Makita or Flex?

Which buffer should I go for?

  • Makita 9227C

    Votes: 26 44.1%

  • Flex 3403

    Votes: 24 40.7%

  • Other (please include)

    Votes: 9 15.3%
  • Total voters
    59
  • Poll closed .
OCDinPDX

OCDinPDX

Paint Ph.D
Alright, guys...

I'm going to be putting a new buffer on my birthday list (December) and am split between the Makita 9227C and the Flex 3403. I already have a random orbital (Griot's model) that is very similar to the PC. It still runs great after a year and a half or so and has many years left in it so I will be keeping it.

I have used the Flex once and found it to be a FANTASTIC machine. It felt very solid and well-built, I liked its ease of use and the reassurance that I won't burn through the paint as easily as I might with the Makita. Sure you still need to finish down but it's a fairly idiot-proof machine.

The sheer power of the Makita is daunting and appealing. The danger of accidentally burning through the paint is daunting and dare I say rather scary. On the other hand, however, the lure of great polishing results in less time and the ability to jewl paint is almost too much to ignore.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Makita because I want a challenge...that and I have heard rave reviews about it. Any other ideas are welcome. :thanks
 
When I first started detailing and had little knowledge of what to do and how to do it I went out and found the first buffer I could and it was a rotary. Even back when I first started I never burned the paint, and while yes it can happen, if you are careful its a great tool.
 
Your looking at two different things, ones a hybrid PC and the other is a full on rotary. Since you have a orbital, get the rotary. As Stephan said its not that hard to use and get experience with. I use mine a lot and find the results are stunning
 
Hi OCDinPDX,

I've not used a buffer, but I have used Makita power tools in the past and have to say the build quality is fantastic...

John...

P.S...Hmmmm, polls...;) :lol2:

P.P.S...See you on the Santy forum...:bigups
 
If you want top results with less time go with the Makita all the way! I sold my flex for a Makita. But if you're a novice and want to play it safe then the Flex is the number 1 choice in Orbitals.
 
I have a makita 9227c and a PC but when the next purchase happens I'll be looking at a Flex rotary. Tried one a few times at various places and was pleased with the light weight. Wasn't crazy about the heat build-up but I'm still leaning on getting one.

Paul S
 
I learned on a rotary. I had no idea their was even such a thing as a PC or Flex. You can burn the paint, but as long as you aint rambo buffing they will work great and you will love one for correction once you get profecition with one.
 
I have both machines. I got a deal on the 3403 that I could not pass up. If I had to go with only one machine I would go with the Mkaita with out a doubt. It might be a little bigger and heavier but by not much and there is on feature it has that seals the deal for me. It is the trigger speed control and also the lowest speed setting. On the flex it sucks to say the least. Thing is it is the same on the 3401.
On the Flex it seems the trigger varies the speed fromt he perspective of the absolute highest speed ie 3700 rpm. Thus making the trigger just an on/off switch on speed setting 1. You can vry the speed on any setting after #1. The other thing is also the lowest speed is 1000 rpm not a good speed for spreading polish when you start off.
On the makita the trigger is variable based on the set high speed ie 600 rpm on speed setting #1. With the makita you can make the thing crawl. Granted this might seem like a mnor thing on paper but it made a huge difference to me. the descriptions might sound a bit confusing when reading it on the internet, but if you can compare the two side by sise you will see what i mean.
 
I think some might be a little confusion about the model of Flex in question.

The Flex orbital is the 3401, this is the one that gets all the press and most people associate with the word Flex.

The op is asking about the 3403, which is their smaller, light weight rotary.
 
I have a Dewalt 849 that I've been using for years. Just bought a Metabo and it felt like a feather in my hands after using the DeWalt for so long. I do love the way you can start out or finish out at 600 RPM's as opposed to 1000. I'm still getting used to the slight stall feature when you turn it on. I don't like that feature right now but it's growing on me. All in all I love the product because I feel like I can sling it around one handed but I wish it had the speed controls on the top, but using one everyday this doesn't come into play because I could control the speed blind and not miss a beat. If you only use it on occasion, I would definitely want to be able to see the speed I'm at without stopping to look. My next purchase will be a Makita so I can compare all of these side by side. The new Festool(Both of them) look like good machines, problem is they actually started selling them in Australia before the U.S, and I haven't done the conversion to USD but I think you could buy two Makita's for the price of one Festool. And yes, a lot of posts on this subject are confusing because their comparing a Forced Rotation ROB with a Makita. The Flex 3401 is in the same catagory as the PC and Megs G100v2, the 3403 is a lightweight rotary.
 
I ordered a Makita 9227-CX kit it will be delivered tomorrow.
I have a Harbor Freight rotary but seldom use it once you get the paint in good shape the PC is all that is needed.

I probably should not have spent the money for this kit but it will last a lifetime so over the years it won't cost much per year of ownership.

I have had no problem with the harbor freight rotary other than it is hard to regulate the speed it slows as you apply pressure and speeds up as you lessen the load that is the main reason I bought the Makita.
 
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