The Rupes BIGFOOT LHR 21E is heading to the USA!!!

chrisguga said:
I've seen your work. You do a great job.



I'm a physical therapist so pardon me if I'm not looking to trade careers with you.
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Getting back to having and using machines.



When the Makita BO6040 came out it was over $500. I'd been looking for a machine with that kind of action because - this was over ten years ago - I wasn't getting the results I wanted with the random orbitals. I could cut the scratches with my rotary and then hand rub in about the same amount of time or less. Paint was softer and I was younger.



Anyway, when I saw it online, I told my wife I wanted that machine and told her why, she asked how much. That was a lot of money but she said, as she always does, she just likes to be included, yes. I got it. Took it out one day, came back home and told her I needed a spare - "If that machine breaks, I'm not leaving the house."



I don't know how much you like detailing but even at $400 if it makes your work better, faster and easier you can always do a couple extra cars to pay for the machine, then enjoy the work more for the rest.



At the same time, new machines are always on the horizon.



Robert
 
chrisguga said:
Mike, you're right and I came back to the computer to edit my last response until I noticed you quoted it.



I only mentioned my profession because it seemed Bryan was implying I couldn't afford one after stating that *he* gets enough detailing work to afford a $400 machine. I figured if he went there, I would too.
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I don't think that's what he meant. The way I read his post is that he gets enough volume of work (as a professional) to justify spending $400 on a high-end, professional grade tool like this one. Not that he's looking down on someone who he thinks can't afford the purchase.



At the end of the day it's all about priorities. Yours, obviously, aren't on spending $400 for top-of-the-line detailing equipment, which is fine. For others of us, having the best tools possible is of utmost importance and we are willing to put up our money to get them. There's really no point in discussing who here can/can't "afford" any product/tool/etc. because the reality is ALL of us who detail for profit can afford whatever we want -- it just takes some longer than others to save up the funds.
 
The Bigfoot is the machine we've always wanted, I've had one for about 6 months now (NZ Rupes distributor was one of the first to get them which was pretty cool for a change) and I absolutely love it. It finishes out great and removes defects that I'd never have thought would go with an orbital prior to this tool. It hasn't completely replaced my rotary but now I tend to quickly hit bad defects with the rotary around a vehicle then jump straight to the Bigfoot.

It's easy cleanup with little dusting and it has meant that those 'single stage' customers that want a nice finish without me spending too much time on their vehicle now get better results than ever before.



If there's a downside to them (mine is the 21mm throw version) it's that they chew through pads quite quickly. The Yellow Rupes pad is pretty useful but I reckon the blue one is awful although its quite useful on the oxidised gel-coat or fibreglass on boats and RV's. They've compensated well for this by pricing the pads well below our regular pads though so its not a big issue.



You'll love it when you get it and you definitely won't question a $400 buy in...

I'm on IPad now but when I get on my notebook later ill see if I can post pictures of an Aston after 1 stage with Meg's MF pad and 105. Perfection on a $2mil car.
 
This isn't the first time I've been guilty of foot-in-mouth-itis on a message board. Thank you all for not piling on like I probably deserve.



I'll probably still pull the trigger on this machine just because I get tired of wrestling with hard clear on 100k mile beaters for friends and family with my PC. plus, I'm a big believer in buying professional or at least pro-sumer equipment. I've spent a fair amount on quality yard equipment, for sure.



Also, I'm a huge fan of small businesses. My father owned a business and I helped my wife build a small business from scratch.
 
I hear the first shipment has landed at buffdaddy.com headquarters.



Look here



rupesmotherload.jpg
 
chrisguga said:
This isn't the first time I've been guilty of foot-in-mouth-itis on a message board. Thank you all for not piling on like I probably deserve.
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I dont think you stuck your foot in your mouth at all. I've read this entire thread from post 1 through the end and I still dont see anything wrong with your original question. It may have seemed like a stupid question to those who are more experienced but I just dont see any reason for mocking or belittling a person for asking any question, period. I, too, would question wether or not this piece of equipment may come down in price in the future, once it has a reputable US distributor. Whenever a product of any kind hits the market, there are those who flock to get the latest and greatest regardless of the price and there are those who wait until the price drops before they buy. Its just how it works....no reason to make someone feel any less professional. Of course, this is all just my opinion and that doesnt matter much. My best....
 
