Rotary or Flex?

Rotary? Flex? Some combination?

  • Get a Flex!

    Votes: 12 41.4%

  • Get a rotary! (Which brand?)

    Votes: 10 34.5%

  • Get the Flex and a cheap rotary!

    Votes: 6 20.7%

  • Something else.....

    Votes: 1 3.4%
  • Total voters
    29
JaredPointer

JaredPointer

COME AT ME BRO
Well, I sold my Cyclo. It was kinda sad to see it go, but I had kinda drifted away from using it like I used to. Now I am in decision mode. I was almost completely sold on getting myself a rotary, and in looking through some posts I kept coming up looking at the Flex RO (3401). I have spoken with another detailer who has told me that the Flex would do anyting I needed it to do. Always having the Flex in the back of my mind, I did some research on it. Now I am thinking I may get it. I thought since I had fun with the last poll I posted, I would do another one.

Here's the situation: I am a "hobbyist" who does a few cars on the side. My vehicles (as well as colse family's) are generally mild enough to use a PC on. They would hardly ever require the use of a rotary. The others I do vary between being trashed and lightly abused. I will never be a "professional" - i.e. detailing to put bread on the table.

That pretty much sums it up. If you had a similar situation, would you go to a rotary or Flex? Is the Flex just a "flavor of the month" as seems to be prevalent on the detailing boards? Should I get a Flex and a cheap rotary? Cast your vote, and if you feel like you could help me out a little tell me about it.
 
I am also a Hobbyist although I do have ambitions of taking it into a part time career...

I have all three, the PC, the Rotary and the Flex...why do I have all three? I don't know, my only explination is I have this need to buy things and to try things in a pursuit to improve my detailing skills.

The Flex is a great machine, its size, shape and weight is very similar to a rotary. It does work quicker then a PC, and I have found it can do a great job at being a defect removal tool...

My problems with it are two things, cost, its just too expensive, although some of that can be offset buy the fact that you are getting some of the correcting actions of a rotary but with the paint safety of a DA polisher...

My second is the dedicated drive system, the backing plate thats there is what you get...although Edge does have their system do for release.

A rotary is still faster, and in the right hands, which you are experienced enough to handle, can be a great tool. Don't get a cheap one though, get a decent one that can handle and provide constant speed uunder a load and doesn't seem to grind under pressure. Also my next rotary will have a lower start speed, like around 600 rpms, not like the one I have now that starts at 1000...

My two cents...
 
I am in the same situation as you are and also have a PC & Cyclo. I voted for the Flex but have not purchased one yet. The reason being is that I have read a few problems with the "new" backing plate shedding plastic so I'm waiting to see if this is widespread or just a few odd happenings.
 
First question would be, do you still have a PC?

If you do, then a rotary would be my choice as you can easily maintain your vehicles with it as in the past, and the tough jobs would be handled by the rotary

If you don't have a PC, then I'd go with the Flex as it will maintain your vehicles and probably be good enough to conquer most of your side work.

:huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh::huh:
 
You could get a Rotary and then if you decided to get a D.A you could get a Dynabrade attachment for your Rotary (which in turn makes it a D.A).

:cheers:
 
Just to clarify: I do have a PC. And I do plan to still use it.

Tex: I read a couple of posts about the back plate shredding too. It seems like it's not really a design flaw - just a bolt that was not tightened all the way coupled with angling the back plate on the surface. One positive note I came across on that is that everyone has really lauded the customer service on the Flex machine. New BP's were sent out rather quickly and hassle free.
 
I have heard stories about issues with the backing plate, however I have not had my own, the machine works fine for me...
 
JP, I would definitely get a rotary since you have a PC. If you remember from previous posts I'm a Hitachi user so that buffer gets my vote.
 
If and when I buy another rotary I am leaning towards the Metabo, I like the speed ratio and the low weight...
 
Get the Flex(yes, I am envious of your purchasing dilema)and a cheap rotary. I very seldom use a rotary for a full detail only in the tough spots. Having the extra power will mitigate the use of the PC leaving it for mundane duties. I have a Vector and have been satisfied with the way it works but I beleive that a Chicago rotary will service your needs for the heavy duty correction that may or may not be needed.

If money was not a consideration I think that I would like to purchase a Metabo. Based solely on what I have read on forums. Since I have a Vector money was obiviously a consideration.
 
Money is definitely something I am trying to keep close. The reason I sold the Cyclo was to get funds up for this purchase - which is why I can't get both. And before anyone says it, my tax stimulus check is going towards something non-detail related, so I can't use that. :)
 
JaredPointer said:
Just to clarify: I do have a PC. And I do plan to still use it.

Tex: I read a couple of posts about the back plate shredding too. It seems like it's not really a design flaw - just a bolt that was not tightened all the way coupled with angling the back plate on the surface. One positive note I came across on that is that everyone has really lauded the customer service on the Flex machine. New BP's were sent out rather quickly and hassle free.
Click to expand...

Of the dozen or so backing plate problems I have read about only 3 or 4 had a loose bolt/screw. I think there is more to it which is why I'll hide and watch for a while.
 
How about a Flex Rotary? 3403's will spin a 6.5" pad just fine. They don't recommend any bigger though. Phil has them for 206 shipped.
 
Almost a dead heat between the options. I am still leaning towards the Flex, however the backing plate issue has me a little leary.
 
JaredPointer said:
Almost a dead heat between the options. I am still leaning towards the Flex, however the backing plate issue has me a little leary.
Click to expand...


The backing plate was updated. There were a few threads on Autopia about this already. If you have an 'old' backing plate the company is replacing them. I haven't heard of anyone with the newer BP having this issue that I recall.

All the machines made now have the new BP. No big worries.

I still say get a rotary. They can be had cheaper than a 3401.
 
Mindflux said:
The backing plate was updated. There were a few threads on Autopia about this already. If you have an 'old' backing plate the company is replacing them. I haven't heard of anyone with the newer BP having this issue that I recall.

All the machines made now have the new BP. No big worries.

I still say get a rotary. They can be had cheaper than a 3401.
Click to expand...

I bought my Makita off Ebay for about $100.

I haven't seen any Flex's on Ebay yet but after a while I am sure a few will show up.
 
For all you rotary aficionados - What rotaries should I be looking at? Since I am not as familiar with them, I'd like to know maybe brands and model numbers to spy on Ebay.

Makita _______
Metabo _______

etc?
 
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