Review: PC 7424 vs. PC 7424XP

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imported_Luster

New member
I just got my PC 7424XP and I wanted to do a comparison test for all who might be interested.

Size:

The XP is slightly larger, maybe 3/4" longer. Shaped a little different, more comfortable to hold.

Weight:

XP is probably 1/2 pound heavier, but not noticible when polishing.

Improvements:

The XP has an improved on/off switch. It is larger, red in color, has a more firm feel and is easy to locate.

The overall shape and ergonomics of the new machine are much better than the old one. Even though the XP is 1/2 pound heavier, it is more comfortable to use, just by the change in the shape... more "curvy". Fits in your hands better.

The speed switch is probably the best improvement. It is located on top, rather than on the end. Changing speeds on the fly is much easier and quicker.:D

Power:

7424 - 3.7 Amp Motor
7424XP - 4.5 Amp Motor

This is where the real difference is in the two machines. At lower speeds I couldn't feel or see any difference, but at 5-6, the machine clearly has more cutting power. Any deficiencies that the 7424 has for power, the XP makes up for it.

7424 - Speed 6 OPM - 6000
7424XP - Speed 6 OPM - 6800 (could have been 7000, but still good!)

Working Time:

I did half the hood of a Honda CRV with the 7424 and the other half with the XP. I used and Orange pad and M105 to cut swirls.

As expected, the 7424 took about 10 minutes to remove swirls on 1/2 the hood; the XP took about 8 minutes to do the same work. So about a 20% improvement in working time.

Vibration:

Although I could "feel" the difference in power and torque at speeds 5-6, there is not really any difference in the vibration at those speeds. I would put the vibration equal to the 7424.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VIBRATION, SEE POST 21 ON PAGE 3.

Overall Summary:

I am very impressed with the 7424XP. The working time and power are much improved. Not nearly the machine that the Flex is, of course, but for the weekend detailer, hobby detailer, or the professional who needs a PC for small touch up work, it is excellent.

I highly recommend this machine... I couldn't be more pleased!;)

Here are some pictires... As you can see, my old 7424 definitely has some miles on it!!!!:w00t:

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Hey Luster, thanks for the post. I am impressed by the amount of time and effort you put into each of your posts and responses.

I received a PC 7424 that is branded by another detailing company (not sure if we can reference competing sites, so I won't say where). It has a bale style handle and definitely feels different from the last PC I used. Does anyone know if it is fundamentally different? i.e. does the speed dial reference ranges differing from those discussed on this forum and on the PAC website? Please send me a private message to discuss if you have answers but can't mention the brand on the board.
 
Nevermind. I think they actually went away from re-branding the PC machine and now have their own, which is what I think I received. Hmmm, well, hopefully it holds up. Wasn't my choice...wanted the new Flex DA.
 
Thanks for the review Bill!

Mine is still sitting in the box since it arrived on Friday. I will break it out tomorrow when I do a one step on a dark gray Jetta.
 
Thanks for the info Bill, I was very curious about the new machine when I saw it.

I had an Ultimate Detailing Machine last year with a 4.2 amp motor, good machine, but like you say nothing like the Flex.

I love my new Flex, using it is Zen to me :notworthy: I use the 7" LC Kompressor pads on it and there is no slowing it down no matter how hard you press down.

With that being said the PC is a great machine and serves its purpose well, it sounds like the newer machine is improved over the old one for sure.
 
CamoZ71 said:
How old is your old PC?
Click to expand...

I was trying to remember when I bought it... I think it was about 4 years ago (2005). It's been a great and very dependable machine.

I'll use it as a backup and probably mount the 3.5" backing plate on it for the 4" pads. That way I don't have to switch back plates if I want to switch pad sizes.:D
 
Thank you for your review on both Porter Cables 7424's Bill. This should help some folks standing by the side line on which one to order.
 
gmblack3 said:
Thanks for the review Bill!

Mine is still sitting in the box since it arrived on Friday. I will break it out tomorrow when I do a one step on a dark gray Jetta.
Click to expand...

Bryan... be sure to post a review of your thoughts about the new machine, in this thread. We'll see if we are in agreement.:D
 
Luster said:
Bryan... be sure to post a review of your thoughts about the new machine, in this thread. We'll see if we are in agreement.:D
Click to expand...

Bill, I agree that its easier to hold the new XP when polishing, but IMO the new machine has more vibes at speed 6. That is the only speed I use.

I ended up using M86 for the first time as the one step polish and did not have time to do a a/b comparo between the two as far as corrections go.

BTW thanks to Todd for suggesting the M86, its a very nice polish that fills the gap between M105 and M205.
 
gmblack3 said:
Bill, I agree that its easier to hold the new XP when polishing, but IMO the new machine has more vibes at speed 6. That is the only speed I use.

.
Click to expand...

I didn't really notice a difference in the vibration.

What I really need to do is this... (on my "practice fender" in the garage)... Fire up both PC's at the same time and compare the vibration at speed 6.

I'll give that a try some time and post my findings.:wink:
 
Luster said:
I just got my PC 7424XP and I wanted to do a comparison test for all who might be interested.

Size:

The XP is slightly larger, maybe 3/4" longer. Shaped a little different, more comfortable to hold.

Weight:

XP is probably 1/2 pound heavier, but not noticible when polishing.

Improvements:

The XP has an improved on/off switch. It is larger, red in color, has a more firm feel and is easy to locate.

The overall shape and ergonomics of the new machine are much better than the old one. Even though the XP is 1/2 pound heavier, it is more comfortable to use, just by the change in the shape... more "curvy". Fits in your hands better.
Click to expand...
Thanks for taking the time to do this review.
Well done! :notworthy: :D
 
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