. Advice is appreciated. Thx :laugh:
 
I bought the Griot's and cannot be happier. I have a choice of pad sizes and close to as much power as a Flex, lot chepaer too. The flex is more powerful (a little) but the griot's is head and shoulders above the PC and the megs units. Just my opinion.
 
I've been using the FLEX and it's a very impressive machine. Absent the $ for the FLEX I would get the Griots machine just based on what I've read so far.
 
Thx to all who responded. As to the Edge pads, I see that they are not widely used so I will let that go and stay with the LC I already have. As to the buffer it seems that any of the 2nd generation DA/RO systems would be a major improvement of my std PC so I am converting my PC to 4". I also considered the GG V2 as it seems to be a "best buy" in the experience of many with good results at a good price and almost pulled the trigger on one. But after doing some exhaustive research on the subject I went with the Flex. A major thread on another forum was very enlightening on the subject. One senior member who was familiar with both the Flex and the GG side by side was sure the cutting ability of the GG with the right setup was even better than the Flex but he acknowledge that the Flex was more consistent in leaving a quality finish and was actually easier to use. A review on this same forum pointed out some ergonomic advantages of the Flex. I would have preferred to save some money but was afraid that if I was disatified with the GG and the results I would have lamented not going with the Flex. Now I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have a great tool even if my wallet is quite a bit lighter. If it helps save some time it will be worth it in the long run. But to those who have the GG it appears to be a fine buffer and the PCXP is no slouch either. i have a 7" Dewalt knockoff with wool if I need some serious cutting so now I have my bases covered. :heelclick
 
dwend- I think the Flex was a great choice :xyxthumbs I have many of the polishers mentioned, and I'm confident that the rotary/Flex/PC combo should serve you well.
 
My follow up report:



just got to use my Flex ..... I just recently upgraded from the original PC (non XP) to a Flex and am very happy with this decision. The Flex is more ergonomically developed and just reeks of quality. Let me say that the PC is a great beginner tool and did me right on some finishes and saved my butt more than once, but left me hanging on tougher jobs. I jumped up to 7.5" wool using a rotary but the margin for error using this setup is very small and I would not attempt it on someone elses car for money. I wanted something to fill the gap and enter the Flex. An alternative was the GG but I was more impressed with the Flex and did not want to come up short so was willing to cough up the extra money.



One of the things talked about on these forums is power. Just for grins I hooked up a load meter to my tools and found the following:



Flex Freewheeling at 6 setting (highest) 4.5 amps

Flex with a LC 6.5" orange flat pad on sheet metal with a 10 lb load 9.0 amps



PC Freehwheeling on 6.0 setting 2.1 amp

PC under same 10 lbs load with LC orange 3.8 amps



Now realize that this original PC was rated for 4.0 amps and in fact comes close to this. The XP is rated at 4.5 amps so I assume it will run close to that under the same loaded condition.



But interestingly enough, the Flex exceeded advertised current draw by 1.2 amps!



A simple test was to run your hand on the pad with equal pressure with the highest setting on both tools and with the Flex, it was too hot to touch after 3 to 4 seconds. With the PC it was 7 or 8 seconds....roughly double the time which is somewhat consistent with current draw. Now realize that these mechanisms are different which will affect output efficiency and cutting ability etc, but it is clear that the Flex power (ability to generate friction and heat at the pad surface is at least double of the older PC and at least 70% more than the XP. My guess is the GG is somewhere in between the Flex and XP but I am GUESSING here. (Love to try one just for grins).



In addition to ergonomical advantages such as the Flex handle is smaller and easier to grip and is further away from the motor so it will not run hot, and the fact that the Flex has easier speed control adjustments on the fly and a soft start and trigger lock and easier to hold forward grip, and less jiggly and possible less fatigue factor despite weighing a tad more than the PC, it does come down to power.



I suppose one can make up for lack of power from the machine by increasing Pad courseness or more aggressive chemical but It seems to me that solution will create other issues given the same amount of time applied to the job.



One of the reasons why the PC is "safe" to use is because it is not that aggressive and you can 'sneak up" to your desired finish but it takes more time. I would think that with a slightly milder polish and a more aggressive tool you can achieve the same results in less time on certain jobs.



As a practical matter, most light swirl jobs can be corrected in the same amount of time whether you use PC at 5 and Flex at 3 or whatever. But on the 1 out of 4 jobs where you need the extra power, I suspect but have not yet proven that you could save some significant time with the Flex. (plenty of others out there have said this is so and I believe them). And time is money. If I was a full time detailer I would not be without the Flex as it it could pay for itself in 2 weeks.



But let me say that the PC is a proven tool and is more than adequate for 75% of the typical buffing job, but over 12 months of even weekend detailing the Flex will justify itself and its higher costs in my opinion
 
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