Sonus Pads or LC pads..which to get?

Sveta said:
Maybe you should consider flat pads. (Flat--Edge, Sonus, Meguiars').

I like the larger contact surface of flat pads. I get the best results from IP and FP with flat pads with a DA. I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH SPLATTER using FLAT PADS either....one of VC's "advantages" is to prevent this. I think that's more a concern with rotary use. Use what you like. :cool
Click to expand...

Moving to a flat pad is what attracted me to the Sonus pads (I had been using LC varible contact). One of the draw backs with using a PC is that sometimes it can lack enough "bite" to remove deeper swirls. Anything that increases the cutting ability of a PC is welcome, including maximizing the cutting surface by using a flat pad face.

Another thing to keep in mind, the larger the pad, the more vibration. Don't believe me? Try it yourself. Take a 6" pad, 5" backing plate and load a 6" counter weight on the PC. Run the PC then compare that set up to using a 7.5" pad and 6" backing plate. Smaller pads and backing plates give less vibration IMHO. You can even take this experiment to an extreme and load a 3.5" backing plate and 4" pad, even less vibration.

Just my 2 cents...
 
I've read a lot of posts that beginners should start with smaller pads and wait until they have mastered the PC before moving on to larger pads. I'm not sure if this is carry over from rotaries or not, but I ran into this enough when I was researching what to buy that I only bought 6" or 6.5" pads.

Let me say that I've been very happy with my LC & Sonus pads (and I'm sure I'll love the Edge pads when I finally give them a whirl this weekend).

The PC is pretty safe and I haven't had any issues with heat build up...does any one believe that this start with small pads theory is valid? I'm not trying to hijack the thread or anything, but since 7.5" pads were recommended I figure it is better that Carl get input on this as he may run across contradictory recommendations.
 
I think starting out with a SAFE flat pad is the best way to go.

5" backing plate, use a 6" pad on a PC
6" backing plate, use a 6.5" pad on a PC

Flat pad = greater surface contact. The cupped pads are a good concept but I've never had a problem with slinging using a flat pad.

The pad OD must be greater than the OD of the backing plate or you run the risk of damaging a mirror, spoiler, or side marker light.
 
Should I get a set of each? I've been reading more and more on this, and maybe it'd be a good idea (?).

The "Main Kit" for my arsenal would be the Sonus kit and PC 7424 (this includes a 5 inch backing plate) click here to see the package

Then I'll have, for my second set, the LC Pads click here to see the LC. This way I'll have the recommended second of each pad, while at the same time experimenting with new product.

Wow, that's like $280!!! A little expensive? Is it worth it to have the second set? If it's not, I think I'm going to get the Lake Country. They look to be of a higher quality, with more applied technology, and I'm buying almost all of my stuff from them anyway! Since they have "Constant Pressure," wouldn't they be just as good as the flat Sonus? Gosh I just don't know! I'm starting to act like John Kerry!!!!

Carl
 
Carl, how many vehicles do you think you are going to detail in a week? Even it is a small number it is always a good idea to have a few spare pads, especially cutting and even more so polishing pads. Maybe buy a few of each? or buy all of one now and replace them with the other pads as needed. That way to get to know which pad YOU like best and which shape, flat , VC or advanced VC you like. This really is not something to sweat over, both sets of pads will meet you needs, the rest is just personal preference.

Time to decide! :)
 
I can't suggest how you should spend your money but this is what I would do:

You want a PC, buy a PC .... done.

Now make a decision on pads.

I'd buy a couple Sonus pads & a couple LC pads, maybe one polishing pad and one pad for using a swirl removing product from both manufacturers ... and then form your own opinion about which you like or dislike.

Better to have two "not my favorite" pads laying around than an entire kit of 5 or 6 pads. It'll reduce your initial out-of-pocket cost & probably save you $$$ in the long run.

What if you don't like the LC pads? That's $70 + shipping thrown away. Maybe the Sonus pads won't be a hit & you just paid for a PC/Sonus package when a 7424 purchased from premiumautocare will get you a 10% discount & free shipping if the order is over $125.

Yea, it's information overload...join the club.
 
