Looking at getting first buffer, and could use some purchasing advice...

Time 2 Shine said:
Your right. My apology's to the BMW community.:tongue2:
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lol - Well, on behalf of the Bimmer community your apology is certainly accepted. I wouldn't presume to speak for the Beemer folks, though. :biggrin1:



As to the color, it's just silver. Doesn't show the minor flaws, but also doesn't fully reward hours spent cleaning it up.
 
So one other question... Now that I've said how much I don't want to spend, after almost settling myself on getting the Griot's, I was reading up on these things a little more and saw some comments that the Flex polishers have a longer throw, but also run smoother than most of the other DAs. I hate to get into a $300-400 purchase here, but would entertain it if the flex will be easier on my tennis elbow. Anyone have experience with both who could comment on how much of a difference there is?
 
06bmw3 said:
So one other question... Now that I've said how much I don't want to spend, after almost settling myself on getting the Griot's, I was reading up on these things a little more and saw some comments that the Flex polishers have a longer throw, but also run smoother than most of the other DAs. I hate to get into a $300-400 purchase here, but would entertain it if the flex will be easier on my tennis elbow. Anyone have experience with both who could comment on how much of a difference there is?
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Ultimately between the Griot's DA and the Flex DA, you're comparing apples to oranges. The Flex is a forced rotation polisher, requiring the use of specific gear-driven backing plates which to some extent limit how well the machine can get into tight spots/etc. depending on how you'll be using it or what you need to polish. The Griot's DA can use a multitude of different backing plates and smaller spot pads, and is easier to maneuver into small areas when needed.



At the end of the day it comes down to more what you'll be doing with it than anything, but for maximum versatility if all you are going to have is one single machine, for me it would have to be the Griot's over the Flex.
 
RZJZA80 said:
Just go with the Griot's 6" with the 25' cord.
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Yeah. I have both that and the Flex 3401 and I'd say get the Griot's.



As for the Flex being "smoother", uhm...no. Due to its forced rotation, the Flex 3401 has a definite "recoil" that some people find really bothersome (I don't). Unless you *need* the added power of the Flex, I can't think of any reason to buy it over the Griot's, and I *can* think of numerous reasons to buy the Griot's instead.
 
RZJZA80 said:
Just go with the Griot's 6" with the 25' cord.
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The Griots with the 10' cord has a stiff plastic coated cord--my only complaint with the GG6. I just bought a 2 way, 16 guage (recommended by Griots) extension cord at HD for $7.00. I don't see any reason to spend the extra money on the 25' cord model unless the cord is made differently and more flexible.
 
I have both machines also, the flex 3401 and Griots. Charles Hahn and Accumulator pretty much sum it up. This is why I had asked earlier your budget and plans for the machine as the flex cost much more. I like using both machine's and each has there advantages and disadvantages. If i was in your situation Id go Griots, but if you own an extension cord (and im sure you do) the extra cost of the longer cord would be a waste IMO.
 
pwaug said:
The Griots with the 10' cord has a stiff plastic coated cord--my only complaint with the GG6. I just bought a 2 way, 16 guage (recommended by Griots) extension cord at HD for $7.00. I don't see any reason to spend the extra money on the 25' cord model unless the cord is made differently and more flexible.
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I got the longer cord even though I have a *scad* of extension cords and outlets ever few feet along the shop walls. I found the longer cord handier than I'd expected it to be, and it seems plenty flexible (much more so that the ones on my Cyclos, for instance).



Some people have disliked something about how it coils up or something like that (forget the details) but I can't say it's ever been a big issue for me and I'm glad I spent the little bit extra for the longer cord.
 
Thanks for all the help! I'll go ahead and order the GG6 once I settle on a specific bundle or set of products to go with it. I started looking into 5" backing plates and pad choices, and it looks like there's a bit to learn about those too.
 
06bmw3 said:
Thanks for all the help! I'll go ahead and order the GG6 once I settle on a specific bundle or set of products to go with it. I started looking into 5" backing plates and pad choices, and it looks like there's a bit to learn about those too.
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Keep it simple--if you're going to start with foam -- 5" backing plate-5.5" FLAT pads--4 yellow or orange, 4 green, 2 black or red (for LSP application) Buff & Shine, 3D and Detailers Domian are all the same pad with the recessed velcro which helps around protruding objects like mirrors. You might want to also pick up a 3.5" backing plate and 4" pads for use in tight and small areas. I wouldn't get a package that includes anything other than the backing plate, polisher and pads -- you won't be buying anything you don't need and then you can pick the compound and polish of your choice. 3D UNO and Polish are very beginner friendly and do a nice job.
 
Accumulator said:
I'd sure rather use MF cutting disks than most "Yellow cutting pads". More effective and a nicer finish.
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I have no experience with MF pads so didn't recommend them, but I've had great success with the B&S yellow with both UNO and HD Polish. However, I must admit all three cars were not in bad shape. Thought that from a beginners perspective to start with foam then move on the MF at some point just to keep it simple.
 
Another vote for a griots da. Works great plenty of power and lifetime warranty. Love mine and I also own a pc (original) and a flex. Love the gg.
 
Glad to hear it, JSFM35X. I actually just placed the order for the GG6 this afternoon. I do have to confess that I had a brief relapse with regard to the Flex, but I just couldn't justify the higher cost without clear benefit at the moment, even if it does sound like a really nice tool.







I'll have to take a look at what pads are available. I had come across talk of the MF ones elsewhere and they sounded good, so I might start there, but I haven't really checked around on those enough yet.



As far as backing plates go, I noticed a few listed as "flexible". My E90 3-series is from the Bangle era and has some concave surfaces that I want to make sure I can get into properly. Are the flexible backing plates a good idea in general, or do they tend to compromise the effectiveness of the polisher in exchange for that flexibility?
 
06bmw3 said:
As far as backing plates go, I noticed a few listed as "flexible". My E90 3-series is from the Bangle era and has some concave surfaces that I want to make sure I can get into properly. Are the flexible backing plates a good idea in general, or do they tend to compromise the effectiveness of the polisher in exchange for that flexibility?
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I generally like plates called "flexible" but I'll keep that in scare-quotes because none of mine ever really flex enough do behave the way one might expect on contours. So I'd get the Flex plates, but I wouldn't expect it to be anything you'll actually notice when using them.
 
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