Flex vs Rupes?
- Thread starter boostedmoose003
- Start date
Wors
New member
It has been mentioned on other forums. Call Kevin Brown for details. There is mention of a repair facility in the US very soon.
Reality33
New member
The RUPES is a fantastic tool. Since owning the LHR15, I have shelved my 3401, PE14 and all other tools.
It really allows you to work faster, and with better correcting ability. The best thing I love about it? no more bloody fighting the polisher on lower panels. The machine is so balanced and without a forced rotation, it just glides over the surface. Not having to muscle pressure on it while correcting is another great feature of it.
I have been using Scholls and Menzerna polishes and it works great. However, I am in the process of sourcing the four polishes from RUPES to try as well as I have heard great things about them.
IMHO, it is a no brainer between the 3401 and the RUPES.
It really allows you to work faster, and with better correcting ability. The best thing I love about it? no more bloody fighting the polisher on lower panels. The machine is so balanced and without a forced rotation, it just glides over the surface. Not having to muscle pressure on it while correcting is another great feature of it.
I have been using Scholls and Menzerna polishes and it works great. However, I am in the process of sourcing the four polishes from RUPES to try as well as I have heard great things about them.
IMHO, it is a no brainer between the 3401 and the RUPES.
I have my own mental battle with this right now, except between the GG 6" and the Rupes. I thought I was a genious my selling off my Makita and consolidating down to the Griots, given how much you can do with it given the right pads and polish. 1, I miss the rotary a bit, just the feel and ergonomics. 2, I have some work coming up that the Griots flat out probably can't handle. Do I buy a new rotary and keep my griots? Or do I sell my basically new Griots and get the Rupes and have a fair compromise orbital power and rotary power.
I recognize that the Rupes is an orbital, just like my Griots, but I wonder if it can tackle what I need given its an oribital on roids. This would be some decent wetsanding for some key scratches on my fiance's hood. I've received great advice so far from a few detailers, but I still go back and forth.
I recognize that the Rupes is an orbital, just like my Griots, but I wonder if it can tackle what I need given its an oribital on roids. This would be some decent wetsanding for some key scratches on my fiance's hood. I've received great advice so far from a few detailers, but I still go back and forth.
RaskyR1
Rasky's Auto Detailing
I think there will always be a need for a rotary. Mine may not get used very often now but I would never want to be without them. The Rupes may be my go to tool now, but there are always going to be those times where the rotary is the better tool for the job, like removing sanding marks from the edge of panels and tight areas where the offset of a DA could cause damage to surrounding painted parts...
I know that may not answer your question but hopefully it helps.
Rasky, that definitely helps. I guess because I am a weekend warrior, when I sold my Makita I was going through a phase where I was questionning if I REALLY needed it and decided I didn't. Having been without it has made me appreciate how much I actually do need it even as a guy who details at that level pretty sparcely. You are definitely right on all points regarding the need for a rotary in situations where the DA just isnt right. Maybe its just excitement of the Rupes being a new and powerful tool that makes me consider getting that and going without a rotary.
Lou Bunn
New member
I too sold my Makita years ago, got a DeWalt though, old version, yeah its a tank but I love it. There's nothing better on boats or old single stage paint.
Troy@Protekt
a.k.a. Troy@DetailCity
I haven't tried the Rupes yet but I am surprised so many of the respected pros are choosing it over the FLEX.
On paper the Flex seems to have the advantage with the more powerful motor and the forced rotation. I am on the fence of replacing my FLEX that I used to have or going with the Rupes. Looks like I might have to make the trip over to Detail Fest to try one out.
It seems the Rupes does not need the power or forced rotation because of the large orbit. Kevin Brown has a detailed explanation on Buffdaddy and you can call him with questions.