System 2000 or Universal Pad Washer?

A

ABQDetailer

New member
My next big purchase is going to be a real pad washing system (then a PTG!!). I know everybody swears by using DPD for pad cleaning but as a big rotary+wool user I'm exicted to try a real pad washing system. I'm constantly using the duo-spur on my wool pads and it does a decent job through the detail but I think it's time to take the next step. I'm a firm believer in using the cleanest pad possible throughout a detail...



So what are the pros/cons of each system? Has anybody used BOTH and have any idea of advantages/disadvantages of each? Keep in mind I have a Flex 3401 and a Makita 9227C but I could clean the pads solely on the rotary if needed.



When using a pad cleaning system I assume it's ok that the pad is damp from just being cleaned? I've read most people use their UPW or 2000 system in between panels, etc. Normally I prime my pads with a QD before polishing but I never get them as damp as they would get running through the pad washer buckets. So does spinning them get them dry enough to go back to the next panel so I don't have to switch pads between panels, etc.? I don't have multiples of pads (yet).



TIA



Related posts (I've read them all):



Pad Cleaning

Denzil's UPW Review, preceded by Denzil's Debate

System 2000 vs UPW
 
I love the grit gaurd pad washer. I use it after every panel and it really keeps dust down, not to mention i have noticed the product stays on the pad alittle longer and allows alittle more work in time. I don't really like to completely dry the pad aftercleaning so it stays alittle cooler longer and adds to more work in time. Definatley worth the 130 plus shipping.



The downside is that the water level has to be about right otherwise it can make a mess. Even though they tried to keep it water tight there have been times that the water comes out through the cover. The top cover seems alittle cheap and makes me feel like im going to break it while the buffer is running.
 
i have a few friends that use this and love it i tried it an too will be getting one wish the price was cheaper
 
I have the system by Grit Guard and I am very pleased with it. It's incredibly efficient and produces consist results that are better than I expect it to. I keep thinking I will finally throw a pad with enough dried on single stage paint that it can't possibly clean it...and low and behold, it does.



I also like that I can run my rotary, FLEX, or DA on it without having to change anything out.
 
The System 2000 looks like it would clean wool better that the Grit Guard since it has spurs but the Grit Guard looks like it would clean foam better than the System 2000 since I would assume rubbing a smooth surface like foam against a grit guard would clean the foam better than a few spurs.
 
Well the UPW is $109 on AG right now with three free Cobra Blue pads. If you take off the 20% and free shipping it's not that bad at all. The S2000 is $110 on AG right now. That's ~$90 for either unit and if you throw in some of the citrus pad cleaner you can get the order above $95 and get free shipping as well. Of course that offer ends today...



Just looking at the descriptions on AG and reading the posts here:



  • UPW may tear up foam pads faster than the System 2000 due to more friction.
  • UPW has a screw on lid and the S2000 doesn't.
  • UPW works with DA, S2000 works with rotary only.



I was hoping the S2000 was the better unit but right now I might be leaning towards the UPW since it works with rotary or DA and also has a lid. The lid is huge for me since I can just put the lid on it with the cleaning solution already mixed and re-use it further down the road...
 
razr007 said:
i have a few friends that use this and love it i tried it an too will be getting one wish the price was cheaper
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Which one? UPW or S2000?



Also David Fermani said in one of the links below:



You know my answer from my AG post.
Click to expand...



I searched AG and didn't find his review? I would love to hear his feedback on these before I pull the trigger.
 
I have the UPW, one of the best investments for detailing Ive made. Works great with my flex/UDM or makita.



I love doing a 1/4 of a car then cleaning the pad, its like a fresh pad all over again.



Kinda sucks I purchased so many pads before I had this lol.
 
How exactly does the UPW get water up to the pad? I know the S2000 uses the wheels to get water up to the pad, but I'm not familiar with the UPW system?



TIA
 
How exactly does the UPW get water up to the pad? I know the S2000 uses the wheels to get water up to the pad, but I'm not familiar with the UPW system?
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There is a very detailed review on the UPW. I have this unit too and it does a good

job. BUT, the lid is flimsy and wool pads get flattened out. Not a big deal; a quick

run with a hand held spur does the trick. Over all it's a good product and if you're

doing any serious amount of correction work, it's worth it.



Haven't tried the S2000, but the spurring action would be more efficient for wool pads.
 
I have the system 2000 and the only downside is if there's any left over water it will stink something aweful after a day. I have found that a little APC in the mix works just as well if not better than the mix they come with. Saves quite the few bucks that way as well. But it works great.
 
Pats300zx said:
Just ordered the UPW :) $87.99 shipped with 3 free pads. Can't beat it.
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Just ordered a UPW as well. Went ahead and got the bucket of DP citrus pad cleaner and picked up a couple other odds and ends. I can't ever seem to order just ONE thing from AG. They always suck me into something extra. :nomore:



The 20% off and free shipping sure didn't help me control myself either! :sign



Thanks for the replies here and all the feedback. I still want to try the S2000 washer but at least I have my duo-spur for wool pads until then...
 
whats wrong with the washer?



all my lake country pads are just fine, even after numerous cycles. I wash my MF in one load, then the pads in the next load....
 
Glad to hear that my review was helpful! :)



You guys will surely enjoy your new toy! It saves me a bunch of time, especially out in the field/job site.
 
toyotaguy said:
whats wrong with the washer?



all my lake country pads are just fine, even after numerous cycles. I wash my MF in one load, then the pads in the next load....
Click to expand...



That's true. I thought about using it but I didn't want to mix chemicals with something I wear everyday. I'd like to have a dedicated washer if that was the case. What do you use as the soap?
 
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