Help selecting my next polisher?

dschribs

dschribs

New member
I currently have a Griots Garage 6" random orbital (2nd Gen). I do like it and I have no plans to get rid of it...however, as we all do on here, I was thinking of trying something different.

So, with that in mind...I`m wondering if there is a buffer out there that meets all the items on my "wish list"?

- Needs to be a DA type machine - not a rotrary.
- More effective/powerful than the Griots so it can get the job done in less time. The Griots is awesome for final polishing but it does take its time on heavy defect removal.
- Accepts a 5" backing plate. I don`t have any plans to purchase an entirely new arsenal of pads so the machine needs to be compatible w 5.5 inch LC buffing pads.
- Ideally I would like it to be a little quieter than the Griots polisher.
- Less vibration than the Griots polisher
- I sort of like the idea of a variable speed trigger as well

Do you guys have any suggestions??

Thanks!
Dan
 
Given your wish list, I would suggest picking up a Flex 3401:

dschribs said:
- Needs to be a DA type machine - not a rotary.
Click to expand...
Check.

dschribs said:
- More effective/powerful than the Griots so it can get the job done in less time. The Griots is awesome for final polishing but it does take its time on heavy defect removal.
Click to expand...
Check. Forced rotation helps cut down on the time it take for serious defect removal. There`s a reason Mike Philips calls this machine "the Beast"

dschribs said:
- Accepts a 5" backing plate. I don`t have any plans to purchase an entirely new arsenal of pads so the machine needs to be compatible w 5.5 inch LC buffing pads.
Click to expand...
Check. Flex makes a 4 3/8 BP for 5.5 pads

dschribs said:
- Ideally I would like it to be a little quieter than the Griots polisher.
Click to expand...
Check. I still wear ear protection tho.

dschribs said:
- Less vibration than the Griots polisher
Click to expand...
Check.

dschribs said:
- I sort of like the idea of a variable speed trigger as well
Click to expand...
Check.

Now here`s the best part, Autopia has a 3401 open box deal on their ebay store:*Open Box* PINK Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher | eBay

As long as you don`t mind pink!

Hope that helps. I also started with a GG 6 (Gen 2) like you and wanted to step up to a better machine w/o having to purchase a whole new set of pads. The 3401 perfectly fits my needs. I still have my GG6 and use it from time to time.
 
In the same boat; GG6 served me well but looking for something a bit quicker w/ a little more `finesse` to it, less vibration and a bit easier on the `ol body. Initially thought the Rupes Duetto might fit the bill but am now leaning towards Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot. Also considering the Griots Boss 15 as in the end it`d be a lower cost option. Downside to Rupes is the fact that they are *never* discounted but since it`s `off-season` here in NE Ohio, I can spend some time waiting for Black Friday/Holiday sales of Autogeek gift certificates which I can then use to purchase the Rupes. I like the progressive/variable trigger on the BOSS 15 but am drawn to the Rupes for some intangible reason. It just seems to be a more `artistic` tool. BOSS does have the fantastic GG warranty behind it though. The BOSS 15 would certainly be a more practical choice (and more economical) but still the Rupes calls to me...

Here`s a thread on Autogeek w/ some commentary, opinions from other folks: Pondering the Rupes LHR 12E Duetto...
 
Maybe a local Autopian will let you try what your interested in.
I bought a mini, (open boxes R15 & R21) and a 3401.
3401 wasn`t for me.
21 and 15 I sold to upgrade to the MK2s. I wanted to see the difference on stalling.

Tempted to get a Duetto or maybe even the ibrid for Xmas.
But do I need a Duetto?
and ibrid I rather have a cord than deal with batteries. Wish they sold a wired unit to cut cost.
 
ShawnF350 said:
Maybe a local Autopian will let you try what your interested in.
I bought a mini, (open boxes R15 & R21) and a 3401.
3401 wasn`t for me.
21 and 15 I sold to upgrade to the MK2s. I wanted to see the difference on stalling.

Tempted to get a Duetto or maybe even the ibrid for Xmas.
But do I need a Duetto?
and ibrid I rather have a cord than deal with batteries. Wish they sold a wired unit to cut cost.
Click to expand...

Great suggestion, Shawn.

BudgetPlan1 said:
They have ac adapter, no?
RUPES iBrid AC/DC Power Adapter, replacement ibrid adapter, ibrid power adapter replacement
Click to expand...

I think what Shawn means is a hard wired unit would be cheaper (and lighter) than the current battery / plug-in ibrid adapter. Just like a cordless drill is almost always more expensive than the corded version of the same tool.
 
While I do like my Flex3401 for serious correction, it`s not for everybody.

I`d probably recommend the Griot`s Boss15/Boss21.
 
Well, if you`d like to try out the Rupes line up I`d more than happy to let you if you want to make the trip. I`m in Huntington, NY. If you take the Bridgeport ferry over its probably a 2-hour trip.
 
ShawnF350 said:
Maybe a local Autopian will let you try what your interested in.
I bought a mini, (open boxes R15 & R21) and a 3401.
3401 wasn`t for me.
21 and 15 I sold to upgrade to the MK2s. I wanted to see the difference on stalling.

