Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
Rupes Swirl Finder Pen Light
FLEX Swirl Finder Light
Let me kill the suspense right now... There is NO WINNER!!!
These two different swirl-finding lights couldn't look more different, nor could they feel much more different. The FLEX is big, robust, industrial... The Rupes is svelte, purpose-built, sexy...
The FLEX is brighter (marginally but noticeable), the Rupes fits in your shirt pocket..
Color Temperature:
Rupes did a lot of research on which color temperature will show the maximum amount of swirl marks on a maximum number of colors. Color ranges from near red to purple, on the scale below (sourced from juliusngphotography.com)
Color's that are too warm can struggle to reflect light on red because they don't produce a light that red can reflect, as illustrated by the graphics below (courtesy of Rupes)
BOTH the FLEX and Rupes lights have a near white color scale, with the Rupes being slightly cooler. If you were to look at both lights, both would appear white, however, when you compare them to eachother, slight differences appear.
(as viewed as reflected on a LED TV screen)
Since red is the most difficult color to view (and photograph) swirls on, I wanted to try each light on two shades of red.
First up: Dark Cherry Red, Metal Flake
FLEX:
Rupes:
In the Dark Cherry Red, the Rupes pen did expose more swirl marks and paint damage, although the difference may not be as dramatic as the pictures suggest.
Second Up: Bright Red (slight hint of orange)
FLEX:
Rupes:
In the Bright Red Test, the Rupes again did a better job of capturing the damage on the surface, although the difference was extremely small and far less than it was on the first test.
Other Colors:
I had the chance to use both lights on other colors besides red. I should note that on my colors, both lights to an equal job, with little difference to photograph and even less difference in person.
However, as we approach the darker colors such as dark blue, charcoal, or black, the FLEX's higher output does a better job of illuminating the swirls and scratches, however the margin is slight (and noticeable).
Conclusion:
Ultimately the FLEX Swirl Finder Light and Rupes Swirl Finder Light Pen both do an excellent job of highlighting the paint defects that can ruin your paint job.
The FLEX features an adjustable focus, multiple modes (strobe/low-light/full-power), and a very bright illumination.
Minus the multi-modes, the Rupes shrinks the FLEX's abilities down into a light, pen style that is ultra convenient. However, the Rupes is more expensive so you do pay for the lightweight, purpose-built design.
Ideally you would want both, given the Rupes' slight advantage on reds, and the FLEX's advantage on dark colors, but if it comes down to only one, pick the style that best matches with you. Then let either light illuminate your way towards polished paint perfection.
