PC vs Flex 3401 for Beginner?

C

chris719

New member
I've been looking around for a polisher and I've pretty much narrowed it down to the PC and the Flex 3401VRG. I like what I read about the Flex, but considering I haven't ever used a RO/DA polisher before, I'm a bit concerned about its power.



If it is safe enough, I'll probably go that route, as it seems the Flex will do the job in much less time with possibly a better result. I've read a number of positive threads on the Flex, but they are mostly people with previous experience with a PC/UDM.



So, with that said, do you all think the Flex is easy enough to use for a first-timer? I'd only be doing a few cars a year, so the extra time needed by the PC is not a huge problem, I'm mainly interested in the Flex because of the possibility for better quality results with polishes designed for rotary use.



Thanks!

Chris
 
I agree that the Flex is superior. It is more capable as a correction tool, which will matter after you have a little experience. However, even at the first use, it is a more friendly machine. The handle is actually useful, and not just a vibe extender. Speaking of vibrations, your hand will go numb and itchy from the vibrations after a panel or two at top speed with the PC/UDM. That doesn't happen with the Flex. I started with a UDM, and was immediately turned off by the vibrations and inability to correct tougher paint (don't touch Mercedes, Audi paint with a UDM and standard 6.5" pads... it will take painful hours just to get a couple panels done).





The PC/UDM beat the Flex in one beginner-relevant category: control. The Flex is a more powerful machine, and due to it's forced rotation, it will "walk" away a little like a rotary (so I've heard... I have yet to use a rotary). This can make it a bit of a challenge at higher speeds, but I think it keeps you on your feet, and is definitely manageable. Like i said, it keeps you alert and that is good because you learn to respect the machine and what it is capable of.
 
My vote goes for the Flex.



The Porter Cable is only a better machine if used to apply glazes, sealants and wax's. Its not that great at paint correction as its not powerful enough.



The Flex is great because its easily powerful enough to remove moderate swirls and finish perfectly. A rotary is often a big step up in cutting power which isn't really useful as i've never had a car that a Flex couldn't fix up in a single pass.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go with the Flex I think. Quick question though, is it suitable for applying glazes or sealants on a very low speed with something like a red/blue pad?
 
chris719 said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go with the Flex I think. Quick question though, is it suitable for applying glazes or sealants on a very low speed with something like a red/blue pad?
Click to expand...



Yes it can but i still do glazes and or wax or sealents by hand.
 
Yup, after using a Flex I don't even want to touch my UDM (although it's a perfectly capable wax/glaze applier). If I wasn't going to college in 3 weeks (leaving my car with my sister) I would definitely pick one up. But I can't justify it for one or two uses, and then a couple sporadic opportunities per year... this isn't going to be easy. =/ I'll need to find a new Outlet for my detailing obsession...
 
The Flex is a great tool and beats the PC when it comes to correction. The support on Flex by Powerhouse is also EXCELLENT. And remember to lube the felt ring if you do get one (search for that if needed).



However I'd consider having both tools to accomplish the tasks you may come across. The Flex can be a bit tight to get into some areas whereas a PC with a 4" pad is perfect. The Flex is also not a friendly machine when you need to “reach� to access the area you are working on as it can't really be one handed (comfortably or confidently IMO). The Flex is also not the machine that I like to use to apply LSP's or glazes. I feel it takes too long as you can't really speed across the sections like you can with a PC. This is due to its size and its forced rotation that makes you respect the machine and hold it correctly.



I just had to give you another side of the coin so you can't say that you weren't informed. ;)



My suggestion would be to get the Flex and find a used PC.
 
^^^ not to mention you can use the PC for carpets (with the brush attachments of course). i wouldn't get rid of my PC and it may come in handy one day when you want to teach someone else hands-on about machine polishing...
 
BigAl3 said:
^^^ not to mention you can use the PC for carpets (with the brush attachments of course). i wouldn't get rid of my PC and it may come in handy one day when you want to teach someone else hands-on about machine polishing...
Click to expand...

Ah yes another plus for the PC. I may be one of the few to think this way but I don't believe that the Flex is a superior machine to the PC. As said earlier, correction wise yes, but the PC has many different uses.



You also named another one that I used the PC for a couple of weeks ago, a hands on session. Now my buddy wants a PC to keep up his wife's new car :D
 
bah! all these great things being said about the flex is making me regret my PC purchase! :bawling:
 
SGM said:
bah! all these great things being said about the flex is making me regret my PC purchase! :bawling:
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don't regret puchasing your PC, it's one tool (has several purposes) that should be in every detailing arsenal IMO. get the Flex next someday... :hifive:
 
Sorry, I'm a bit naive. Is Flex more superior to PC b/c it has faster speed? So, faster speed means more correction? So by reducing the speed of a Flex to somewhere like a PC and will it be safe like a PC? I'm really confused as I've never ever seen a DA Polisher in real life and have never seen using it. I've 3 cars, one SUV with quite good paint condition, 2 white sedans (one with moderate swirls and scratches and the other one with not bad condition). So, after reading threads, I think I want the power of Flex but I still want a tamed and mild one like PC. So, If low-speed of Flex is like PC, why would I buy a PC then?

Please, help again, bros.
 
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