Finally Tested the Flex

This a good review, thanks. I'm still interested in getting a Flex. I'm a first time buffer/polisher machine user and this new Flex is something i'd like to buy. I was first going with the Makita 9227 rotary but had a second though about it. Someone pointed me in the right direction with the Flex buffer, so I read it and seen a demo vid on it and how it works and was hooked!. It's much more safer too. I'm about ready to buy my Flex XC 3401 VRG with the total package of pads and polishes it comes with if you wanted to buy the whole kit. If you scroll all the way down, you'll see what i'm talking about. Can someone tell me if all the extras that come with the Flex VRG are top quality and a must have???. THANKS



Flex XC 3401 VRG - Detailed Image
 
jsatek said:
I should have my Flex this week. I am not sure if it was a wise purchase. I use a rotary and have for 20 years. I sometimes bring the PC in for final polishing, this is where I planned to implement the Flex. I also plaaned to ust it on middle-of-the-road finishes that werent so bad.



Maybe it was a waste?



I'm also still amazed at how many people out there are detailing cars and doing corrections with out owning a rotary.
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It was not a waste. You'll see.
 
Thanks for saving me $290. I was looking at a Flex as the solve-all for finicky paint, but I guess it's probably just better to suck it up with a soft pad and UltraFina. The speed of correction issue is big for me too - a lot of my details start in the evening, and I've gotta get home sometime. Guess I'll stick with the big dog 9227.
 
I ordered the Flex a few days ago from Power House Tools? POWERHOUSE DISTRIBUTING. They still had a few in stock at 264.00 ... I just hope it will be better than my UDM. I like the UDM though but always looking for something better.
 
I'd suggest that the Flex is similar to the PC in that firmer pads would probably work better at breaking down the abrasives. I've never had good results from finishing pads with polishes on a PC. Soft pads on a rotary hands down.
 
One person has his negative opinion on the Flex and now everyone is having doubts. If that's the case then the Everglades is a nice place to build a house. Of course, that's my opinion!
 
coming from a udm user,at first the flex does pull you around corners and is a little harder to control. However, after minor correction (not putting as much force etc) it was much easier to control. Also, you dont have to use the flex at speed 6 (harder to control). I found that at 5 it still broke down menzerna probably twice as fast.



As far as finicky paint, I used the flex on black toyota paint and had no micromaring issues at all.
 
jetset4me said:
One person has his negative opinion on the Flex and now everyone is having doubts.
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I agree...RAG is a pro who uses a rotary every day, his perspective, although accurate for pros in the same situation, may be different than that of an occasional UDM/PC user (or that type of hobbyist who has no machine now). I'm just saying that we have machine users here coming from all different angles and perspectives and there isn't going to be one right answer for everyone.
 
Setec makes a good point. We are all coming from different places in the "detailing galaxy," so we're going to have different viewpoints and opinions.



For me, I am interested in this thread because I have used my PC on my vehicles for a number of years, but I have run into a few issues with friends where I couldn't correct to the level I wanted.



I am looking to buy either a rotary or a Flex, so I am very interested in this.
 
I agree with Setec, as with everything about detailing, there are so many variables like condition of paint, products used, pads, speed-technique, and of course the temperture/humidity at the site. Brandon1 and I use a lot of the same products and tools, but we've had 180 degree opinions on some products. I have a PC and a makita, both have turned out some great details, is one better than the other? Well, before I tried Menzerna and 5.5" low profile pads I would say the rotary was MUCH better, but for the majority on my details, I can use my PC with 91 on an orange pad, follow up with FFII on a white and get great results. I know the rotary is faster, but I like my PC (much more now) and I think if I had the extra cash then I would get a Flex. If I detailed full time I would probably have a different opinion. I will try to detail a big truck Sat with 106 and my rotary in an atempt to save time, get more rotary experience and see if I can learn 106 a little better.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
I agree...RAG is a pro who uses a rotary every day, his perspective, although accurate for pros in the same situation, may be different than that of an occasional UDM/PC user (or that type of hobbyist who has no machine now). I'm just saying that we have machine users here coming from all different angles and perspectives and there isn't going to be one right answer for everyone.
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Setec's got a good point there - if you're very confident in your rotary abilities, the flex is a step down in speed and cut. If you don't want to put in a couple hundred hours to get the rotary learning curve down, a flex outcuts and outglosses the rest of the competition.
 
We'll, I'd then really like to know how you feel about it given you were a "rotary-first" guy. I was all set on buying one for the purpose of letting my hired help us it, but now that I used it, I think I'll just buy another rotary.



I will say the ergonomically, I think the Flex is the perfect design with the forward-facing built-in handle...similar to the Metabo, only I think the Flex has the speed controls in a better place than the Metabo.



jsatek said:
I should have my Flex this week. I am not sure if it was a wise purchase. I use a rotary and have for 20 years. I sometimes bring the PC in for final polishing, this is where I planned to implement the Flex. I also plaaned to ust it on middle-of-the-road finishes that werent so bad.



Maybe it was a waste?



I'm also still amazed at how many people out there are detailing cars and doing corrections with out owning a rotary.
Click to expand...
 
