Are CCS pads all hype or the real deal?

S

SiegeX

New member
As the topic says, are CCS pads worth coughing up the extra money for or is it just a marketing gimmick to differentiate themselves from the flat pads?



The 7.5" flat pads I got from Adam's Polishes were just too large to do any real cutting on my wife's scratched up '98 Mustang. Adam's 110% return policy is apparently no BS as I was refunded my money for the pads and I still get to keep them. :xyxthumbs



So now I'm in the market for some 4" and 5.5" pads. I'm thinking on going with:



(1) 4" Orange Pad

(1) 4" Yellow Pad

(1) 5.5" Orange Pad

(1) 5.5" White Pad

(1) 5.5" Blue Pad



I think that should give me enough options, now I just need to figure out do I get CCS and where can I get these pads (either flat or CCS) the cheapest?
 
Personally, I wouldn't recommend CCS pads. I do not see any advantage to using them and the new yellow CCS was completely unusable as it marred every finish I ever used it on.



I like flat pads.
 
I like the CCS pads with ZPC and I feel they increase the work time compared with flat pads. With traditional polishes it may not make a difference.
 
I really like using Lake Country CCS 7.5 inch foam pads because they have a beveled face, a recessed backing and a centering hole. The recessed backing is alot safer than a conventional flat face pad because it conceals the machine's backing plate to eliminate contact with the buffing surface. As far as the CCS technology goes; I haven't noticed a significant difference and could care less if the pad had it or not. I also think having a pad/plate combo with a centering hole makes for alot easier centering too.



I really haven't expererienced a lack of cutting than competitor pads either. If you're looking for more cutting power, I'd suggest going with a wool pad instead of foam for most applications.
 
sweetlou said:
what are these flat pads people are speaking of, is that just a generic term or brand?
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it's the bottom of the pad that is referred to where it is completely flat (no pockets/2nd pic), where as the CCS has the little round pockets (1st pic)...



autogeek_2018_78300478
CCS



7518_pd287485full.jpg
FLAT
 
My experience is the CCS pads are not a quantum leap or order of magnitude different than the flat pads. I'd say 6 or 1/2 dozen.



More of a personal preference than anything.



In other words, if you've got one type of pad already, I wouldn't bother trying the other. They perform about the same if you ask me.
 
hmm, is there a main company that makes the flat pads? I know megs makes some, but are there differences besides the colors pertaining to cut?
 
sweetlou said:
hmm, is there a main company that makes the flat pads? I know megs makes some, but are there differences besides the colors pertaining to cut?
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it just depends on the vendor who wants to carry them (some carry the CCS instead as they feel they are better than the Flat pads) or both (preference). exceldetail, detailedimage, danase, etc., carry the Flat pads on regular basis which are made by Lake Country...
 
Been using CCS pads exclusively for nearly the last year and a half, after using flat pads for about a year.



The yellow and orange pads get cut up and torn apart very quickly because of the combination of their stiffness and the grooves along the outside of the pad, which gets caught on things. The white pads are nice, they hold up well, no complaints here.



I *seem* to notice that the pads don't get clogged up as much, however it is probably just because I change pads more often that when I started with the flat pads.



The little dots are 99% hype, IMO, I have never seen them hold polish for "rebeading the panel" or whatever it's called.
 
I prefer the flat pads myself as well.



The CCS White polishing paint isn't too bad though.



I agree that the CCS Yellow pad is terrible. Mars like CRAZY!
 
From Autogeek:



Prevents pad skipping – CCS pockets reduce surface tension allowing the

operator to run pad flat on a working surface. Basically, the CCS pockets break up

the smooth surface of the foam to eliminate the sticking and skipping that occurs

when two perfectly flat surfaces meet.



Creates less heat – CCS pockets provide several points where the foam is not

completely touching the paint. This reduces friction and therefore heat generated

between the pad and the paint.



OEM approved – OEM tests confirm CCS pads out-perform convoluted pad designs.
Click to expand...



Where can i find the OEM test results? :)



The 3M waffle face pads do hold more product. The CCS holds much less but the

overall shape is better. Easier to center and easier to work with the edge of the pad.

Guess this matters more with circular polishers...
 
I've never noticed any difference in the CCS technology either. As for heat, and skipping, its never been a problem for me with my current pads (flat). Ive been using flat LC pads for years, and have no reason to even try anything else......been real happy thus far.
 
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