time for a new polisher. BUT which one ??

[sandman661]

hey everyone like the title says .I'm looking for a new polisher. I recently had to retire my PC due too it not working anymore. and I been looking into the flex or the cyclo but can't decide on what I want. well I want both but can't right now. so can u give me some advise on which one will suit me more. here's some background on me . I do not detail for dollars. I have 4 cars just bought a 15 Kia optima sxl, black for the wife and a 08 Nissan altima coupe for work but the paint looks faded on the roof and hood due to not being cared for. clear coat not chipping yet. so that being said idk which one will suit my needs . I like the power of the flex but I like the cyclo cause it gets into tight spots. so if anyone can give me some insight I'd appreciate it. and I'll post some pics of the Nissan I'm talking about .

[sandman661]

here's a few pics

[rkj4243]

Well you highlighted some of the benefits of both the Flex and Cyclo, but here is some additional info.

 

Flex will correct faster, but also has a higher learning curve for new users.

 

Cyclo will correct the same as the Flex, just may take more time and passes to do so.

Cyclo has NO vibrations, and is quite easy to learn to use, and will not harm your paint at all.

 

Adam's has a video explaining how to choose what polisher works best for your needs, so be sure to watch that.

 

From what you have stated, not detailing for dollars, just to maintain your vehicles, my opinion would be the Cyclo.

 

Either way you will not go wrong, just much easier to start with the Cyclo compared to the Flex.

[ledger64]

flex

[Grey Ghost]

Can't wait to read the replies on this. I'm currently using a PC that I got for a great price on eBay. I was all set to go with a Cyclo when I found it but after doing more reading and Adams now selling the Flex, I'm not so sure. My PC has been great but it is rough on the hands and I would like to relegate it to a 4" tight spot machine.

[378 Pete]

flex

+1

[sandman661]

+1

the flex sounds good but how do you get into those tight spots like around the back of a car trunk with emblems ? my pc I could but since it gave up on me got be wondering with a bigger pad.

[Junior]

You really cannot go wrong with either. I have all three and I used the Flex when the PC wasnt putting a dent in the swirls on my paint. But now I use the Cyclo all the time. Havent used the Flex in quite some time. Cyclo corrects pretty much twice as good as the PC anyway. Which makes sense because it has about twice the throw. The difference between the Flex and Cyclo I would say is nowhere near like the capability difference between Cyclo and PC. To me, the only thing the Flex has over the Cyclo would be correcting ability. That and you are dealing with double the pads with the Cyclo. The Cyclo is probably better made, definitely smoother, easier to use tool, and it will get into tighter places. So my vote is probably Cyclo.

Edited March 16, 2015 by Junior

[378 Pete]

 Maybe you can attend a Adam's Detail Clinic. This way you can try both models. Maybe one fits better in your hands. If it feels better in you hands, you will use it. 

[Team Adam's]

 

Cliff notes -

 

The Flex is going to be faster thru the correction process and capable of doing more correction.

 

The Cyclo is extremely comfortable to work with and despite the odd shape it gets into far more spaces than the Flex or similar tools can.

 

Have a look at the video and it really covers the in's and out's of both.

[crowvet]

+1

My vote as well

[Chris@Adams]

Both are nice polishers, like mentioned before the Flex will correct faster.......but they both will get the job done.

[ledger64]

the flex sounds good but how do you get into those tight spots like around the back of a car trunk with emblems ? my pc I could but since it gave up on me got be wondering with a bigger pad.

I do use the pc for smaller areas with a 4" pad.  You could always find another pc used or refurbed or fix yours whats wrong with it exactly?  Also there are other less expensive polishers out there and there are specific "mini" versions too that you could get for smaller areas.  Google is your friend.  Heck there was also discussion of one on this forum a few weeks back.  I would rather have the power and speed of the flex for the larger areas and have a second polisher for smaller areas vs cyclo.

Edited March 16, 2015 by ledger64

[Antv20]

Flex! I started with PC. You cannot put a price on time. I have PC set up for small pads for tight areas.

[Ricky Bobby]

Wondering whats wrong with your PC as well?

 

Especially if you don't detail for dollars that tool should last YEARS.  I've had mine since 2005.

