Next purchase... RUPES LHR 21ES or FLEX XC3401

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y3ll0w

New member
Well, here I am again. I have already built my inventory with the addition of a Mytee Lite 8070 and a VX 50000 steamer, but now it's time to upgrade my buffer. I have only used my PC 7424XP a handful of times so it will stay on board as my 3-4" pad buffer, but I want to step into a better buffer for the larger surfaces.



Now, I know the RUPES has a larger throw, but compared to the FLEX it has a weaker motor and I have read reviews where they all says it's (RUPES) great on flat surfaces, but lacks power on vertical panels and that the FLEX has an easier time removing stronger defects.



So, here I am. I am detailing an Audi SUV and Mercedes C350 in the next couple of weeks and figured it would be a great time to upgrade. I already have Meg MF 6" cutting disc and LC CCS pads (white, orange & black) along with WG 3.0 (swirl, polish, sealant), but was thinking about stepping into maybe a Mezerna combo or any other recommendations. I still have some M105 and 205, but they have been sitting for some time so I need to make sure they are still good.



Summary...



RUPES or FLEX?

Do I have a good assortment of pads?

Any recommendations on compound/polish/sealant combos?



Thanks guys
 
Why not give Kevin Brown a call to discuss the pros and cons of the Rupes--he is the resident expert! I don't have a Rupes, but it's hard to tell if those complaining of poor performance on curved panels have the washer mod and realize the Rupes requires much less pressure than a traditional DA from what I've read.
 
pwaug said:
Why not give Kevin Brown a call to discuss the pros and cons of the Rupes--he is the resident expert! I don't have a Rupes, but it's hard to tell if those complaining of poor performance on curved panels have the washer mod and realize the Rupes requires much less pressure than a traditional DA from what I've read.
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Good avdice and great point, but my only issue with calling Kevin to discuss is that I get "wholesale" pricing (15-30% off) from a certain site and I would hate to ask someone for advice if I am not going to purchase from their site. That's my only drawback.
 
Can the site who sells "Wholesale" not give advice on a machine they offer?, if not then the experience Mr KBM brings to the table is priceless. FYI gets the Rupes over the 3401.
 
Auto Concierge said:
Can the site who sells "Wholesale" not give advice on a machine they offer?, if not then the experience Mr KBM brings to the table is priceless. FYI gets the Rupes over the 3401.
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I am sure they could give advice as to which machine to choose, but at the same time I figure I would get an unbiased opinion from the members on the board since most of them do not have a finanical interest in the product. The same goes for recommendations on compounds/polishes to try etc.



I was definitely leaning towards the RUPES. As far as what new products to try, that's still up in the air.
 
y3ll0w said:
I am sure they could give advice as to which machine to choose, but at the same time I figure I would get an unbiased opinion from the members on the board since most of them do not have a finanical interest in the product. The same goes for recommendations on compounds/polishes to try etc.



I was definitely leaning towards the RUPES. As far as what new products to try, that's still up in the air.
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Get the Rupes21 with the washer mod and 5" backing plate. You won't have to walk the dog with the Rupes.
 
Legacy99 said:
Get the Rupes21 with the washer mod and 5" backing plate. You won't have to walk the dog with the Rupes.
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Add in some Meguiars M100 and you'll be stunned at how quickly you can remove swirls. Even on Audi's, where I used to have to resort to my Dewalt Rotary.
 
Auto Concierge said:
Can the site who sells "Wholesale" not give advice on a machine they offer?, if not then the experience Mr KBM brings to the table is priceless. FYI gets the Rupes over the 3401.
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Agree 100%. What Kevin has done for the industry as a whole in moving from rotary to DA work and still be able to remove severe defects is amazing. Plus he is just a phone call or e-mail away.
 
Rupes 21. The hype about the advantage of the longer stroke hits the nail on the head. Faster correction with less effort. It didn't take long for me to realize mega power wasn't necessary to do paint corrections. I have sold my Flex 3403 and now I'm in the process of selling my dynabrade da head for rotaries and one of my Griots 6" da's. I'm very happy with this purchase and if I wasn't I would not be afraid to say so.
 
I have/use/like/recommend the Flex 3401. I have not used the Rupes. But I'd recommend the latter over the Flex 3401 in a heartbeat based on what so many people (all of whom I respect and consider reliable sources of info) have said about their experiences with it. [Heck], if I did correction on a remotely regular basis I'd buy one myself.
 
Scottwax said:
Add in some Meguiars M100 and you'll be stunned at how quickly you can remove swirls. Even on Audi's, where I used to have to resort to my Dewalt Rotary.
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With the M100, would you suggest a MF pad or LC Orange? Also, what would you recommend to follow up with? I still have my 105/205, but still not sure how long it lasts once it sits for a year.



