WOW! now he's really gonna be be confused...
I guess it is depending on the quality of finish and if you want to have to wash the pad every time you switch products.
For example
2 cutting pads, depending on what you are working on, fine cutting compound and DACP.
2 polishing pads, SMR and polish.
2 finishing pads, AIO and SG.
These are only examples of what you can use them for.
I absolutely hate to have to stop and wash out a pad just to apply a new product.
For example, you are working and everything is going great, then you notice a bad spot that the fine cut compound is not removing. Do you "really" want to have to stop and wash out the pad, apply DACP, remove the bad spot, wash out the pad, reapply fine cut, etc, etc.
With the velcro backing plate all it takes is about 5 seconds to remove and replace a new pad..., not to mention the amount of product wasted not having the extra pads...,
What if you hit a piece of trim, accidentally tearing the pad?
Do you want to stop what you are doing and have to either get online, pay shipping Again, OR run up town and pay taxes on what will probably be a pad at a higher cost, if you can find one on the day you are detailing(usually weekends for the enthusiest, when most detail supply stores are closed)..., of course you do have the option of using the damaged pad and "introducing" swirls to the finish you are trying to polish out in the first place...
See what I mean, it is ALWAYS BEST to be prepared.
The counterweight is meant for the larger pads and plate, cuts down on excessive vibration, and at about $3..., I don't think it will break the bank for better performance.
Just curious to others ideas on this subject...,
Personally, I have a couple of boxes of pads, but I have been known to go overboard at times