 

It's a great tool to use for 4" pads and tight spaces, or even wax/sealant application.  I'd be looking to fix it and add to the stable of tools, personally.

[mc2hill]

Can't wait to read the replies on this. I'm currently using a PC that I got for a great price on eBay. I was all set to go with a Cyclo when I found it but after doing more reading and Adams now selling the Flex, I'm not so sure. My PC has been great but it is rough on the hands and I would like to relegate it to a 4" tight spot machine.

 

For you I would say get the Flex, and use the PC with the 4" pads for tight areas.

[Feets31]

See if you can get the PC fixed, not that much to it, and then buy the Flex!!!!

[ray14sher]

Bought the Cyclo last year and I love it.  My hands are not numb when I'm finished.

[TheBurninator]

I find myself using the Cyclo more and more lately. It is just a machine I can work with for longer periods of time with less fatigue.

 

A couple weeks ago I did 1 pass on my grandfather's truck with an AIO. Took me most of a day to get it done, but I wasn't nearly as tired as I would be if I was using the flex.

[sandman661]

Wondering whats wrong with your PC as well?

 

Especially if you don't detail for dollars that tool should last YEARS.  I've had mine since 2005.

 

It's a great tool to use for 4" pads and tight spaces, or even wax/sealant application.  I'd be looking to fix it and add to the stable of tools, personally.

I was using my PC one day a few weeks ago and it just quit working. started smelling like something burning and that was it. I got it for free from a buddy a few years ago so wasn't to upset when it died

[sandman661]

ok so it seems like both polishers get the job done well. my question is if I buy a flex I probably got in invest in a PC again for tight areas it seems like. and the cyclo has better power than a PC and it might take me a few more passes to get the results vs. the flex. honestly it comes down too is which polisher is going to correct that pics of that Nissan I took pics of the best. sounds like it will either be cyclo or flex with PC it sounds what do u y'all think?

[sandman661]

well after much thinking I just placed an order to get the cyclo thank u everyone for the help

[Ricky Bobby]

Cyclo is a great machine you won't be disappointed

[Sac]

Thought about a happy medium, like a Rupes Bigfoot w/ the 5.5" pad? After using one(friend has one), think that is going to be my next machine when I upgrade from my PC. Hoping Adam's will start making a 5.5" pads. But I've never used a Cyclo before, so don't know how much help a one sided opinion is. haha

Edited March 20, 2015 by Sac

[AvsBest]

Figured I'd bump this as I'm in the same boat. I reviewed the thread and video and came up with the fact that I should probably get the flex.

My experience: Currently have the PC and I get 90%-95% of the swirls out on my first pass. I usually have to do a second pass to get the rest out. What I like about the PC is I can go over curves or sharp edges without doing anything to the paint. I also haven't really met any bad swirls that I couldn't get out with it (except deap scratches of course)

Plan: I have recently started doing this for money and while the PC serves me well, I'd like something a little faster because it takes me about 12h to do a full car including the wash/clay bar and all. I was going to turn my PC into a tight spot machine with 4 " pads

I have to admit that the added power of the flex somewhat scares me, should I be able to also go over curves/sharp edges with it or would I have to be more careful in those areas?

 

Edit: After doing some more research, now I'm leaning towards the cyclo: I like the very little vibration part of it, it would also be cheaper as I won't have to get 7" pads, I can just load up on 4" pads and use on both the Cyclo and my PC with the proper backing plate. I also like the very safe operation of the cyclo, much like the PC.

 

Frankly, how much better is the cyclo vs the PC as far as correction ability goes on the 1st pass only? i.e 90% correct with PC vs 95% on the cyclo (I know it depends on a lot of factor but just trying to get a rough idea here).

Edited June 11, 2015 by AvsBest

[Junior]

If you are doing it for money, speed is the biggest factor. For that reason, I would lean towards the Flex. It is a very safe tool. If you have mastered the PC you can handle the Flex. It just requires some strength and focus to keep it steady. She is much more powerful and can sometimes tug a bit. It will not harm the paint on curves and edges. You wouldnt want to hold it still on any of those areas. Its just a pass across them and you are fine. If you watch the videos you can see the speed and how to control it. I think your first thought was right. In the end, either can get the job done much better than the PC. Flip a coin!!!