Tempted to get a Duetto or maybe even the ibrid for Xmas.
But do I need a Duetto?
and ibrid I rather have a cord than deal with batteries. Wish they sold a wired unit to cut cost.
Click to expand...
Can you explain why the Flex 3401 wasn`t for you???

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
 
Flex is a great machine but hard on the body. Love my Rupes. Very smooth and still feel good after a full day of polishing. Rupes gets my vote.
 
dschribs said:
Can you explain why the Flex 3401 wasn`t for you???

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Click to expand...

My guess is he`s like me and the Flex just beat him up too much. It vibrates and is just a beast of a machine. You`ll feel it the next day for sure.
 
I have this polisher and use the Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pads . It is the same as the one over in Europe they call Das 6 Pro Plus.I like it a lot, can`t beat the price, and the shipping to me was less then 1 week. (link removed by admin)
 
jrock645 said:
Flex is a great machine but hard on the body. Love my Rupes. Very smooth and still feel good after a full day of polishing. Rupes gets my vote.
Click to expand...
The last thing I need is something that`s harder on the body. Im trying to make this whole thing easier. I`m not getting any younger thats for sure.

Which Rupes model would you suggest??

I see the following statement on one of the websites that sells Rupes: Due to the machine’s large stroke, it is recommended to only use Rupes approved pads and accessories with the machine.

Sound I wouldn`t be able to use my 5.5" LC pads on the Rupes? Looks like the Rupes pads have holes in the center. The LC do not.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
 
mikejames said:
I have this polisher and use the Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pads . It is the same as the one over in Europe they call Das 6 Pro Plus.I like it a lot, can`t beat the price, and the shipping to me was less then 1 week.
Click to expand...

This review for it is too funny:
"Two stars because it looks nice, seems to be well built, its comfortable to use but its a girls polisher. It just bogs down..."
 
dschribs said:
I see the following statement on one of the websites that sells Rupes: Due to the machine’s large stroke, it is recommended to only use Rupes approved pads and accessories with the machine.

Sound I wouldn`t be able to use my 5.5" LC pads on the Rupes? Looks like the Rupes pads have holes in the center. The LC do not.
Click to expand...

Seems many use non-Rupes pads with Bigfoot polishers with not too many reporting issues:
Rupes 21 with non-Rupes pads
Best Pads for Rupes LHR 15
Rupes 21 with 5.5" Pads + Other Questions
 
Angus said:
This review for it is too funny:
"Two stars because it looks nice, seems to be well built, its comfortable to use but its a girls polisher. It just bogs down..."
Click to expand...
Yeah I think that review is BS! I don`t have trouble with it, and there is all kinds of good reviews and threads on car forums in Europe like Autopia here in the U.S.
 
Angus said:
This review for it is too funny:
"Two stars because it looks nice, seems to be well built, its comfortable to use but its a girls polisher. It just bogs down..."
Click to expand...
Eh, "funny" isn`t the way I`d characterize that kind of stoneage sexism.

(Yes, indeed...I`m gonna keep calling such [stuff] out. It genuinely [ticks] me off that [individuals] still stay [stuff] like that.)
 
Thew G15 seems to fit the best IMO. I didn`t care for the Flex and ended up selling mine. It was a very capable tool and well built but it didn`t work well with the Megs MF pads, which were new to the market at the time. I also don`t feel it finishes as well as the free spinning DA`s. The Rupes 15 would be solid as well but I can`t stand slow starts and just prefer the feel of the BOSS in my hands. Your LC pads will be fine with either tool but they likely won`t be as smooth as the intended OEM pads.
 
dschribs said:
The last thing I need is something that`s harder on the body. Im trying to make this whole thing easier. I`m not getting any younger thats for sure.

Which Rupes model would you suggest??

I see the following statement on one of the websites that sells Rupes: Due to the machine’s large stroke, it is recommended to only use Rupes approved pads and accessories with the machine.

Sound I wouldn`t be able to use my 5.5" LC pads on the Rupes? Looks like the Rupes pads have holes in the center. The LC do not.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Click to expand...

I`m content with the Rupes tools I own in the LHR15 MKII, the mini and the nano. I think you will be quite happy with the 15. Especially on the trans am that has many curves.

With regards to the pads on the machine. I have used the Meguiar`s thin foam discs on my 15 MKII and I have to say the only pad the I liked on it was the burgundy cutting pad due to the stiffness of the pad. The polishing pad and finishing pad just didn`t work for me. The weight of the machine compressed them too much for my liking and would they would not spin very well. I bought some Rupes pads and they definitely work much better. Not to mention the little to no vibration with the Rupes pads.
 
Thanks all for the responses!

I have narrowed it down to the Griots G15 and the Rupes 15. This will be an after Christmas purchase so I have a little time to pick between the two...

I see that the Griots has a 900 watt motor while Rupes has a 500 watt motor - so that would most likely make it a bit heavier. However w that larger motor - Griots max is 5,000 orbits per minute while the Rupes is 4,200 orbits per minute.

Keep in mind I don`t do this professionally by any means. Just as a hobby. I`m just looking for a machine that is more efficient than my Griots 6" random orbital. I do like the style and hand placement of both the Rupes and the Griots so that will be a step up right off the bat!
 
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