One of my goals in going to SEMA this year was to see the Bigfoot, but alas, it turned out to be just as elusive as it's hairy namesake.



If there's one in my neighborhood in the near future I'd love to get a glimpse.



Robert
 
YourOnlySin said:
I dont think you stuck your foot in your mouth at all. I've read this entire thread from post 1 through the end and I still dont see anything wrong with your original question. It may have seemed like a stupid question to those who are more experienced but I just dont see any reason for mocking or belittling a person for asking any question, period. I, too, would question wether or not this piece of equipment may come down in price in the future, once it has a reputable US distributor. Whenever a product of any kind hits the market, there are those who flock to get the latest and greatest regardless of the price and there are those who wait until the price drops before they buy. Its just how it works....no reason to make someone feel any less professional. Of course, this is all just my opinion and that doesnt matter much. My best....
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Last I experienced Kevin Brown from Buffdaddy is the most reputable vendor I have conducted business with. No one and I repeat no one has shared more knowledge about polishing paint then Kevin. Kevin has already figured out how to turn the rupes bigfoot into a better performing machine, nobody including those at the walmart of auto detailing supplies is going to put the time and effort into providing you with a better and more efficient polishing experience. Orders are shipped quickly and via USPS priority mail, so even from his location on the West Coast you have your order in 2-3 days.



Those that know will use Kevin and those that don't will keep on the path they choose.
 
gmblack3 said:
last i experienced kevin brown from buffdaddy is the most reputable vendor i have conducted business with. No one and i repeat no one has shared more knowledge about polishing paint then kevin. Kevin has already figured out how to turn the rupes bigfoot into a better performing machine, nobody including those at the walmart of auto detailing supplies is going to put the time and effort into providing you with a better and more efficient polishing experience. Orders are shipped quickly and via usps priority mail, so even from his location on the west coast you have your order in 2-3 days.



Those that know will use kevin and those that don't will keep on the path they choose.
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THANK YOU, BRYAN !!! :grouphug:



whytewizard said:
one of my goals in going to sema this year was to see the bigfoot, but alas, it turned out to be just as elusive as it's hairy namesake. If there's one in my neighborhood in the near future i'd love to get a glimpse.



Robert
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It was there, working resting. It was in the 3D booth for several hours as well. My phone number is all over the place... CALL next time!!



youronlysin said:
... I, too, would question wether or not this piece of equipment may come down in price in the future...
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It will VERY VERY VERY likely go up, as I've taken some heat for setting the price so low.



youronlysin said:
... once it has a reputable us distributor.
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Ouch, I'm hurt. :hurt:



Considering the fact that I'm the first guy to bring Rupes into the USA, including their air-powered Skorpio sanders and the LHR75 3" air-powered Mini Random Orbital and their 3" air-powered rotary and the first electric rotary and spare parts for repairs and all four varieties of their buffing pads (in 3", 5", and 6") and all four of their liquids... I'd say I'm legit.



The stuff is not on my site yet simply because I cannot seem to squeeze in the time, but I'm working on the artwork bit by bit (usually 1:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.). It'll be on the site... in force!





youronlysin said:
Whenever a product of any kind hits the market, there are those who flock to get the latest and greatest regardless of the price and there are those who wait until the price drops before they buy. Its just how it works...
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It may be wise to think of the pricing of the Rupes as "introductory". After all, it sells for a LOT more money in Europe and around the world.



For what length of time? Not sure. I suspect that their will be an announcement when a price change is headed our way, so I wouldn't be overly concerned at this point. Also- forget about waiting for the price-war deal because I hear MAP pricing is headed our way. This means you'll be buying from your favorite dealer, not based upon price (Festool and other companies use a similar legal variety of this pricing strategy).