You're right, it really isn't a big deal, but I just don't want to waste money. I carefully plan everything I do...just my personality, and it equates to a quality and thorough execution of whatever I'm doing. So which of the TYPEs of pads (compounding, polishing, etc.) should I get. I need at least one pad for each of these:

Menzerna IP (yellow and orange pads)
Menzerna FPII
Menzerna Glaze

I'm going with Lake Country and that's final. I'm confident in them and I need to support our beautiful state of Wisconsin (where they're manufactured). I'm getting the kit without backing plate for $50, then I'm going to buy their 5 inch backing plate and the glazing pad and consider it done! There. No more talk about it!! :)

Talk to y'all later! I'll be sure to post pics of my first job!

Carl
 
Carl,
Wise choice, I'm confident you'll be happy :bigups

You're right on the money with the pads for the IP

For the FP II you'll need the white polishing pad

Not familar with the glaze but I assume it should be applied with the black pad
 
Which pads should I get two of? Do LC have just as much "cutting" power as Sonus, or since they aren't flat does that hinder their performance?

Also, about how long does it take to apply a coat of FPII by PC, IP by PC, etc.

Thanks

Carl
 
Flat LC pads do exist, perhaps just not as readily available for sale. I believe LC is actually the mfr of Sonus pads. You could at least one of the cuytting, polishing and finishing and I'd highly recommend at least two of each especially if you are starting to build a nice polish collection.

I've worked IP until it dusts with good results. I work FP long enough so it won't "glue" to the finish and be difficult to remove. Hard to put an exact time stamp on the process.
 
I'd stock up on white (polishing pads). Maybe one extra cutting pad and two extra polishing pads. Why two extra polishing pads? One, because I think you will find these will become your "go to" pads in most cases and two, because it is a good idea to use a different polishing pads for each level of abrasive polish, finishing or cutting (one for IP and one for FP)

On the shape of the pad, you know this is a personal preference thing, especially when using with a PC. I like flat pads, others will tell you they prefer shaped pads, either VC or AVC. Why not buy one of each shape in the polishing pad and find out which you prefer? Don't worry about making a "mistake", all of these pads work OK, but trying them is going to be the best way (and maybe the only way) that you will learn what you like and what suits YOU best.

One last piece of advice, You might want to think about polishes again. I really like FPII using a PC and Rotary but IP can sometimes struggle to remove deeper swirls using just a PC (it does fine with a rotary). You might want to consider a more abrasive cutting polish like Megs DACP, 3M PI-III RC or SSR2.5 IMHO.

Hope this is helpful to you :)
 
7.5" LC pad kit + spares

I thought I'd weigh in here...

I've looked at the Sonus and the Edge pads. I think both may have some advantages, especially the Edge pads if you have a rotary and a PC. But, I went with the LC pads...

First I started with the 6" LC pads. They were nice, but I liked the flexibility that the 7.5" pads offered. I came up to speed with the 6" pads quickly, so I ordered the 7.5" pad kit from Proper Auto Care. Here's the kit with the 6" flexible backing plate:

http://www.properautocare.com/ad712inhipad.html

They work well, center easily and have a flexible plastic backing that is completely different from the 6" pads (which have no plastic backing). The velcro sticks so well to the backing plate that, after washing, they can be dried by sticking the pad in a large bucket and turning your PC on. (They're almost dry in 30 seconds or so.)

In addition to the kit, you may want to order order a yellow pad for compounding.

I'm assuming that you use Zaino. I've had much better luck applying Z5 with a PC than buy hand. So, you have two choices. Order a black pad to apply the Z5 and then use the red pad to apply Z2. Or, order a second red pad and apply Z5 and Z2 with the red pads.

I've applied Z5 with the black and with the red LC 7.5" pads. I'm still not sure which is best. The black pad would give you a bit of polishing and might be better if you want to emphasize the Z5's modest polishing/filling abilities. On the other hand, the red pad is EXTREMELY soft and easy to work with. I think Z5 application is slightly smoother with the red pad and it seems to use a bit less product.

Since I use Menzerna FPII as my final polish, I don't look to Z5 for it's polishing abilities. So, on my next detail, I think I'll use the red pads for both Z5 an Z2. That's my slight preference now. (I may change, of course.)

