Is this Griot's Random Orbital kit for $150 a good idea?

L

lunakki

New member
So I've been planning on buying a Griot's Garage random orbital off Amazon to use up some gift cards, and their latest generation is $140. Then I found this kit for $150: Amazon.com: Griot's Garage 11605Z 6-Inch Orbital Machine Polish and Wax Kit: Automotive



From the product page: "This kit includes a professional quality 850-watt 6-inch random orbital polisher with 10-foot cord, a 6-inch orange polishing pad, a 6-inch red waxing pad, a 16-ounce bottle of machine polish, a 16-ounce bottle of Best of Show Wax, a 35-ounce spray bottle of Speed Shine, one paint cleaning clay, an instructional machine polishing DVD, and a detailer's handbook." Obviously they're all GG brand. I've already bought wax and clay, and was planning on switching to a five inch backing plate and 5.5" pads, so I don't really need any of the extra stuff. It also looks like the polisher is an older generation.



What do you all think? Are the included products good enough to spend the extra ten bucks and get an older model of the polisher? It looks like it's on sale, probably for Memorial Day, so I don't know how long it'll be this cheap.
 
lunakki said:
So I've been planning on buying a Griot's Garage random orbital off Amazon to use up some gift cards, and their latest generation is $140. Then I found this kit for $150: Amazon.com: Griot's Garage 11605Z 6-Inch Orbital Machine Polish and Wax Kit: Automotive



From the product page: "This kit includes a professional quality 850-watt 6-inch random orbital polisher with 10-foot cord, a 6-inch orange polishing pad, a 6-inch red waxing pad, a 16-ounce bottle of machine polish, a 16-ounce bottle of Best of Show Wax, a 35-ounce spray bottle of Speed Shine, one paint cleaning clay, an instructional machine polishing DVD, and a detailer's handbook." Obviously they're all GG brand. I've already bought wax and clay, and was planning on switching to a five inch backing plate and 5.5" pads, so I don't really need any of the extra stuff. It also looks like the polisher is an older generation.



What do you all think? Are the included products good enough to spend the extra ten bucks and get an older model of the polisher? It looks like it's on sale, probably for Memorial Day, so I don't know how long it'll be this cheap.
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For 10 bucks I would get the GG6V2
 
3D has a deal on their DA, when you figure in all you get for a $100 bucks, pads, etc, it's a good deal. I don't have theirs, but the same unit sold by Harbor Frieght, I use Buff and Shine pads and it's great.

Take a look at the 3D unit deal before you jump off the cliff, it's really a better unit/deal, than the one you are looking at.
 
I bought this exact kit a 18 months ago for $99--didn't like the clay or the Speed Shine (but others do) and use the wax on our teak table top. The V2 and V3 GG6 have the same internals but the V3 has impoved ergonomics. The V3 is sometimes on sale at Advance Auto and other outlets for just under $100 if you're not in a rush. IMO the GG6 is the best machine for those of us doing this as a hobby--it's the most powerful of the "standard" DAs and has a lifetime warranty. That being said the HD kit is a great bargin. Put a 5" BP on my GG6 with Buff & Shine pads (same as 3D pads) and have had outstanding results with HD polishing products.
 
Legacy99 said:
For 10 bucks I would get the GG6V2
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I meant that it's an extra 10 bucks for the kit over just the polisher of either version. If it was only ten bucks then I wouldn't be asking!



pwaug: There are no stores anywhere near me that sell it, as far as I can tell. That's helpful to know about the differences between the versions.



Ron: What is 3D short for? It seems like the consensus is that the GG polisher is best, and my car needs a LOT of work, so I'd like to go with the best quality machine that I can reasonably afford.



It sounds like the extra stuff in this kit isn't really worth the money. This leaves me the option of getting the model with the longer cord, too. Thanks, everyone.
 
Luna: this is 3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store



They have a kit deal going that most seem to think is the best value right now.



I bought a Griot's kit about a year ago from Detailer's Domain that included the machine and some nice pads. That was around $130 less whatever discounts/promos were running at that time. It was a very good deal.