This machine will be vying for dollars with all rotary, random orbital, forced rotation orbital, and dual mode machines. It cuts rapidly, finishes beyond expectation, is easy to use, well balanced, and relatively compact. Its price point is high compared to the typical 4mm-throw (8mm diameter orbit), but is in line with machines such as the Makita BO6040 ($300.00 typical), the Cyclo Model 5-Pro Series ($325.00 typical), the Flex XC3401 VRG ($329.00 typical), the Flex PE 14-2-150 ($389.99), the Mirka CEROS ($495.00 typical), and the Festool Rotex RO 150 FEQ ($525.00 typical).



Rupes is very new in the U.S market, which is a tough market to be in (considering the established competition they are up against: DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Festool, Hitachi, Flex, and on and on).



In my opinion... this is a high-end product, but is not unreasonably priced. Considering that the most basic random orbital can be had for $59 at Harbor Freight (which is 1/2 to 1/3 of the price of our typical random orbital), and the BigFoot is 2 to 3 times the price of said typical random orbital (a Griot's machine can be had for $80.00-$139.00; a Meguiar's G110v2 can be had for $142.95 at ADS, or $149.95 at Amazon)...



The price of Rupes BigFoot is on the high side, perhaps.

But make NO mistake: there's nothing out there like it right now.



AND - IT - CAN - DANCE.

 
Kevin Brown said:
Ouch, I'm hurt. :hurt:
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Haha...My bad...I meant no offense by that comment. I should have said "now that it has a reputable US distributor"! I never questioned yours or anyone else's credibility here...I wouldn't do that because I have too much respect for all of you and the site as well.



The point I was trying to make was that It seemed like some folks were a little bent out of shape that someone would ask a question with regards to the cost and worth of the equipment. I understand its an amazing piece but not everyone does and, therefore, I feel that every question deserves an honest answer. Anyway, Im done talking about it...I'm here to learn too. Im ready to put my money aside for the thing as soon as I can!
 
Bing and I have ours right now, I used the machine a week before SEMA ( Kevin's demo model) on four cars............. and even though I am very fond of Mr KBM I tell it like it is always regardless of percieved peer pressure or any other factors.



The machine just works, it is smooth and not too heavy or loud. I also found that it was capable of great correction at the lower speeds on the dial which did confirm the 21mm throw is "The poo" and even though it is made for a 6" pad I utilized it on some tight areas by rollling over the panels and if you hit the gym a little it can be used with one hand on horizontal panels like the hood/roof/trunk with "The Smoothness".



If you have the money, just pick one up and do not look back.
 
"it is smooth and not too heavy or loud, and if you hit the gym a little it can be used with one hand on horizontal panels like the hood/roof/trunk with "The Smoothness"



These are the exact reasons I'm on the list for one! Not because it's the next "game changer"



Maybe it'll force the other manufactures to think about ergonomics and comfort level. One can hope.
 
Auto Concierge said:
and if you hit the gym a little it can be used with one hand on horizontal panels like the hood/roof/trunk with "The Smoothness".
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If I can one-hand a DeWalt rotary with a Dynabrade mounted on it, I doubt the Rupes will be a problem.... and I'm about the LAST person who would ever be accused of having hit the gym! :lol:
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
If I can one-hand a DeWalt rotary with a Dynabrade mounted on it, I doubt the Rupes will be a problem.... and I'm about the LAST person who would ever be accused of having hit the gym! :lol:
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Haha! Me too! Reminds me of a routine...Last time I went to a gym the trainer asked me to do a sit-up. I said "No way! Up is not in my vocabulary. Im a down kind of person; get me a chair I'll sit down. Show me a couch, I'll lay down. A double cheeseburger, I'll wolf it down but I dont want to hear "up".
 
This machine is wicked. The throw is massive, but perfectly smooth. I'm getting one and ditching all my DA's. No comparison.
 
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