Don't forget to get something to clean the pads. I use "Snappy", but there are other choices (check around).

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Dan.
 
Bill D said:
I've worked IP until it dusts with good results. I work FP long enough so it won't "glue" to the finish and be difficult to remove. Hard to put an exact time stamp on the process.
Click to expand...

bill: are you using FP or FPII? Menzerna changed the formula in FP (hence FPII) to allow the product to be worked longer.

Are you taking the residue off with a dry MF or damp? Menzerna recommends a damp MF & I've had no problems or difficulty removing FPII residue.
 
Bill D said:
Flat LC pads do exist, perhaps just not as readily available for sale. I believe LC is actually the mfr of Sonus pads. You could at least one of the cuytting, polishing and finishing and I'd highly recommend at least two of each especially if you are starting to build a nice polish collection.
Click to expand...

Bill, based on what I've read on the "other site" I think you are correct; I believe that David even referred to that in a thread - I'll try to look for it tonight. LC would be making the pads to spec. I don't believe there is an LC version, so that gives Sonus exclusivity to the design. They are working on the 3rd generation Sonus pad now. All of the Sonus products are made to spec by someone else...I have loved all of the Sonus products that I have tried.
 
I'm using FP ( not FP II). I ought to order FP II soon as my FP is quite low. I get good results and I understand FP II is easier to use :bigups I do use a damp mf to remove, help with the clean up quite a bit.

Yep, I'm sure the Sonus design is exclusively made for Sonus. I'm greatly anticipating the release of the 4"/Cyclo size pads.
 
It's crazy because I have a serious customer's phone number already (dad gave it to me from work), and I haven't even used a PC yet!!! I planned on spending a weekend doing my sisters car and my parent's cars for experience, but these customers...I'm happy there's demand!!! Anyway, I NEED to order soon, and I'm still confused...

Don't you think, as a novice, that I should START with 6" and work my way up to 7.5"? Those 7.5 inchers look great though....with the different contact areas! Does a flat pad work better for a beginner or a shaped pad? Budget wise, it'd make more sense to go Sonus, but results wise, is it better to have LC? If I buy both, it's gonna get pricey! How many pads does it take to FP a car? That's what I want to know...do I need more than one kind? I like the kit from CMA with 2 whites, a red, and an orange...a bit pricey though. Sonus is a little cheaper...which ones, sonus or LC, are easier to center? How long do pads usually last?

Since all of my options are 6 inch pads, what size backing plate do you recommend?

So many questions, so little time!
Carl
 
Do what you know best now and learn as you go . If all your work so far has been by hand then continue it till you feel comfortable to use the PC. There's nothing worse then the feel of being rushed into something. Its easy to become overwhemled by all the pads and product out there. Buy what you can afford and use it to gain experience with it and move up when your comfortable . Don't worry about how long the pad will last ,which is easier to center . Your just confusing yourself more and more. Pick one ,buy it and use it , thats the only way your gonna know. We all learn at a different pace , so what one person says might not hold true for another person . Like the Nike commercial says . Just Do It ! In the end you'll see it wasn't so bad after all ;) Good luck :bigups
 
I've never seen the 7.5" advertised for use the PC, traditionally for the rotary only. I think I saw the other day that the largewr the pad on the PC s, the more vivbration. I'd stick with what the vendors recommend. I have 4", 6" and 6.5" pads I can use them on both the PC and rotary
 
I agree with rollman ..... simplify.


I started with 6.5" LC flat pads on a 6" backing plate from topoftheline.com & they have excellent prices & service.

here's the link: http://www.topoftheline.com/lake-country-polisher-pads.html

I still used the 6.5" pads but I bought some of the 7.5" LC VC pads just because I liked the way the 6" plate fit in the recessed area on the backside of the pad.

I've had equally good success with both sizes but I'd start-out with the 6.5" pads just because they're slighted larger OD than the OD of the backing plate.

How many pads (polishing pads) does it take to FPII a car? Depends on the condition of the paint & the size of the car, it could take two.

Relax, breathe, and enjoy the task(s) that you're setting out to accomplish.

Haste (and anxiety) make waste.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top