GG6 vs MT300: rethinking my choices..

S

SwedishRider

New member
I posted here earlier in the year about what machine to buy as my first DA polisher. The GG6 ended up being the consensus winner, as it really is a tough machine to beat at the price point it comes in at...

Having said that, I keep thinking about longer term use, and I did a little research to inventory of what's available locally to me (for quick access, as the Internet can get anything but takes time to be delivered). The local parts stores have no DA machines whatsoever, and no pads. Anything machine, backing plate, or pad related will have to be purchased online. However, the parts stores do carry quite a bit of Meguiar's stuff though (among other brands). And I've read that Meg's stuff is usually of high quality.

So I'm starting to wonder which way I'd be better off: buy a GG6 and piece together a bit of this and a bit of that for backing plates and pads, or would it make more sense to stick closer to what I know I can get locally, and stick with a matched set? The MT300 seems to be getting very good reviews, and is balanced for the Meg's 5" backing plate and 5" thin pads. I can locally get Meg's UC, UP, and UW as a matched three-part set at any time at the parts stores, as I can get their car washes, MF products, and other items. I could buy Meg's thin cutting, polishing, and finishing pads to match Meg's UC, UP, and UW products.

The price spread between the GG6 with a 10' cord and the MT300 is ~$75. That doesn't seem too large to not be able to justify (but in fairness is half the price of a GG6). And the MT300 can also take smaller backing plates and pads to make it a more versatile machine (though my understanding is that it would vibrate more as it's not as matched with the counterweight, and the GG6 can do the same).

I guess my question is rather open-ended, but I'm starting to lean toward the matched system of the MT300, but I'm also torn as well because I know how popular the GG6 is, and how good the warranty is on it. Any words of wisdom before I take the plunge? Thanks for your advice. :)
 
Anyone have any idea how the MT300 performs with non-Meguiar's backing plates and pads? I know many of you mix and match plates and pads on the GG6.. how would that performance compare against a mix and match on an MT300?
 
I have an MT300 and have used it on 4 cars. It gets the job done. I don't have a GG6 so I can't compare the two. I do use the Meguiar's thin pads. I have tried them with a lake country backing plate and the previous 5" backing plate that Meguiar's included in their microfiber kit. I have also used other polishes with their new thin pads and they work fine as well. I still have a couple Lake Country flat pads and Hydrotech pads and they work fine with the MT300.

I have a PC7424XP and the MT300 is a much smoother operating machine. It is also lighter than the PC. It does have a soft start feature. I have had no problems with the MT300. It's gotten the job done each time.
 
don't stress out and overthink this too much, both machines are very good. I'm a megs fan, but opted for the griot's mostly because of the warranty, which the company stands behind 100%. most da's have a 5/16 thread and backing plates are interchangeable. I think it's often a good idea to go with the backing plate of the pad manufacturer that you plan on using. I use a lot of lc pads and like their flexible backing plate. I can change out backing plate sizes without problems for different pad sizes. the more pads you have, the better, otherwise you'll be stopping more often to clean pads while you work and slowing progress down.
your choice of megs polishes and wax will work fine with whatever polisher you decide on. remember to have fun. :bigups

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher

Meguiars MT300 Dual Action Polisher
 
Swedish.....what would stop you from using the GG6, along with the Megs stuff? That's what I'm about to do tomorrow.

I've been using the PC with Megs W67DA backing plate. I recently used said combo with the Megs MF cut discs. Great results. I needed (wanted) a bit more, and had a GG6 lying around that I never used (bought as a package deal with the intent of selling the machine, but never did). Anyway, this morning I put the newer Megs 5" backing plate (the black one) to use with the Megs MF cut disc. And Megs D300 compound. I'll be putting that combo to work tomorrow.

So there you go. You don't need to match an ENTIRE system. One machine from one MFG and use it with "accessories" from another MFG. Nothing wrong with that.

I had a chance to use the MT300 at Meg's headquarters. I liked the weight and balance. It "felt" very light. But, I can't justify the cost just yet.

Like others have said...don't overthink this. Surely either machine will keep you happy, and will get the job done!

