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PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

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  • PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

    ok guys....its a 3 way race here...im new to this, want a easy to use machine with user friendly controls and enough power to get what i need done without having to repeat steps more than nesc.

    So tell me, as a relatively new detailee who has NEVER used a true D/A before which one they would recommend AND why.

    Lastly, which of the 3 do you use, and heres a small questionnaire i made up for you guys who own one of the 3:

    • Which D/A do you own?
    • What are the PROS of your D/A?
    • What are the CONS of your D/A
    • How many years have you owned/used it?
    • How often per day/week/month/year is it used?
    • If you were to buy a new D/A, would it be the same you currently own, or one of the other brands, if other, which brand and why?
    • Has your D/A ever broken/malfunctioned causing you to not be able to use it, if so, was it able to be fixed in house or did it have to be sent out?
    • If yes to above question, what happened to D/A and is it a known issue or a random one time problem?



    If theres anything else you'd like to add about one of the 3 D/A mentioned....please by all means, let me now as id like to make this a one-time purchase for MANY years.

    THANKS GUYS!!!!!
    C.C.
    Zach Hall

    2001.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel - DD/Tow rig
    1983 Chevy C10 - Race/Show rig
    1939 Dodge D11 Luxury Liner Deluxe - Antique resto. project

  • #2
    Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

    I'm new to the DA as well, and I plan to give my G110 it's first extensive workout this coming weekend on my test car - my 1993 Honda Civic. Since I'm just as new as you to the process, I can't provide you with the insight you're asking for, but I can share my own thought process as I made my choice.

    If you plan to take most of your detailing advice from this forum, most of the MOL members use the G100/G110. While I was tempted by glowing reviews of the Flex 3401, I also realized that most of the members here are speaking G110 and it's associated backing plates and pads. Therefore I went for the common denominator so I wouldn't have to figure out parallel comparisons when an MOLer says they used a 7006 pad with a 5 speed setting. Some call it laziness, I call it not re-inventing the wheel

    There is also some measure of assurance knowing that if you encounter some oddity or problem with your G110, there is another member who experienced the same thing and has probably already posted a solution. From the three months I have prowled these forums, any problem encountered by a G110 user was promptly resolved by Meguiars customer care, regardless of where trhe unit was purchased. That figured BIG into my decision.

    I think too that the newer Meguiars SMAT polishes and cleaners were likely formulated using the G110 as a test bed.

    Finally there was the price difference. A Flex is twice the price of a G110, and the pads are slightly more expensive than comparable G110 pads. Buying the G110 allowed me to buy other components and materials without blowing out my wallet.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

      hmmm...those are all really good thoughts. The only things ive heard is that the Flex has a forced rotation and a bigger motor with both RPM and OPM speed settings. That in turn from what i understand makes things a lot easier maybe?

      im confusing myself now, thats why i asked this to begin with HAHA.

      IM CONFUSED!!!!!!!!!
      Zach Hall

      2001.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel - DD/Tow rig
      1983 Chevy C10 - Race/Show rig
      1939 Dodge D11 Luxury Liner Deluxe - Antique resto. project

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

        I just made the same decision. I bought the Flex.

        I just used it for the first time last weekend and found it easy to use. Once I figured out how to handle the M105/205 combo, the Flex made quick work of my paint's imperfections. I'm very happy with the purchase. No complaints or problems so far. Never used any other machine so can't help with the comparison. I was a little concerned it might be too powerful for a newbie but I had no trouble at all and found it generally idiot proof.

        With a 15% off coupon, I got a kit that ended up about $275 for the machine, three pads, and a flex bag. At least for me, considering that I will have it a long time, the extra cost was an issue but not a deal breaker. Over it's life you're going to spend more on pads (~$10/each) and polish (~$30 for 32oz bottle of M105) than on the machine itself.