Looks like the RUPES 21 with the washer mod is what I will be getting.
 
Accumulator said:
It oughta still be good; mines OK and it's a lot older than that.
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Thanks! I had some Blackfire sealant that even after I shook the hell out of it was still separated. I'll just be sure to shake the 105/205 when I use them.
 
y3ll0w said:
With the M100, would you suggest a MF pad or LC Orange? Also, what would you recommend to follow up with? I still have my 105/205, but still not sure how long it lasts once it sits for a year.



Looks like the RUPES 21 with the washer mod is what I will be getting.
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I can't even remember the last time I used a foam pad for correction. MF cutting pad works great. Finish is good enough you can go with Optimum Hyper Polish on harder paints and HD Polish on softer paints.
 
We have the Rupes and the Flex. If I had my choice of only one I am leaning more to the Flex right now.



The first day the Rupes velcro backing plate ripped almost in half. The center of the Rupes sits too high, vibration does not seem to be any less and our Rupes has an odd glitch in it in the sense of power. For example, while running the speed dial does not work until it gets down to number 3 from 6. So from 6 thru 4 there is no change in power.



For me personally the Flex just works better, easier to work with. Now this opinion may change as I am allowed to work with it longer. The hook and loop though is way to strong.....it's stupid how it holds on to the pads. To me there is no need for that strong of a grip and if it is required then have some sort of relief or break in the pad to assist in removal of pads.
 
Anthony Orosco said:
We have the Rupes and the Flex. If I had my choice of only one I am leaning more to the Flex right now..
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Hi, Anthony!



Isn't it funny how different people can have different preferences and experiences?!



I don't mind the Flex's "recoil" as much as some people, and I gather you don't either.



Do you have any issues finishing out (to the highest possible standard) with the Flex 3401? Noting that I don't have your level of skill, I can't get quite the same final finish out of it that I can with my other polishers (especially the Cyclos). Just wondered how it is for you in that regard...
 
Anthony Orosco said:
We have the Rupes and the Flex. If I had my choice of only one I am leaning more to the Flex right now.



The first day the Rupes velcro backing plate ripped almost in half. The center of the Rupes sits too high, vibration does not seem to be any less and our Rupes has an odd glitch in it in the sense of power. For example, while running the speed dial does not work until it gets down to number 3 from 6. So from 6 thru 4 there is no change in power.



For me personally the Flex just works better, easier to work with. Now this opinion may change as I am allowed to work with it longer. The hook and loop though is way to strong.....it's stupid how it holds on to the pads. To me there is no need for that strong of a grip and if it is required then have some sort of relief or break in the pad to assist in removal of pads.
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I have the original backing plates in stock, which feature a gray plastic.



If the Velcro has already failed, it is in fact, DEFECTIVE. I will replace that plate with a gray plate if you'd like.



Rupes 6" Backing Plate - fits LHR 21ES and Skorpio
 
I'm on the fence with this question myself, as I will be purchasing either one this weekend. One question I have: The FLEX has a drive gear that wont allow it to bog, can u bog the RUPES with enough pressure like the PCXP?
 
JCastro1085 said:
I'm on the fence with this question myself, as I will be purchasing either one this weekend. One question I have: The FLEX has a drive gear that wont allow it to bog, can u bog the RUPES with enough pressure like the PCXP?
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I wouldn't worry about that. Even "lesser" machines than the Rupes (and those scare-quotes are intentional ;) ) that are easier to bog down aren't really deficient because of this. Applying so much pressure as to bog down a GG or a Cyclo (and maybe even a PCXP, though I've never used one) is both unnecessary and improper (ab)use of the tool. Note that most of my vehicles have very hard clear, so I do know from correction ;)



I have/use/like/recommend my Flex 3401 *BUT* it a) doesn't finish out quite good enough for me so I need another machine for that, b) does correct better/faster but not in a "necessary" or "you need to have that forced-rotation" kind of way, and c) quite a few people have found that the handling, including the "recoil" of the Flex 3401 is *NOT* something they are OK with; I don't mind it, but plenty of people do and you can often find nearly-new Flex 3401s on sale cheap because the owners hate using it.



Between the two, I'd get the Rupes hands-down. IF I had one I doubt that I'd ever use my Flex 3401. As it is, I don't use it very often anyhow as the Griot's will usually do the work in an acceptably efficient manner.
 
Thanks Accumulator! I have a Makita 9227C and I love it but in order for me to control it properly without fear of burning paint I use 4" pads. Too difficult to handle with +6" pads (for me). I also have a PCXP and it seems like *any* pressure causes this machine to bog (I hate that!) and the fact that it takes far more passes to correct paint. I like the idea of forced rotation...almost seems like a cross between the 2 I currently have.
 
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