The FLEX is pretty incredible compared to the PC. There's certainly a learning curve. I did a lot of reading before I picked one up, and I read even more before I used it for the first time. For me, a few of the big differences are:
1.) How LITTLE product I had to use. I started with the hood and masked it of into 1/4s. The first section, I made a small X on the pad with the SHR, worked it until it flashed (which happened very quickly), and then with each successive panel, I only added 3 pea sized drops, until I got to the rear fenders. By then, I had enough product in the pad that I only needed 2-3 sprays of detail spray to re-activate the product that was already in the pad, no additional polish had to be added to the pad. That NEVER happened with the PC.
2.) You have to keep moving! Since the FLEX has forced rotation in it, it generates MUCH more heat than the PC. I learned this the hard way on the roof when I began to see dusting. As soon as it started, I stopped the machine, flipped it over to feel the pad, and it was very hot. I let it cool down, gave the pad a few squirts of DS, and continued on, but moved much faster, almost feeling like I was going too fast, but that's how the FLEX works its magic.
3.) I really like the square handle on the front of the machine. My PC had the handle on the side, and I thought it was great...until I got the FLEX in my hands. It's so much easier to apply even pressure with the handle on the front, rather than on the side.
4.) Catching the edge of a panel, going over panel gaps, or touching trim/wiper nozzles/emblems is a BAD idea. The forced rotation of the flex will cause it to jump if you touch anything other than a flat panel or surface. Again, I learned this the hard way on the wheel arches.
Those are just the things that currently come to mind, as far as differences between the PC and FLEX polishers. In the future, I'll pick up another PC for getting into tighter spaces, but for now I just use the 4" focus pads on my cordless drill for that duty.
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Team Adam's
I finally got to do a full paint correction this past weekend with the FLEX 3401. I made the upgrade from the PC 7424 and I'm glad I did! The thread can be seen here: http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/detailers-write-ups/14600.htm
Before:
After:
The FLEX is pretty incredible compared to the PC. There's certainly a learning curve. I did a lot of reading before I picked one up, and I read even more before I used it for the first time. For me, a few of the big differences are:
1.) How LITTLE product I had to use. I started with the hood and masked it of into 1/4s. The first section, I made a small X on the pad with the SHR, worked it until it flashed (which happened very quickly), and then with each successive panel, I only added 3 pea sized drops, until I got to the rear fenders. By then, I had enough product in the pad that I only needed 2-3 sprays of detail spray to re-activate the product that was already in the pad, no additional polish had to be added to the pad. That NEVER happened with the PC.
2.) You have to keep moving! Since the FLEX has forced rotation in it, it generates MUCH more heat than the PC. I learned this the hard way on the roof when I began to see dusting. As soon as it started, I stopped the machine, flipped it over to feel the pad, and it was very hot. I let it cool down, gave the pad a few squirts of DS, and continued on, but moved much faster, almost feeling like I was going too fast, but that's how the FLEX works its magic.
3.) I really like the square handle on the front of the machine. My PC had the handle on the side, and I thought it was great...until I got the FLEX in my hands. It's so much easier to apply even pressure with the handle on the front, rather than on the side.
4.) Catching the edge of a panel, going over panel gaps, or touching trim/wiper nozzles/emblems is a BAD idea. The forced rotation of the flex will cause it to jump if you touch anything other than a flat panel or surface. Again, I learned this the hard way on the wheel arches.
Those are just the things that currently come to mind, as far as differences between the PC and FLEX polishers. In the future, I'll pick up another PC for getting into tighter spaces, but for now I just use the 4" focus pads on my cordless drill for that duty.
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