Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

[Silverado12]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

Like Rasky, I would say a few months of details on and off- no issues. The laminate backing on the 2.0 pads is very substantial, and I think that is what protects the pad.

Good to know, thanks for the input and I'm glad I can use them without fear of ruining my pads!! Thanks!

[RaskyR1]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

That is what I was hoping for!! I thought the clear coating inside would help protect it, but I wasn't sure if it was tough enough to prevent wear. I think it's very important to make sure I get the pad perfectly centered before I use it.

Thanks man!!

Centering the pad on a DA is not as important as it is with a rotary since it already has a random orbit motion.

I do try my best to have it centered though.

[Tom Weed]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

Yeah, the flex foam is what I've got. I haven't used them too much because I seem to get marring with any product I've tried with them. Plus, like you said, I don't think they like the pad washer too much.

What do you mean by the CCS pads wanting "to pull more with the flat surface edge of the pad?" I haven't tried the CCS pads because I've heard that when using products that use diminishing abrasives, the CCS pockets can trap the abrasives, which could lead to marring. I think this was my problem with the Flex Foam pads.

How do the Solo pads hold up in the pad washer? Are they just as smooth to use as the SoftBuff?

Thanks for all the advice!

Okay, here's a picture of the pad, I've used these pads on 3 details now and everything went fine, but the RV and my friend who had never used a machine to wax a camper with I am sure was pretty hard on it. I had my hands full with what I was doing, so I didn't really watch him too much, I figured he wouldn't hurt anything with the Flex.



What I am talking about with the CCS pads, they do work well, they stay firm, but as you know when you use the Flex, it tends to want to "pull" away from you, I really think it's more of an issue IMO with the CCS pads or not as easy to control with the firmer pads.

The Solo pads foam pads finish down well and are good for lighter or final polishing. My knock on them, they are thin and lose their firmness when they have been used on a few panels. You have to be a little more careful when cleaning them, they are not as firm as the Softbuff 2.0 pads, but they are almost an exact fit though in this machine, thus why I suggested trying a couple out. If others here are having good luck with the Softbuff 2.0 pads then it sounds like my buddy was being a little rough on the pad.

[Marc Hufnagel]

Re: Meguiars SoftBuff 2.0 pads with Flex XC3401 VRG

Seems like the problems I'm seeing with the flex center around the backing plate (not changeable, and this perhaps). I understand from seeing how it is made why they are not easily changed though.