Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

[T3hlulzkiller]

Hi all. I've been reading up alot lately on detailing etc. I know the Flex is a machine much more capable than the 7424XP, however, is it so capable as to be worth 170$ more? I plan on going semi-commercial (read: detailing 15 or so cars a month on the side) and am wondering just how adequate the 7424XP would be for a side show like mine versus the Flex. Could I achieve the same results with a 7424xp with a little extra time as I would the flex? or should I just shoot for the flex and figure the extra cash was well worth the benefits of the machine.

[InfiniteDetail]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

If you are detailing for dollars, then time = money. In my experience, the versatility of the Flex will save you time and is worth the extra money. The time you save will eventually more than pay for the difference in price. The Flex isn't the optimal tool for removing sanding scratches, but it can do it (just takes more applications).

I'm assuming you don't already have a rotary as well. If you already have a rotary, then you may consider the PC XP.

The Flex is a great machine and is a pleasure to use

[SHYNEMAN123]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

I would put the money in the FLEX
When you buy the best you will never be unhappy.

I have had my FLEX Rotary for over 15 years and It is like an extension of my hand. IMHO.

[Fischer]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

Flex for sure,

At the midwest get together I had the chance to use both machines thanks to Tom Weed and I must say, the rotary and DA are both awesome. The Flex rotary is alot lighter compared to the dewalt and makita and still has the same power. When it comes to the DA, the flex is a bit heavier and larger. But thats just because it has a larger motor which comes in handy. The larger motor allows faster cutting in less time and it never bogs down like a PC.

A con for me is the flex does heat up a bit around the bottom. Of course this is only naturally since DAs build up more heat than rotaries. But I found that when it gets hot, M105 does seem to dust up alot more and flash dries when you get further into the car.

But other than that, Flex gets my vote.

[Kevin Brown]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

Here is a very good thread about this subject:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35441

The lines were drawn, people took sides, some good points and great rebuttals were made.
All in all, I came away battered but not bruised, shaken but certainly NOT stirred.


FYI- Fifteen cars a month ON THE SIDE?! That is a LOT of cars!!
If I were the dude setting you up, I would recommend a random orbital first, a rotary second, and a Dynabrade Dual Action Buffing Head third (it attaches to the rotary buffer).

Either way- stick around here at MOL and you will never get steered wrong.
Lots of educated guys giving sound advice to enthusiastic paint polishing newbies!

[T3hlulzkiller]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

Here is a very good thread about this subject:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35441

The lines were drawn, people took sides, some good points and great rebuttals were made.
All in all, I came away battered but not bruised, shaken but certainly NOT stirred.


FYI- Fifteen cars a month ON THE SIDE?! That is a LOT of cars!!
If I were the dude setting you up, I would recommend a random orbital first, a rotary second, and a Dynabrade Dual Action Buffing Head third (it attaches to the rotary buffer).

Either way- stick around here at MOL and you will never get steered wrong.
Lots of educated guys giving sound advice to enthusiastic paint polishing newbies!

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Kevin, I actually did have a read through that thread but it left me with more questions than answers (especially by the end where it becmae more of a how-to on adding a washer to the flex's plate).

15 cars a month doesn't sound all that too much for me. I'm a freelance web developer and my job is extremely liberal (and slow) so I find myself wiht alot of free time (aside from continuing my education).

By Random Orbital do you mean more along the lines of PC/G110 and not the flex?

[Kevin Brown]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

By Random Orbital do you mean more along the lines of PC/G110 and not the flex?

Yes.

Not opposed to you getting a Flex XC 3401 VRG at all.
I just see a lot of positives with the random orbital. I do not think it needs to be relegated to 2nd place behind any forced rotation orbital machine (or switchable between RO and forced RO, such as the Bosch 1250DEVS, Festool Rotex RO150 FEQ, or Makita BO6040).

There are times when you may not want forced rotation (but instead random or very slow rotation), such as when you are working on things like cowl areas that have vents punched into the metal, skinny areas or parts (like the area of the trunk directly below a trunklid mounted spoiler, or painted door handles). It is nice to have the very slow rotation to work areas for an extended period of time, or perhaps you would like to polish stainless steel trim with it?

Certainly, you can do these things with a forced rotation machine. As far as the category of forced rotation machines, I like the Flex because it features something no other machine like it does - a finger trigger! But, I sure do not like the reverse rotation of the backing plate even one teensy bit (even though a lot of guys say once you get used to this oddity it is no biggie). Plus, if you've never buffed a car before, never used a sander, grinder, or rotary, you won't know the difference, right?

You can easily apply waxes and sealants very easily with a random orbital, and even remove the residue by employing a microfiber bonnet placed over a foam pad. You can even buy attachments to shampoo carpets with it! I don't know if many people are aware of this... ... but you can sand stuff with it, too.

Just some stuff to think about.
A lot of guys out there (MOL member Bounty is a good example) use a random orbital, a forced rotation orbital, and a rotary for different tasks. Sometimes it is fun just to use different tools in order to "mix things up", (or keep the boredom away, so to speak).

[Eddie6th]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

If I'm correct....one is made in Germany and the other in PRC.

I know which one I'd get.

[T3hlulzkiller]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

Yes.

Not opposed to you getting a Flex XC 3401 VRG at all.
I just see a lot of positives with the random orbital. I do not think it needs to be relegated to 2nd place behind any forced rotation orbital machine (or switchable between RO and forced RO, such as the Bosch 1250DEVS, Festool Rotex RO150 FEQ, or Makita BO6040).

There are times when you may not want forced rotation (but instead random or very slow rotation), such as when you are working on things like cowl areas that have vents punched into the metal, skinny areas or parts (like the area of the trunk directly below a trunklid mounted spoiler, or painted door handles). It is nice to have the very slow rotation to work areas for an extended period of time, or perhaps you would like to polish stainless steel trim with it?

Certainly, you can do these things with a forced rotation machine. As far as the category of forced rotation machines, I like the Flex because it features something no other machine like it does - a finger trigger! But, I sure do not like the reverse rotation of the backing plate even one teensy bit (even though a lot of guys say once you get used to this oddity it is no biggie). Plus, if you've never buffed a car before, never used a sander, grinder, or rotary, you won't know the difference, right?

You can easily apply waxes and sealants very easily with a random orbital, and even remove the residue by employing a microfiber bonnet placed over a foam pad. You can even buy attachments to shampoo carpets with it! I don't know if many people are aware of this... ... but you can sand stuff with it, too.

Just some stuff to think about.
A lot of guys out there (MOL member Bounty is a good example) use a random orbital, a forced rotation orbital, and a rotary for different tasks. Sometimes it is fun just to use different tools in order to "mix things up", (or keep the boredom away, so to speak).

I see what you're saying. Price wise, buying a Dewatt Rotary and a PC comes out to the same amount as a flex. From what I have read, assuming the detailer learns to properly use a rotary that a combo of a rotary + orbital faaaar suprasses one of just a direct orbital liek the flex.

[the_invisible]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

The XP is made in Mexico, SLIGHTLY better than PRC hehe...

[Eddie6th]

Re: Torn between the Flex and the 7424XP...

The XP is made in Mexico, SLIGHTLY better than PRC hehe...

Thanks for the correction.....

I do like to know where goodies,i.e. 'power tools' are made.