        I found the variable speed trigger very useful.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

          ok thanks Jeff.....

          anyone else?
          Zach Hall

          2001.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel - DD/Tow rig
          1983 Chevy C10 - Race/Show rig
          1939 Dodge D11 Luxury Liner Deluxe - Antique resto. project

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

            bump
            Zach Hall

            2001.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel - DD/Tow rig
            1983 Chevy C10 - Race/Show rig
            1939 Dodge D11 Luxury Liner Deluxe - Antique resto. project

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

              - Currently, I own a 7336 and have used a G110.
              - It removes defects
              - It has its limitations and can be slow to remove defects
              - Two years and more than sixty complete details with it.
              - Atleast twice a week
              - I'd buy the same model (use it for sanding all the time)
              - Nothing has broken yet

              I have considered getting a Flex DA, but it just seems too expensive for what you get. Also, the Flex rotates counterclockwise, which is different that the rotary and Porter Cable polishers. The Dynabrade attachment is a much better idea. You can switch between the forced rotation and orbital action. Since the forced rotation is a direct drive from the rotary, the rpm is much higher than the Flex.

              When you factor in the cost of a rotary and the Dynabrade attachment, it is equal in price to a Flex DA. And, you have the option of using a rotary in the future.

              On the other hand, the Porter Cable DA is a very capable machine. M105 and M205 really allow the machine to remove defects that were not feasible with some of the older products. Plus, the addition of the Surbuf pads has really bumped up the potential level of correction (this pad can remove 1500 grit marks with ease).
              Chris
              Dasher Detailing Services

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                Originally posted by PorscheGuy997 View Post
                When you factor in the cost of a rotary and the Dynabrade attachment, it is equal in price to a Flex DA. And, you have the option of using a rotary in the future.
                Good call! I forgot about the Dynabrade: Dynabrade Dual-Action Buffing Head

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                  and the dynabrade is used on a rotary?
                  Zach Hall

                  2001.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel - DD/Tow rig
                  1983 Chevy C10 - Race/Show rig
                  1939 Dodge D11 Luxury Liner Deluxe - Antique resto. project

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                    If you are going to just spread wax the 7424 or G110 are fine. If you want to do corrections you will want to get the Flex. The direct drive allows you to add more pressure to the work surface. If your into heavy correction you will need a rotary.
                    The best answer is, if your a serious detailer, all of the above.
                    If you can afford only one I would get the Flex.
                    Chef and Dr. of Min.

                    God is a good God, He loves you, and He wants to bless you.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                      I have both the Flex and Dynabrade, I will reach for the Flex before the Dynabrade to to the weight, there's a big difference if you are going to be polishing all day... One thing that's a little odd about the dynabrade if you lock it in to make it a rotary, the backing plate will be off center due to how it locks in to the housing, not centered.

                      If I am doing heavy to moderate correction work, I will use the rotary, then follow that up with the Flex, that has seemed to be my most efficent method to date and produces great results with the 105/205 combo. From light to moderate correction work, i just use the Flex as it has the power and will finish off nice...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                        see thats kinda what i was thinking, i def. plan on doing corrections, but until i start doing any of this, i have no clue what the paints condition will be prior to seeing it in person and i def. wont go for a rotary yet....as i dont feel like paying for resprays!
                        Zach Hall

                        2001.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel - DD/Tow rig
                        1983 Chevy C10 - Race/Show rig
                        1939 Dodge D11 Luxury Liner Deluxe - Antique resto. project

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                          Originally posted by CumminsCrazed View Post
                          hmmm...those are all really good thoughts. The only things ive heard is that the Flex has a forced rotation and a bigger motor with both RPM and OPM speed settings. That in turn from what i understand makes things a lot easier maybe?

                          im confusing myself now, thats why i asked this to begin with HAHA.

                          IM CONFUSED!!!!!!!!!
                          dont be confused,,, buy flex,flex,flex,flex and you will regret. I swear it !!!!!!!

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                            Won't regret !

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: PC 7424 vs. Flex 3401 vs Megs. G110 (small 8 quest. questionnaire inside)

                              By the way , they are all great machines.

                              Comment

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