What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

[Nyholm]

Hi,

What is the best size pad to use with the Flex 3401?

I already got several Meguiars Soft Buff 2.0 pads. They are 7". I like the 2.0 because I can throw them in the washing machine. However, are the 6,5" a better fit?
Unfortuneally, none of these in the 2.0 version :-(

[wifpd4]

Re: What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

The Flex 3401 has the power to spin 7" pads with ease.

http://detailing.com has 6.5" Lake Country pads branded for the Flex, not sure they are washing machine recommended.

[smack]

Re: What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

If you are going to use the 7 inch soft buff 2.0 pad you should pick up the Lake Country interchangeable backing plate system. There are two plates in this setup with a 4 inch and 6 inch backing plate. The 6 inch plate is the perfect size to fit down inside the soft buff pad.

http://www.autogeek.net/flex-xc3401-backing-plates.html

[wifpd4]

Re: What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

Smack,

Good point.

My Meguiar's and Lake Country backing plates on my Porter-Cable are 5 7/8" and my Flex is 5 1/2"

[imacarnut]

Re: What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

Check out DI as well, they have multi-pad combos with great pricing as well.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Buffer-Pads-C79/

[greg0303]

Re: What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

I remember talking to Flex USA President, Bob Eichelberg, during Detail Fest two years ago and he doesn't recommend to use buffing pads larger than 6.5" with XC 3401 VRG.

Your best high performance set for that machine would be Lake Country's Hybrid System:
http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-hybrid-pads.html

The wool pad is natural, not synthetic.

[Detailing by M]

Re: What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

I like the 5.5 or 6" only.
The Flex is a very powerful mechein and you'll put a muscle trying to move a 7" pad around.
The smaller pads work great for a 2'x2' area and doing bumpers also. And is easy to move around.
Once the Flex grabs the paint you'll have problems if you don't know what your doing.

[Nyholm]

Re: What size pad for the Flex 3401 VRG?

I think I will get the interchangeable backing plate system. Then I can use the 6" backing plate for my Meguiars 7" pads and the 4" backing plate for some new 4" pads. They will be a nice addition to those tight areas.
I also need a couple of new large pads. If Flex USA President, Bob Eichelberg, has recommended not going above 6,5" pads, perhaps I should the new ones in a 6,5" size and use the OEM backing plate from the Flex, instead of getting more 7" pads.

Are the foam between the Meguiars Soft Buff and Soft Buff 2.0 pads the same? Are the Lake Country 6,5" pads better for the Flex?