Updating the tool arsenal... Flex 3403 vs. Metabo PE12-175

C. Charles Hahn

C. Charles Hahn

CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
Well, the time has come for me to update my tools for the upcoming detailing season. Years of customer details are starting to take their toll on my PC, so it's getting retired to "emergency backup only" duty. This way I don't wear it out completely, and I still have it available if I absolutely have to have it.

I've already concluded that I'm going to get a Flex XC3401 DA to replace it for the vast majority of the jobs I do, however I've also decided it's time to upgrade my rotary from the HF/CE unit I've been using. That's where this thread comes in.

The two machines I've narrowed it down to are the Flex 3403 VRG (the lighter of their two rotary offerings), and the Metabo PE12-175. I can't decide between the two, so I'm hoping some folks here have experience with one or both and can steer me in the right direction.

I know the Metabo is more PC-like in its controls (location of the switch and speed control), and has a lower starting RPM than the Flex. However, it doesn't have a trigger like the Flex does for feathering in panel edges or curved panels. Plus since I'll be getting used to the Flex DA, the Flex rotary will be set up basically the same in terms of how it is controlled.

Given that I'll have the Flex DA, I'm not so sure I care about the lack of lower speeds on a rotary -- by the time the rotary makes its appearance I'll have already maxed out the DA and likely won't be using the rotary at low speeds anyway. Maybe someone out there with a bit of experience with the machines would suggest differently, though.

Any thoughts, folks? Thanks in advance! :hmmm:
 
OK anybody gonna offer some thoughts? :(

I'm not familiar with either machine so I'm out. Sounds like the Makita would be a consideration though. Have you ruled it out?
 
Rotaries are out of my realm, but keeping happy is right up my alley. :)

It sounds like the "feathering" capability of the Flex rotary is of more value than the lower starting speed of the Metabo.
Add to that, the fact that the similarity in the two Flex machines seems to be of some interest, I think I would go with the Flex pair.

My friend that had the body shop had two Flex rotaries for over 20 years. He had no problem with them and only had to replace motor brushes occasionally. He actually ended up wearing the motor armatures out.
FWIW, After he sold the shop, he purchased a Mikita for his hobby work. Partly because of the local distributor giving him such excellent service. Partly because of price. Partly because of features.
 
Troy@DetailCity said:
OK anybody gonna offer some thoughts? :(

I'm not familiar with either machine so I'm out. Sounds like the Makita would be a consideration though. Have you ruled it out?
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I did consider the Makita, and for the longest time that is what I was planning on getting when the time came. That said, however, I find myself doing a lot of work on larger trucks and SUVs, or vehicles with defects in "hard to reach" areas.

The cheapo rotary I've been using (which is a Makita clone) sometimes has a hard time getting into tight spots, and can be quite bulky/heavy after working on something like a crew cab pickup or a suburban. I figured the lighter weight/smaller footprint of the Metabo/Flex would provide a better solution in those scenarios.

CharlesW said:
Rotaries are out of my realm, but keeping happy is right up my alley. :)

It sounds like the "feathering" capability of the Flex rotary is of more value than the lower starting speed of the Metabo.
Add to that, the fact that the similarity in the two Flex machines seems to be of some interest, I think I would go with the Flex pair.

My friend that had the body shop had two Flex rotaries for over 20 years. He had no problem with them and only had to replace motor brushes occasionally. He actually ended up wearing the motor armatures out.
FWIW, After he sold the shop, he purchased a Mikita for his hobby work. Partly because of the local distributor giving him such excellent service. Partly because of price. Partly because of features.
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I agree... that's kind of where I was leaning already (probably a bit obvious from my previous post). Plus, seeing as how Autogeek has the Flex in stock and the Metabo on backorder, that's another factor to consider.

The main reason I'm giving the Metabo a second look is that it's been around here in NA longer than the Flex and seems to always get rave reviews from people who own them. I'm hoping to hear some of the same from owners of the Flex.

:thanks
 
The only thing i have seen mentioned about the Flex is the motor overheating from doing large size jobs,Boats ,large trucks .The backing plate over heats but to correct this problem you remove the BP and use house hold oil (3 in 1) to lube the felt between the Bp and the machine.I have a Makita and thats what i've been learning with also have a PC were there isn't really much of a learning cruve .I also was looking at a flex to add to what i have .Haven't ruled it out waiting for Df this weekend so i can see it in action
 
I don't have any experience with the Metabo, but have heard plenty of people complain about it overheating, going into thermal protection and shutting down when doing serious work. I personally use and love the Makita. I know you said that it wouldn't work for you though. I wasn't overly impressed with the Flex 3403. Something about their speed control is weird. It seems to "hunt" too much for me. Others don't seem to notice. Since you are buying the Flex DA, I would just purchase the Flex rotary as well.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
I know the Metabo is more PC-like in its controls (location of the switch and speed control), and has a lower starting RPM than the Flex. However, it doesn't have a trigger like the Flex does for feathering in panel edges or curved panels. Plus since I'll be getting used to the Flex DA, the Flex rotary will be set up basically the same in terms of how it is controlled.

:
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This is the problem that I have with the Metabo.I don't like the controls and I never feel like I have a good grip on the Metabo. I am thinking about buying the Flex rotary also.
 
vwgtivw said:
This is the problem that I have with the Metabo.I don't like the controls and I never feel like I have a good grip on the Metabo. I am thinking about buying the Flex rotary also.
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I never used the flex tools yet but from what i'e seen on you tube and chat .The makita is alot quieter also
 
Hmm.... thanks for the input, guys! Sounds like there are some pros/cons to each that I'll have to consider. I'd totally forgotten about the DF event; hopefully after folks see the products in action there some more opinions will be formed. :howdy
 
I would go for the Flex.The BP problem was only on the DA, but mine has experienced no problems. The quality of the flex tools is great. They just feel good in your hands.:love:
 
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