Which FLEX to Buy?

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Less

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I'm not a pro detailer, just a weekend warrior who likes his cars nice. I do my own two cars, and a few friends & family's cars. So far, all of my work has been done via PC.



Everything I've learned on Autopia so far says that a DA polisher is the safest, easiest type of machine to use.



I want to upgrade to a FLEX DA, since I am hearing so many good things about it's corrective properties compared to a PC.



However, I'm also looking at the Flex rotaries on Autogeek. The L3403 rotary is cheaper than the DA, and the LK603VVB is ALOT cheaper than the DA.



If I'm understanding everything correctly, either of the rotaries have the following advantages



1) Cheaper

2) Can use backing plates & pads smaller than 6.5 inch for polishing small areas and tight spots

3) Simply corrects paint defects faster and easier than a DA



The only drawback that I can see is the fact that it's a rotary, but seriously, how hard is it REALLY? If I just keep the thing moving and don't use too much pressure I should be ok right? I see posts on here from people saying that it's no problem to use a rotary, just be careful. I also see posts from other people saying that a rotary is like Excalibur and can only be wielded by the chosen few.



Like I said, I have about half a dozen cars that I work on regularly and I've got pretty good results with my PC. But I occassionaly come across a deeper scratch or RID that I just have to live with. This led me to start looking at a better machine like the Flex DA.



What would you recommend? Upgrade to the Flex DA? Or simply add a Flex Rotary to my arsenal and keep my PC for light duty?
 
Less said:
I'm not a pro detailer, just a weekend warrior who likes his cars nice. I do my own two cars, and a few friends & family's cars. So far, all of my work has been done via PC.



Everything I've learned on Autopia so far says that a DA polisher is the safest, easiest type of machine to use.



I want to upgrade to a FLEX DA, since I am hearing so many good things about it's corrective properties compared to a PC.



However, I'm also looking at the Flex rotaries on Autogeek. The L3403 rotary is cheaper than the DA, and the LK603VVB is ALOT cheaper than the DA.



If I'm understanding everything correctly, either of the rotaries have the following advantages



1) Cheaper

2) Can use backing plates & pads smaller than 6.5 inch for polishing small areas and tight spots

3) Simply corrects paint defects faster and easier than a DA



The only drawback that I can see is the fact that it's a rotary, but seriously, how hard is it REALLY? If I just keep the thing moving and don't use too much pressure I should be ok right? I see posts on here from people saying that it's no problem to use a rotary, just be careful. I also see posts from other people saying that a rotary is like Excalibur and can only be wielded by the chosen few.



Like I said, I have about half a dozen cars that I work on regularly and I've got pretty good results with my PC. But I occassionaly come across a deeper scratch or RID that I just have to live with. This led me to start looking at a better machine like the Flex DA.



What would you recommend? Upgrade to the Flex DA? Or simply add a Flex Rotary to my arsenal and keep my PC for light duty?
Click to expand...



a rotary isnt "hard" to use at all, it does require a little more focus when using it though. IMO once you learn to use a rotary properly, your PC get used less and less. IMHO a rotary is simply a better process than a DA, it works faster, doesnt shake like crazy, and finishes better.
 
a rotory is a tool that can ruin a finish or create a flawless finish. its not a toy, many bad things can happen or many great things can happen. if your at the point where you feel you need to get better faster results then go for it. but if your looking for a good safe upgrade go with the flex da. good luck
 
It also seems like you are supposed to mask off trim and edges when using a rotary, but not necessary when using DA ?
 
Rotary hard to use?? Well, it isn't "hard" to use. But, it is often used improperly, which is why you see so many cars on here having been corrected.



I have a Flex rotary and DA as well as a 9227 and Cyclo. If you aren't proficient with a rotary, your best option, IMO, is to get the Flex DA. This machine is idiot proof and, is quite capable of correction with the right pad/chemical combination. It will, however, rattle your teeth loose after time. But better loose teeth than marred finish!:nixweiss



Andy
 
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