FLEX Forced rotation Polisher-XC3401VRG120/US

High quality machine, not excessively heavy or difficult to handle. Can use this for anything I'd care to tackle myself for paint correction as a non-pro who takes great care of my cars. I moved to this from a PC, and while the PC is good for light polishing and spreading product, this unit seems to work faster and easier overall. I think there is an ergonomic benefit that the units that just have a big cylinder to grip (Rupes duetto and GG included) lack. Haven't tried the Rupes long throw to compare, but I do like the forced motion and overall performance of this. A real winner!

We both probably hours trying to figure out what the "difference" is between all the DA polishers out there. Youtube is full of reviews that are suspiciously tied to one company or the other. The vast majority have no difference. And the ones that do, well, for example "made in italy" sounds nice. But who cares? Italy makes some of the worst products ever made. I wanted a Rupes, but they stall out, they need modified right away or else they don't function well. What kind of design is that? I ran the Griot's, it was a good for the money, it really was. And they're all about the same. Flex offers the ONLY quantifiable, real difference: direct drive.For me, its not so much that I need the extra torque or pressing power direct drive offers. That's nice, but with the right pad and polish it isn't a huge gain. What I like is the CONSISTENCY. I get the exact RPM that I dial it to, regardless of pressure, angle, slope, doesn't matter. This is a constant problem with DA's. I've seen various compromises: Rupes "washer mod", Meg's "DTM", but none of them eliminate it problem entirely like direct drive does.On top of the clear design advantage, the build quality is superb. The tool is solid, powerful, and well made.

The best DA I've used. The machine is powerful and will work for you, even if you put some pressure on it. Stronger than the porter cable for sure and the trigger allows to spread product without having to manually lower the RPM every time. Depending on amount of time using the machine where the motor and gears are located will get warm. Not unbearable especially since Ill use it for hours on end with very little pausing in between. Great machine well worth the cost. I would recommend adding the various backing plates to the order. The plates are not interchangeable with other DA polishers. When you fire it up, hold on shes got some kick!

Used this Flex 3401 paired with Lake Country hybrid pads to de-oxidize the gel coat on a 21 year old boat. The forced rotation works amazingly well when you are putting some force into the machine, and really cutting, then, no worries about swirl marks like a rotary buffer when you get to the finishing steps. Really happy with the results!!

Amazing machine, the mother of forced rotation as a professional detailer I appreciate quality and this is a 10 out of 10 for me

Whether you detail for a living, as a hobby, or a mix of both like I do, this is the tool to have. I have used other orbitals and they get the job done, but the Flex 3401 is so much more capable of removing serious defects quickly. It cuts much faster than other orbitals thanks to the forced rotation action. Not quite as quick as a rotary but in some cases it comes close. The Flex is powerful so it can take a little getting used to at first as it likes to try to walk across panels until you realize that you've got to manhandle it a little bit. I love this tool and I use whenever I have a chance!

This unit is great and makes the job so much easier. Better results with less effort-what's not to love? In this case, you really are getting what you pay for-results.Only complaint (-1 star) is that while one is purchasing a true commercial grade polisher, the feeble spray containers for the pad cleaner and conditioner are weak and leaky, even with a very minimal amount of jostling to account for it. Leave it in its side, even screwed on tight with the little plastic spray pump cover, and the product seeps out and it WILL seep out unless you maintain them in a constant vertical position on a shelf (forget carrying these in the bag) OR buy your own atomizer.sprayer, because these spray bottles are made to fail.*** I see they now use McKee's for the included pad maintenance items, instead of the ones included with the kit that i got. these appear to be sturdier right off the bat, but I've yet to use that particular product.

Definitely a noticeable step up from the porter cable. The forced rotation can be felt, no question. With the same 6" lake country flat foam pad the PC would just jiggle shaking the machine when loaded. This machine continued to rotate through and did not hint at bogging down. It does not have a true random orbit, it spins and both the pad and housing hated geared teeth creating a Spirograph like orbit that is a little more regular. As such it may feel a little more like a rotary polisher and grab if you don't keep a good grip. I saw this a couple times when I tried to extend my reach by holding on one handed, not recommended FTR. My only con was that after 3 hrs of buffing out a mirror shine on my friend's neglected 911 it started to feel a little heavy as I applied sealant with it. Wish I kept my PC for that task since its lighter and you don't need power for that step. Also worth noting that it gets hotter than the PC, likely due to the friction of the gear mechanism BUT it doesn't vibrate as badly and I don't have that numb tingly feeling in my hands after 3 hrs either. Worth the money IMHO and I would buy again.