Good discussion.



And good points from everyone - we don't all have to use and like the same machines, and people who plan on detailing twice a year are probably better served by the Flex, those that plan on doing 10+ details per year, I'd go toward a rotary. A rotary with a flexible pad on a slow speed is very easy to use...whenever I've detailed friends' cars, I usually though a rotary in their hands too and tell them to "get to work"...it's always gone well and each has always picked it up quickly...of course, I don't have them doing the heavy cutting step either.





Setec Astronomy said:
I agree...RAG is a pro who uses a rotary every day, his perspective, although accurate for pros in the same situation, may be different than that of an occasional UDM/PC user (or that type of hobbyist who has no machine now). I'm just saying that we have machine users here coming from all different angles and perspectives and there isn't going to be one right answer for everyone.
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I think the Porter Cable is a toy. I always have and never tried to hide the fact. I dont know how you guys do it. It take so long to get results, I have found a use for is as a finishing tool on some pieces I do.

I bought the Flex to hopefully fill a void. If it doesnt, coming from a long history of auto body wet sanding rotary background, I'll sell it to someone here who will put it to good use. If it fills a void, Ill keep it.
 
SpoiledMan said:
Saying it didn't work for *you* may be more appropriate.
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jetset4me said:
One person has his negative opinion on the Flex and now everyone is having doubts. If that's the case then the Everglades is a nice place to build a house. Of course, that's my opinion!
Click to expand...



Completely agree. Personally, I can't wait to get mine tomorrow. I tried my friend's Flex yesterday and I loved it. It absolutely has better correction capacity than a UDM/PC and cut my work time in about half. Of course the Flex is nowhere near a rotary (nobody would argue that). However, for those of us who are just enthusiasts, who do not detail for a living, who do not feel comfortable with a rotary (nor willing to spend hours training to use one) the Flex remains the most effective yet safe way to go. At first, after moving from a UDM, it does take a bit of effort to control it, but it is really not that bad and after doing half of the car, I was good to go. BTW, the car was a Honda Civic with really soft paint. I ran the Flex at a speed of 4.5 with IP and a white pad, then MC with a gray pad. No marring whatsoever with either one and it broke down the polish a lot better and quicker than a UDM. Had I used my UDM, I probably would have needed an orange pad. I also found that running it at 4 or 4.5 not only provides better cut than the UDM at 6, but makes it easier to control. Here is another great review of the Flex with which I agree, especially in regards to the build, the vibration, and weight distribution Another Flex Review - Auto Geek Car Care, Car Wax and Auto Detailing Forum and of course there is: Flex XC 3401 VRG Review
 
I agree with RAG, when I first used the Flex it was a bit awkward and wanted to fight me, but so did a rotary when I first used it too. I thought, there is no way anyone would be able to use this with one hand, but just like a rotary, once you get the feel for it and understand how it moves, it's very easy to control and use.



It's not going to replace the rotary by any means, but for the weekend warriors or enthusiast, it's a great step up from the PC...without a doubt!
 
I purchased a Flex Orbital from Powerhouse Tools in the mid of January. I used it on one car and didn't use it again. A week later I sold it to a local member "Scheerspeed" who had already placed an order but was backordered. The machine pulled and jerked, and the stiff backing plate was just un-workable, when compared to my use of a rotory.



Granted, I got the car polished quicker than I ever would with a PC, but nowhere as crisp and defect free as I get with a rotory. Whenever I am left with slight slight holograms from a rotory and grey pad, a quick once over with the PC and polishing pad clear it up, even with a cleaner polish.



If I just started detailing, I'd grab a Flex, but this is now turning into a 6 year long hobby of mine (autopian-style), and am more than comfortable with using a rotory. Even @ 1000rpms, I can correct and finish faster than a Flex...



If you don't have any type of machine, get the FLEX, but if you already have a PC, make the jump. As long as you follow the basics of rotory polishing and keep the speeds low, with light pads (white and grey), very little harm one can do.
 
Detaildoc & SpoiledMan I totally agree with your views and welcome to Club Flex. I justed ordered the Flex Softside Bag from Powerhouse. Jim told me that was the last one but they have 10 coming in about a week or so along with another 10 Flex XC3401's. FYI, he told me that the new price will be $279.99 and Flex won't let dealers give much of a discount off this price. Sounds like Apple and Bose!
 
I started out as a PC user and then went to the UDM went it came out. I then purchased a Makita rotary and eventually a Metabo. I've only used the rotaries a few times.



I purchased a Flex and have now used it a couple times. First time was ok. It took a little getting used to. I just used it for the second time on Monday and I really like it now. Correction comes much faster and easier than the UDM. Plus, it doesn't vibrate me to death like the PC/UDM. You can actually run the machine w/o being on the paint and it doesn't want to jump out of your hand like the PC/UDM. The ergonomics of the machine are great. Initially, I felt like the speed dial was hard to move with my thumb, but I didn't feel that way the 2nd time around. I run it on speed 6 and it's very comfortable to use, IMO.



I still want to learn and be proficient with a rotary some day, but for now I'm really digging the Flex.
 
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