Help me, can't decide which DA to get

I'd skip any PC-based kit that includes 6-6/5" cutting pads. I find the PC needs 4" pads to do significant correction.



The Meguiar's kit (gee, you'd sure think they'd know which pads to recommend, huh?) would work well for *VERY* gentle correction, but I seriously doubt that it'll provide the oomph you'll need for the start of the job.



I'd just buy the machine you think you'll like (consider warranties, etc.) and set it up with a small backing plate and 4" pads.



If you want to use a larger polishing pad for a final burnishing, or for applying glazeds/AIOs/waxes, OK. But don't base your whole polisher program around those big pads unless you're buying a Flex 3401.



So between the two kits, I'd buy the Megiuar's and then set it up with a smaller backing plate and some 4" pads for the serious work, then use the stuff that comes with it for the final buff and wax.
 
Skip the kits. Get whichever machine has a better warranty/ is cheaper, than build your own kit. Maybe 2-3 each of orange, white, black, and maybe a blue/red. I use 5" pads and they work fine. I used 6" ones and didn't get much correction but it could have been my process.



I would go with the smaller pads though, it just makes more sense technically about bogging the machine down.



As for the comment about saving up a "little" more for a flex, a "little" is a huge understatement. You can buy 3 pc for the price of a flex. If the OP has the money than by all means get the flex instead, but if money is an issue you could get a pc, polishes, and pads cheaper than just the flex
 
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Accumulator said:
I'd skip any PC-based kit that includes 6-6/5" cutting pads. I find the PC needs 4" pads to do significant correction.



The Meguiar's kit (gee, you'd sure think they'd know which pads to recommend, huh?) would work well for *VERY* gentle correction, but I seriously doubt that it'll provide the oomph you'll need for the start of the job.



I'd just buy the machine you think you'll like (consider warranties, etc.) and set it up with a small backing plate and 4" pads.



If you want to use a larger polishing pad for a final burnishing, or for applying glazeds/AIOs/waxes, OK. But don't base your whole polisher program around those big pads unless you're buying a Flex 3401.



So between the two kits, I'd buy the Megiuar's and then set it up with a smaller backing plate and some 4" pads for the serious work, then use the stuff that comes with it for the final buff and wax.
Click to expand...
I agree, the pc cannot handle anything larger than the 5.5" pads.
 
DetailnByDustn said:
Porter Cable all the way or you can save a little more and get a flex
Click to expand...



LOL Why? I've heard good things but also heard that the G110 is a little upgrade version. As the flex, if I had the money I wouldn't be asking, I really want it but not in my budget right now.



Accumulator said:
I'd skip any PC-based kit that includes 6-6/5" cutting pads. I find the PC needs 4" pads to do significant correction.



The Meguiar's kit (gee, you'd sure think they'd know which pads to recommend, huh?) would work well for *VERY* gentle correction, but I seriously doubt that it'll provide the oomph you'll need for the start of the job.



I'd just buy the machine you think you'll like (consider warranties, etc.) and set it up with a small backing plate and 4" pads.



If you want to use a larger polishing pad for a final burnishing, or for applying glazeds/AIOs/waxes, OK. But don't base your whole polisher program around those big pads unless you're buying a Flex 3401.



So between the two kits, I'd buy the Megiuar's and then set it up with a smaller backing plate and some 4" pads for the serious work, then use the stuff that comes with it for the final buff and wax.
Click to expand...



Thanks this makes sense, I kinda like the PC but the G110 sounds good too, which is why I can't decide. I use another DA which is old and not at it's best (so uncomfortable and heavy too).



Dsoto87 said:
Skip the kits. Get whichever machine has a better warranty/ is cheaper, than build your own kit. Maybe 2-3 each of orange, white, black, and maybe a blue/red. I use 5" pads and they work fine. I used 6" ones and didn't get much correction but it could have been my process.



I would go with the smaller pads though, it just makes more sense technically about bogging the machine down.



As for the comment about saving up a "little" more for a flex, a "little" is a huge understatement. You can buy 3 pc for the price of a flex. If the OP has the money than by all means get the flex instead, but if money is an issue you could get a pc, polishes, and pads cheaper than just the flex
Click to expand...



Ok, that would work too I guess :up I was just looking for the comfort of not having to pick stuff out but I guess I can make a better deal on my own. Thanks a lot :up
 
kaotikdt said:
Thanks this makes sense, I kinda like the PC but the G110 sounds good too, which is why I can't decide. I use another DA which is old and not at it's best (so uncomfortable and heavy too).
Click to expand...



My guess is that the G110, is the best of the passive DA machines (e.g without forced rotation.)



I'm not so sure that the issue of relative power with 6inch pads is such a big deal if you don't plan to be doing lots of "serious correction" aka "serious erosion" of the clearcoat.



For the purpose of applying speed glaze/pre-wax cleaner/cleaner waxes etc I'm sure the G110 with 6inch pads will be just fine.



In the worse case, you can put it on the coffee table as work of modern sculpture. :spot
 
PC is great. And if your on a budget it's a no brainer. Works awesome.

After using that for awhile, save your money and work your way to a Flex.
 
Thanks a lot, I did a bit of research and I think i can get an even better deal by buying everything separate. Thanks!
 
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