Review: Griots Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Great review! VERY IN DEPTH! Now I'm just deliberating to wait for the new rupes or pick one of these up. I'm just going to buy them all!

In all seriousness...

Last time I checked most pro’s are charging more then enough for one detail to easily pay for machine and pad set ups. 2+ steppers with a coating and you can ever get two machines. I do this on the side now (I was pro but got a great job offer an couldn’t pass it up). Now I back roll my clients to weekends only. I literally work to buy new equipment/garage toys! I bought a 220 converter just so I can run my UK toys.

Also, I will detail for polishers... don't tell my clients!
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Thanks to the OP for taking the time to do a thorough review.

Sharing my thoughts after having used both polishers (Rupes 21 and Boss 21)

Bought a Rupes 21 like everyone else a couple years ago. After a few months I started to have an issue with the speed control. As in, the speed would sometimes fluctuate a bit on its own without any user input or change in pressure. This progressively got worse and worse until I had no control over the speed. The machine did whatever it wanted.

Just so happened to be beyond the 1 yr warranty at that point. Had the Rupes sent in for repair. There is only 1 place that services rupes tools in the US. This cost me 8 weeks without the tool, $150 in repair (new gear set), and a number of phone calls. Worked well for about 2 months. Started to fluctuate speed again. Long and short, it again does whatever it wants. I have basically no control over the speed of the tool.

Around the same time the Rupes was again giving me trouble, Griots released the Boss polisher. Even sent a direct mailer to my business with a nice brochure. Let me say that I love my GG6. Yes it craps out every 8 months or so. BUT there is a no questions asked lifetime warranty on the GG6. I've gone through the process a few times with no trouble and quick turnaround. You send them a broken polisher, they send a brand new one. Simple. This is quite the contrary to rupes with their 1 yr warranty and lackluster repair service. Lifetime warranty on the Boss in case you werent' sure.

I ordered the Boss direct from Griots in the event I do have a warranty issue down the line. Been only using the tool for a month now but I'm pretty happy with it for many of the reasons outlined by the OP

One thing I don't like and I didn't see mentioned was the heat issue. The body of the Boss polishers builds more heat than the rupes. Its tolerable though. But worth noting

Also worth noting - never had any issues with my PC7424xp, or my Flex 3401 or Flex PE. So the most expensive tool in the room (Rupes 21) has given me the most trouble and cost me out of pocket to repair once already. I was happy to push it aside for a better solution and glad I waited for the Boss

/rant
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

I'm used to heat. I got a flex :D
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Gurge said:
Thanks to the OP for taking the time to do a thorough review.

Sharing my thoughts after having used both polishers (Rupes 21 and Boss 21)

Bought a Rupes 21 like everyone else a couple years ago. After a few months I started to have an issue with the speed control. As in, the speed would sometimes fluctuate a bit on its own without any user input or change in pressure. This progressively got worse and worse until I had no control over the speed. The machine did whatever it wanted.

Just so happened to be beyond the 1 yr warranty at that point. Had the Rupes sent in for repair. There is only 1 place that services rupes tools in the US. This cost me 8 weeks without the tool, $150 in repair (new gear set), and a number of phone calls. Worked well for about 2 months. Started to fluctuate speed again. Long and short, it again does whatever it wants. I have basically no control over the speed of the tool.

Around the same time the Rupes was again giving me trouble, Griots released the Boss polisher. Even sent a direct mailer to my business with a nice brochure. Let me say that I love my GG6. Yes it craps out every 8 months or so. BUT there is a no questions asked lifetime warranty on the GG6. I've gone through the process a few times with no trouble and quick turnaround. You send them a broken polisher, they send a brand new one. Simple. This is quite the contrary to rupes with their 1 yr warranty and lackluster repair service. Lifetime warranty on the Boss in case you werent' sure.

I ordered the Boss direct from Griots in the event I do have a warranty issue down the line. Been only using the tool for a month now but I'm pretty happy with it for many of the reasons outlined by the OP

One thing I don't like and I didn't see mentioned was the heat issue. The body of the Boss polishers builds more heat than the rupes. Its tolerable though. But worth noting

Also worth noting - never had any issues with my PC7424xp, or my Flex 3401 or Flex PE. So the most expensive tool in the room (Rupes 21) has given me the most trouble and cost me out of pocket to repair once already. I was happy to push it aside for a better solution and glad I waited for the Boss

/rant
Click to expand...

Ish, that was my biggest worry. The rupes delaminates and distorts pads already. I was hoping they improved the cooling. Also note I don't think the new GG Boss comes with a life warranty. I really hope it does though, if so I will be buying it regardless.

Personally the only brands I could see never having problems are flex an metabo, possibly bosch or festool but even then. My buddy has a rotex that he loans me sanding jobs. I have never seen better build quality in machines past those two companies.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

The Driver said:
Ish, that was my biggest worry. The rupes delaminates and distorts pads already. I was hoping they improved the cooling. Also note I don't think the new GG Boss comes with a life warranty. I really hope it does though, if so I will be buying it regardless.

Personally the only brands I could see never having problems are flex an metabo, possibly bosch or festool but even then. My buddy has a rotex that he loans me sanding jobs. I have never seen better build quality in machines past those two companies.
Click to expand...

It does :) It has the same warranty as our 6" has just with the added 2-year warranty which includes normal wear and tear (even if its used daily by a professional).
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Bad ass review. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Gurge said:
Thanks to the OP for taking the time to do a thorough review.

