Cyclo VS PC??
- Thread starter mesoam
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Accumulator
Well-known member
If the inherent limitations of the Cyclo don't bother you, then I can't imagine getting the PC instead. I have two of each and the Cyclo is my hands-down favorite, it's not even *close*.
The limitations of the Cyclo are: a) the pads/head design just don't accommodate certain panel contours (the hood my my XJS is a perfect example...just doesn't fit well) and b) the Cyclo's fixed speed isn't right for a small number of products, including Klasse AIO.
Other than those two potential issues, the Cyclo is, *IMO*, simply an utterly superior tool for polishing and waxing vehicles. I, and others, actually find it *enjoyable* to use, and polishing cars isn't my idea of fun
Using the PC, on the other hand, is simply a chore, not something to be enjoyed, just something to get over with.
The limitations of the Cyclo are: a) the pads/head design just don't accommodate certain panel contours (the hood my my XJS is a perfect example...just doesn't fit well) and b) the Cyclo's fixed speed isn't right for a small number of products, including Klasse AIO.
Other than those two potential issues, the Cyclo is, *IMO*, simply an utterly superior tool for polishing and waxing vehicles. I, and others, actually find it *enjoyable* to use, and polishing cars isn't my idea of fun
Using the PC, on the other hand, is simply a chore, not something to be enjoyed, just something to get over with.imported_02ZTSfocus
New member
Accumulator said:I, and others, actually find it *enjoyable* to use, and polishing cars isn't my idea of fun
What aspects of the cyclo make you say that?
Ive never used (or even seen) a cyclo in person, but I use my PC quite a bit and find that it is a chore. I was looking into a rotary in hopes that it wouldn't be so much work like it is with the PC, but as everyone knows there are A LOT more risks involved with rotary vs PC\cyclo.
I guess what I am asking is what makes the cyclo easier to use while still being more aggressive than a PC?
gben said:
I have not met many, if any, that could leave a perfect final finish with a rotary. Most people go over the paint with a PC or Cyclo after the rotary. The Cyclo is in the middle of the PC and rotar,y I feel, but it won't leave behind any swirls/hazing and won't take forever to master like a rotary does.
As far as the difference between the finish. I have gotten awesome results with both the PC and the Cyclo. However I get the results faster and easier with the Cyclo and it is more of a pleasure to use. Sure, you might ba able to accomplish the same with both machines but, to me, I would rather pay more and have a better machine in my hands that not only saves me time but is more confortable to use.
Accumulator
Well-known member
gben said:
I've heard, but *can't confirm from first-hand experience* that the Cyclo is less likely to cause micromarring from the initial bite of certain abrasives, such as the Menzerna/BlackFire polishes for scratch-resistant clears. This usually isn't an issue anyhow, but IMO it's worth noting.
Other than that, both machines are pretty mild compared to a rotary so if you're using the right product both oughta do *about* the same job. It's just that the Cyclo doesn't bog down when you apply some pressure and it somehow does behave more aggressively (but it's still safe).
02ZTSfocus- Let's see if I can describe it, this isn't the easiest thing for me to verbalize.
For one thing, I just like using "quality equipment", in any context. I really appreciate something, *anything*, that impresses me as being "good stuff". The Cyclo just "feels right", substantial...well designed. Like the guys who designed it were planning on using it themselves for hours and hours of polishing (which *is* the case
). The Cyclo was first developed for polishing aluminum stuff like airplanes and travel trailors...big "vehicles" that took a while to do. It's not like Porter Cable expected people to take their sander and polish cars with it for hours on end (though they don't mind selling them for that now that so many people do that with 'em ) so it wasn't designed specifically for polishing vehicles, and that matters.Besides sorta-intangible stuff like that, the Cyclo doesn't vibrate the way a PC does and even though it weighs more, it's (*IMO*) much easier to handle. It feels more comfortable in my hands too and it's nicely balanced.
You know how after the first hour or so the PC just feels like a pain, to where you're really looking forward to getting the job behind you? With the Cyclo I don't think you'll feel the same way, at least not as quickly.
I use my Cyclo for correction, and PC for applying waxes and sealants. The Cyclo is noticably more aggressive on harder paints than the PC, plus like the others have noted, it doesn't bog down nearly as easily as the PC does.
