Do I need a Bigfoot over my flex???

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Chris@SEMD

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Got another one for you guys. Been using the flex for the past year. Love it. BUT it seems like Pretty much everybody is using the Bigfoot. Is it that big of a difference? I think the flex has 8mm throw while the rupes is 21. What it really boils down to is: will I be able to correct better & in less time?
 
Chris@SEMD said:
Got another one for you guys. Been using the flex for the past year. Love it. BUT it seems like Pretty much everybody is using the Bigfoot. Is it that big of a difference? I think the flex has 8mm throw while the rupes is 21. What it really boils down to is: will I be able to correct better & in less time?
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Its not as cut and dry as that but I would add the word EASIER. You can cut better and finish faster EASIER with the RUPES than with the 3401.
 
My experience has been different, both using the Bigfoot and working on the same car with someone who was using a Bigfoot and finishing my half and the back end of the car before he finished his half of the hood, a door and a fender

I think if you want to reduce your compounding time...use the FLEX with 6 1/2" pads, it will spin them all day long on flat and curves. I think the move to 5 1/2" pads doesn't allow the FLEX to take advantage of its abundant torque

I went from a PC to a FLEX. I already had the 5 1/5" pads, so that's what I used. Now I am going back to 6 1/2" foam and the 6" Hybrid Wool
 
If the flex works for you then stay with it. I have been doing this too long and have wasted too much money on the latest fads that only provide equal or less results compared to my "older technology" If everyone is jumping off a bridge...... Should u do it also ?
 
Renny Doyle has a good video on You Tube that breaks down the differences between the Flex and Rupes 21. I use to think that, mechanically speaking, they were the same.
I have the Flex but then again I moved up from my Porter Cable 7424.
 
Easier (less focus and effort needed) defines the Rupes 21 to me. I can do anything I could and more with the Flex 3401 but the Rupes is easier (on most areas) at least
 
Dr Oldz said:
If the flex works for you then stay with it. I have been doing this too long and have wasted too much money on the latest fads that only provide equal or less results compared to my "older technology" If everyone is jumping off a bridge...... Should u do it also ?
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I guess I'll start using my high speed & using Meg's hi tech yellow wax again because they work & according to you the rupes polisher is a fad. I, like I imagine everyone on this forum strive for perfection. If there's a tool that will make my job easier in saving time & providing better results why wouldn't I get it? Thanks guys. I'm in the market for a lhr 21. Actually been looking for a month on CL & eBay for a gently used but no luck. Thanks for the help
 
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There has been and will continue to be a LOT of different opinions regarding these two DA machines.

My question wouldn't be... Do I need a Bigfoot over my flex??? I would ask...in addition to my flex???

The Flex 3401 VRG is a direct drive forced rotation dual action polisher that does not bog down.
This can be useful in certain situations. The Flex rotates counter clockwise & some say it likes to walk.
As a professional the Flex is perfect for paint correction on hard paints or average cars.

The Rupes 21 is unique because of its wide throw...(the distance the backing plate travels side to side).
The LHR 21 is designed to bog down (in certain situations) to prevent burning paint in vulnerable areas.
The Rupes 21 is a perfect machine for expensive vehicles because it is safer on irreplaceable paint jobs.

Each machine has its advantages and disadvantages.

So what's the bottom line. ..
The Flex 3401 VRG & the Rupes LHR 21ES are currently the two best dual action polishers on the market!
Just like the FLEX PE14 rotary & Griots 6" DA are different, the LHR 21 & 3401 VRG are also very different.
In the end, It all comes down to your personal experience, your personal preference and your budget.

If I were you, I would purchase a Rupes Bigfoot LHR 21. It will make an excellent addition to your arsenal.

MY THOUGHTS:
My personal favorite go-to of these two is the Rupes LHR 21 with a 5" backing plate and KBM washer mod.

Here's the Renny Doyle video that fdresq4 mentioned above

SIDE NOTE:
With a lot of the new pad/polish technology I rarely find myself picking up the rotary to get the job done.
On the other hand, I recently did a vehicle that the rotary and wool pad was the only combo that worked.
With that said, there are constant situations where the trusty ol' PC 7424xp is the perfect tool for the job.
Each machine is different & does a specific function "better" than others. Add a Rupes 21 to your arsenal.
 
For the rupes 21 is great for an old man like me its very smooth and almost no vibration. With the 5" backing plate,washer mod and the flash pads it cuts supper fast. I do use my griots on curved panels because I feel it works a little better. Like Corey said it's so easy to use over every other machine I've ever used. For me it's not all about speed it's also what won't kill me at the end of the day.
 
Merlin said:
There has been and will continue to be a LOT of different opinions regarding these two DA machines.

My question wouldn't be... Do I need a Bigfoot over my flex??? I would ask...in addition to my flex???

The Flex 3401 VRG is a direct drive forced rotation dual action polisher that does not bog down.
This can be useful in certain situations. The Flex rotates counter clockwise & some say it likes to walk.
As a professional the Flex is perfect for paint correction on hard paints or average cars.

The Rupes 21 is unique because of its wide throw...(the distance the backing plate travels side to side).
The LHR 21 is designed to bog down (in certain situations) to prevent burning paint in vulnerable areas.
The Rupes 21 is a perfect machine for expensive vehicles because it is safer on irreplaceable paint jobs.

Each machine has its advantages and disadvantages.

So what's the bottom line. ..
The Flex 3401 VRG & the Rupes LHR 21ES are currently the two best dual action polishers on the market!
Just like the FLEX PE14 rotary & Griots 6" DA are different, the LHR 21 & 3401 VRG are also very different.
In the end, It all comes down to your personal experience, your personal preference and your budget.

If I were you, I would purchase a Rupes Bigfoot LHR 21. It will make an excellent addition to your arsenal.

MY THOUGHTS:
My personal favorite go-to of these two is the Rupes LHR 21 with a 5" backing plate and KBM washer mod.

Here's the Renny Doyle video that fdresq4 mentioned above

SIDE NOTE:
With a lot of the new pad/polish technology I rarely find myself picking up the rotary to get the job done.
On the other hand, I recently did a vehicle that the rotary and wool pad was the only combo that worked.
With that said, there are constant situations where the trusty ol' PC 7424xp is the perfect tool for the job.
Each machine is different & does a specific function "better" than others. Add a Rupes 21 to your arsenal.
Click to expand...

Merlin you are very wise good sir!
 
If money is no object, get the 21. I have both. I use my Flex WAY more than my 21. I like having both however.
 
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