Sharing my thoughts after having used both polishers (Rupes 21 and Boss 21)

Bought a Rupes 21 like everyone else a couple years ago. After a few months I started to have an issue with the speed control. As in, the speed would sometimes fluctuate a bit on its own without any user input or change in pressure. This progressively got worse and worse until I had no control over the speed. The machine did whatever it wanted.

Just so happened to be beyond the 1 yr warranty at that point. Had the Rupes sent in for repair. There is only 1 place that services rupes tools in the US. This cost me 8 weeks without the tool, $150 in repair (new gear set), and a number of phone calls. Worked well for about 2 months. Started to fluctuate speed again. Long and short, it again does whatever it wants. I have basically no control over the speed of the tool.

Around the same time the Rupes was again giving me trouble, Griots released the Boss polisher. Even sent a direct mailer to my business with a nice brochure. Let me say that I love my GG6. Yes it craps out every 8 months or so. BUT there is a no questions asked lifetime warranty on the GG6. I've gone through the process a few times with no trouble and quick turnaround. You send them a broken polisher, they send a brand new one. Simple. This is quite the contrary to rupes with their 1 yr warranty and lackluster repair service. Lifetime warranty on the Boss in case you werent' sure.

I ordered the Boss direct from Griots in the event I do have a warranty issue down the line. Been only using the tool for a month now but I'm pretty happy with it for many of the reasons outlined by the OP

One thing I don't like and I didn't see mentioned was the heat issue. The body of the Boss polishers builds more heat than the rupes. Its tolerable though. But worth noting

Also worth noting - never had any issues with my PC7424xp, or my Flex 3401 or Flex PE. So the most expensive tool in the room (Rupes 21) has given me the most trouble and cost me out of pocket to repair once already. I was happy to push it aside for a better solution and glad I waited for the Boss

/rant
Click to expand...

Hey Bryan. A few other guys have messaged me about the heat too. No doubt it runs warmer than the Rupes, likely from the larger motor, but it's still well below the temps you'll see from some other tools and has never been uncomfortable for me. On a hot day I was seeing temps around 120 degrees with my Flex PE14 and on the same car/paint my G21 was maxing at 102.

This thermal was taken near the end of a testing season at the Groit's facility after running at speed 6 for 36hrs straight. ;)

 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

I really don't care if Griot copied the Rupes...the only thing that matters to me is that they improved it. What bothers me is that they also took Kevin Brown's washer mod idea. Now if they are paying KB a royalty that would be cool of Griot.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Rsurfer said:
I really don't care if Griot copied the Rupes...the only thing that matters to me is that they improved it. What bothers me is that they also took Kevin Brown's washer mod idea. Now if they are paying KB a royalty that would be cool of Griot.
Click to expand...

I actually suggested the gap be fixed into the design rather then needed a washer at all, but being this tool targets both consumers and pros they didn't want that. I also suggested it be called the KBM washer. I did give credit to the man in my video review. ;)
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

RaskyR1 said:
I actually suggested the gap be fixed into the design rather then needed a washer at all, but being this tool targets both consumers and pros they didn't want that. I also suggested it be called the KBM washer. I did give credit to the man in my video review. ;)
Click to expand...

I'm waiting for our GG21 to come in, but I've read that the washer in the kit is too thin. Will the Griot take an 8mm metric washer?
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Rsurfer said:
I'm waiting for our GG21 to come in, but I've read that the washer in the kit is too thin. Will the Griot take an 8mm metric washer?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think there is some slight variation in shroud gap between tools. A few users have said the washer is too thin and other said it was fine. My tools never came with washers so I just made my own and took one from my Rupes LHR15 machine. I don't know the actual size though, sorry. I'd say wait and see when you get your tool and go from there.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

I'm surprised at the negativity by some.

Simple - They built a better mouse trap !!!

You see it every day in life, from stores to cars...........

You didn't invent detailing, you try to do it better. It would be like comparing the swirl-o-matic 79.95 detail to what most autopians do.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Ronkh said:
I'm surprised at the negativity by some.

Simple - They built a better mouse trap !!!

You see it every day in life, from stores to cars...........

You didn't invent detailing, you try to do it better. It would be like comparing the swirl-o-matic 79.95 detail to what most autopians do.
Click to expand...
Isn't this why we have patent laws? But it doesn't apply to the Chinese.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

RaskyR1 said:
Yeah, I think there is some slight variation in shroud gap between tools. A few users have said the washer is too thin and other said it was fine. My tools never came with washers so I just made my own and took one from my Rupes LHR15 machine. I don't know the actual size though, sorry. I'd say wait and see when you get your tool and go from there.
Click to expand...

The washer on my G15 is just fine--full free spin once installed.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Rsurfer said:
They would go after the distributor or retailer, but not the manufacture (China).
Click to expand...

yep

but essentially with no buyer "distributer/retailer", no end market. manufacturer dies
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

Ronkh said:
yep

but essentially with no buyer "distributer/retailer", no end market. manufacturer dies
Click to expand...

True, but by the time the FTC get to them, profits have been made.
 
Re: Review: Griot's Garage Boss 21 Long Throw Polisher - Comparison To Rupes 21ES

I don't have a dog in this fight.

I just wanted to say that this product should be judged on it's merits. Not where people think they know where it got it's idea from.

And from what I read from imho pretty trusted sources, they built a better mouse trap
 
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