Polish on!

- Jesus
 
Yeah, I guess I am overthinking this... Either system would easily fit the bill for my skill level (complete beginner). Since I have access to a lot more Meguiar's products, and plan to use their polishes and waxes, I think I'll go with the MT300 with the matched Meg's 5" plate and Meg's 5" thin pads. I can always branch out from there if I want to experiment with other pads or polishes. But that way, I'll be learning on a complete system as Meguiar's intended, and as a newbie, it's probably best to start with a system like that rather than start experimenting before I've really learned the proper technique.

Thanks as always for everyone's input! :)
 
SwedishRider said:
Yeah, I guess I am overthinking this... Either system would easily fit the bill for my skill level (complete beginner). Since I have access to a lot more Meguiar's products, and plan to use their polishes and waxes, I think I'll go with the MT300 with the matched Meg's 5" plate and Meg's 5" thin pads. I can always branch out from there if I want to experiment with other pads or polishes. But that way, I'll be learning on a complete system as Meguiar's intended, and as a newbie, it's probably best to start with a system like that rather than start experimenting before I've really learned the proper technique.

Thanks as always for everyone's input! :)
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Sounds like a plan :)

We all start somewhere and with the products you have chosen you will be in good shape...

Enjoy and have fun..
 
I have a GG6 and have used the MT300 for several hours at Meg's open garage. The MT is smooth, but it felt much less capable than the GG. The MT300 was prone to bogging down on curved panels. I'm not a pro, but my technique doesn't suck either. Other people, some of whom do this for money had the same experience. When it first came out there was a video of it being used at SEMA I think, and some people on the other forum commented on it stalling even in the promo video. It will keep going without a problem when used on a flat panel, there's a video of it spinning with a ton of pressure on a flat shelf (maybe Art took it, I don't recall), but it doesn't have that kind of performance on curves when compared to the GG6. If I was starting over, it would still be the GG6 all the way. You can run 5" backplate and 5.5 pads, or 4" backplate with 4" pads, or 3" with 3" pads as well as the 6" it comes with.

I'm going to try the BOSS pads and polishes with it soon, its supposed to work great with those as well. I think its the most versatile tool out there, and the one to have if you only have one.
 
RMD said:
If I was starting over, it would still be the GG6 all the way. You can run 5" backplate and 5.5 pads, or 4" backplate with 4" pads, or 3" with 3" pads as well as the 6" it comes with.

I'm going to try the BOSS pads and polishes with it soon, its supposed to work great with those as well. I think its the most versatile tool out there, and the one to have if you only have one.
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Same here!!! And to top it off the GG6 has the lifetime warranty which IMO is important for the weekend detailer--imagine if 4 years down the road after only using your polisher a few times a year it has a problem--repair costs with the MT 300 but with the GG6 just a phone call and it's taken care of unless you abused it or made modifications.

As far as sticking with a system I see no advatage as different paints respond better to different polishes and pads so you usually won't stick with a system for all that long anyhow.
 
What is the official warranty for the MT300? I just scoured Meguiar's website, and I couldn't find it. That's strange for such a large, well-known company. Is the warranty listed in the instruction manual that comes with the MT300?!? Or maybe I missed it and someone here can link to it.

The Griot's warranty was easy to find- it was a front and center part of their website (and company ideals). Seems solid and straightforward to me: Customers for Life - 100% Guarantee - Griot's Garage

Griot's reputation is to stand behind their products, and from what I've read, they put their reputation behind their products. What is Meguiar's reputation for warranty and warranty claims?
 
Looks like Meguiar's warranty on the MT300 is one year. Not a bad warranty, but certainly not on par with Griot's warranty. Even still, Meguiar's is a reputable company and has been in business for a long time. I would have to think if there were an issue with their products, they'd make it right. I'm still leaning toward the MT300 over the GG6.
 
When it comes to whom to trust over standing behind the polisher or other Griot's vs. Meguiars questions- Just IMO, but I say you could almost just ask yourself "Would I rather be stuck in an elevator with Barry Meguiar or with Richard Griot?" and base your choice on that sort of ad-hominum comparison.
 
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