A solution to the problem Accumulator noted, that the Cyclo can be tough to use on certain contours, can be solved by using the much thicker Propel 4" pads. The added thickness is better able to follow the contours than the thinner Cyclo brand pads.
I haven't used AIO with the Cyclo but Werksatt's Prime works great with it.
A solution to the problem Accumulator noted, that the Cyclo can be tough to use on certain contours, can be solved by using the much thicker Propel 4" pads. The added thickness is better able to follow the contours than the thinner Cyclo brand pads.
I haven't used AIO with the Cyclo but Werksatt's Prime works great with it.
RTexasF
Pay Attention Boy...
Although I'm not as experienced with the Cyclo as most here are, I must say I wish that I had purchased it first instead of the PC. I was advised to do so by a seasoned detailer but of course I knew best ( I was a total newbie and afraid of all this new machinery!) and bought the PC initially. My error in the learning process. The Cyclo is a better tool in almost all respects.
From Scottwax:
A solution to the problem Accumulator noted, that the Cyclo can be tough to use on certain contours, can be solved by using the much thicker Propel 4" pads. The added thickness is better able to follow the contours than the thinner Cyclo brand pads.
Thank you Sir, a very good tip :wavey
From Scottwax:
A solution to the problem Accumulator noted, that the Cyclo can be tough to use on certain contours, can be solved by using the much thicker Propel 4" pads. The added thickness is better able to follow the contours than the thinner Cyclo brand pads.
Thank you Sir, a very good tip :wavey
superstring
New member
This is going to sound like something that's been already answered, but the thing that's always kept me away from thinking about acquiring a Cyclo is it "looks" like a bulky piece of equipment, whereas the PC (which I own) is, by comparison, compact, ie easier to maneuver.
But, as I mentioned, this probably is an illusion, based on the above comments. Right, guys?
But, as I mentioned, this probably is an illusion, based on the above comments. Right, guys?
LucasZCPM3
New member
I really hate reading threads like this because the cyclo sounds like something I would really like. The problem is I do just fine with the PC I have now, and it’s no to often that I do any serious compounding either. As a weekend autopian looking after the family’s cars, money could be better spent elsewhere. But, I always have the desire to have something better..
imported_02ZTSfocus
New member
lucaszcpm3 said:
I agree!!
I mean I love soaking up all kinds of new info, but now I'm considering using the money I have saved up for a color-matched SVTF front bumper on a cyclo
Accumulator
Well-known member
Scottwax said:
Yeah, good tip, that oughta work in almost every case :xyxthumbs Too bad I can't do that on the Jag as the pressure of required to compress the pads (so they get into the specific contours in question) is more than I can apply to the now-thin paint
But everybody should note that my XJS is a very weird, specific situation, just an OK example of the potential issue and not something for others to worry about. I can't even use the PC on this particular area any more.Heh heh, *someday* somebody'll do the hood of an XJS with a Cyclo and see exactly what I mean
Some stuff just screams "do me by hand", much as I hate to admit it, and the hood and some other areas of that car are like that.superstring said:
While the Cyclo *is* physically more bulky than the PC, it's still, *IMO* much more ergonomic and thus easier to handle. I find it much easier to operate the Cyclo one-handed, for instance, than the PC.
My father was in his early 80s before he decided to lend a hand when I was using these machines on his cars. He found the Cyclo *much* more pleasant to use than the PC, which I think surprised him because he'd always commented on the Cyclo looking like a "real piece of equipment". From teenagers to my dad, only one person I know has preferred the PC, the vast majority have preferred the Cyclo. With both to choose from, they always reach for the Cyclo once they've given both a test drive. It seems like people often prefer the PC until they get a few hours of experience with both, then they prefer the Cyclo. IMO this is because of their preconceived notions about which one *appears* to be the easier tool to use- the real proof is in the using, especially using for extended periods.
superstring said:
I have Cyclo and while it is bulky it handles easily, it wasn't feeling heavy in hand nor hard on body. Problem that I have experienced with it is maneuvering in some areas. It also could be that it was due to my gross lack of any experience. Now that I have both Cyclo and PC (G100) and that I am getting armed with little bit more knowledge I will be in much better position to form better opinion.
Here is a question for you though: Are you not satisfied with results you are getting with PC?