As the others note above, find a "kit" that's going to provide your basic pads + machine :waxing:
 
Advanced Auto doesn't stock it in the stores--when it's on special it's online only. Amazon and BJ's (online) also have the GG6 on sale from time to time. As mentioned Detailers Domain has some good minimal packages that include the GG6, a 5" backing plate and Uber pads (same as 3D and Buff & Shine pads--excellent) and not allot of extras that you won't use-you might be able to get a "first perchase" discount from Phil.



I have the model with the 10' cord and added a 12' 16 guage, 2 way extension from Home Depot for $8



3D doesn't stand for anything other than the company name--great products and their polishing products are very user/beginner friendly--long working times, minimal to no dust and easy to remove as they don't leave behind any heavy oils. 3D Car Care - Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store



Plan on getting enough pads--at least 4 for each step--as an example 4 yellow or orange for heavy defect removal, 4 white or green for polishing, 3 or 4 black or blue for finishing and 1 red for application of each LSP you plan to use. Experienced users can get away with less, but more is always better--especially when first starting out.
 
I found this kit on Detailers Domain. It comes with 10 pads and a 5.5" backing plate for $200. I found a code for 15% off so that it's only $170. That seems like a pretty good deal, since I will definitely need to buy the backing plate and pads no matter what.



Here are the options for pads: yellow (cutting), orange (med cut), green (polishing), blue (finishing), black (wax/seal). Should I get four yellow or four orange or four of both? My car's paint is really thrashed.



EDIT: It's a '95 Mazda and a little research says Mazda tends to have paint on the softer side.
 
I'd recommend just getting two of everything. If you use only yellow and oranges without spending just as much time with the finishing, you will still have lots of swirls.

I'm curious whats different between the GG6, GGV2, GG6V3.
 
Oh I was going to get four green, three or four blue, and one black, as suggested. I just wasn't sure if I needed a set of both yellow and orange or just a set of one.
 
2000firebird said:
I'd recommend just getting two of everything. If you use only yellow and oranges without spending just as much time with the finishing, you will still have lots of swirls.

I'm curious whats different between the GG6, GGV2, GG6V3.
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GG6= Original, lots of power, and called a "Professional" model (Professional on the box only).

GGV2= Seemed like it was tuned down some, but Griot claims it has the same motor. The word

professional removed from the box.

GGV3= On/off moved from the side to the top. Speed switch moved from the back end to the top end.

Handles and forward grip are now rubberized.
 
lunakki said:
Oh I was going to get four green, three or four blue, and one black, as suggested. I just wasn't sure if I needed a set of both yellow and orange or just a set of one.
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I've never done a Mazda so can't say for sure on the pads, but if you got 4 orange for the heavier work, 4 green for polishing and 2 black for finishing (the black does have some mild cut to it) you would be good to go, but I'd then recommend 2 red for applying your wax of sealant--you can get these at Autoaulity.com with free shipping if the order is over $25



Perhaps others will chime in with their thoughts.
 
No clear coat is "soft". As a beginner, make sure you understand what it is it takes to level paint. What color is it BTW? I have worked on a few colors. As far as pads, get some 5" wool pads to really cut that old paint followed by orange (light cut) and finish with black finishing pads. That is what I would use on that car. Let us know.



lunakki said:
I found this kit on Detailers Domain. It comes with 10 pads and a 5.5" backing plate for $200. I found a code for 15% off so that it's only $170. That seems like a pretty good deal, since I will definitely need to buy the backing plate and pads no matter what.



Here are the options for pads: yellow (cutting), orange (med cut), green (polishing), blue (finishing), black (wax/seal). Should I get four yellow or four orange or four of both? My car's paint is really thrashed.



EDIT: It's a '95 Mazda and a little research says Mazda tends to have paint on the softer side.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks hkpine, but I already bought one that was linked earlier. I got a whole bunch of pads in different colors, just to make sure I'd have whatever I ended up needing. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to use it yet, though, 'cause I came down with the flu the day after it showed up. I will post pictures as soon as I get a chance to work on it, though!
 
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