I recently purchased the new Italian made Rupes Bigfoot LHR21ES polisher and since then I've received numerous requests by others here to share a review on it.
For those of you that are not familiar with this new polisher making a name for itself quickly in the industry I will share some of the standard facts with you before going into my first experience. There are 2 machines in this category of Rupes polishers. The LHR15ES which has a smaller backing plate and component sizes. And the LHR21ES which will be discussed here.
General Description
The Rupes Big Foot LHR 21 ES is an electronic random orbital polisher with anti-spinning system. Suitable for all polishing operations, including
the removal of scratches and refinishing operations. It performs the same operations as traditional polishers, but it is easier to handle and delivers superior finishes.
BIGFOOT SYSTEM ADVANTAGES
- FASTER MACHINING OPERATIONS UP TO 40% TIME SAVING
The new Big Foot polisher is an amazing tool that enables you to obtain excellent results in no time. LESS steps, LESS time, LESS compound consumption and GREATER profits
- SUPERIOR FINISH
The goal of operators has always been achieving two results: gloss and color depth. In designing its polishers, RUPES has taken these requirements into account to allow operators to achieve unique and extraordinary results.
- NO SURFACE OVERHEATING
Superficial temperature must be kept within specific safety limits. The random orbital movement and technical features of new RUPES polishers maintain the superficial temperature within acceptable limits end
eliminate the risk of burning the clear coat.
- 40% ENERGY REDUCTION
Thanks to their design and technology, the new random orbital polishers by RUPES are more energy efficient as compared to traditional polishers.
- EASINESS OF USE
Polishing has always been considered an operation that requires experience and skill. Inexperience may in fact result in surfaces being damaged and in the exposure of edges and sharp corners. RUPES has eliminated these risks with its new random orbital polisher that enables even less experienced operators to achieve professional results.
- MAXIMUM CONTROL
RUPES polishers stand out because of their accuracy and easiness of use, which enable to obtain high quality results with less fatigue.
- LARGER CONTACT AREA
The new RUPES random orbital polishers enable to use the whole surface of the buffer. When using traditional rotary polishers , it is necessary to maintain the buffer inclined as compared to the work surface due to the high temperatures that develop on the machined panel, which reduces the useful surface of the buffer to 40 %.
Features:
- The random orbital movement reduces the overall polishing time
- The orbit up to 21 mm enables to quickly obtain gloss and colour depth
- The electronic feedback control maintains speed constant in all applications
- Soft Start guarantees an acceleration ramp to prevent accidental dispersion of compound unwanted
- The anti-spinning feature prevents the high speed rotations avoiding scratches
- New ergonomic front handle
- The 500 W RUPES motor reduces power consumption
- Polyurethane backup pad designed by RUPES
- The tool can be easily used even by unskilled operators
LHR21 ES
- 6" backing plate
- 21mm-diameter orbit
- 4,200 RPM/OPM
- The 21 mm orbit is suitable for all polishing operations on all types of surfaces: painted surfaces or recently painted surfaces and finishing applications
- Denibbing
- Holograms removing
Okay, did you guys take all of that in, or did you just skim right over that only allowing for some notes to catch your eye! Well have no fear, there will not be a pop quiz on any of those details.
Let me share some shots of this machine right out of the box along with some comparison shots to our other favorite machines.
I'll start off with the vehicle to be the guinea pig. My 2006 Trailblazer SS. Since the truck is up for sale I figured with the random mild temps here in January to get out and give her a mid-winter correction. I will let you know I did not take many action pictures since it really is useless seeing a before and after and not really knowing the process it took to get there. So this is mainly all reading material for you.
After a quick wash with the always amazing Adam's Car Shapmoo and Kranzle pressure washer it was time to begin testing this fine Italian princess of a polisher.
PRICE
The price is steep at roughly $399 for the LHR21ES compared to the Flex, however with discount codes or promo codes the price can become an easier acceptance to some.
SIZE
The Rupes LHR21 is longer by an inch or so compared to the Flex, however it feels just right in your hands. The curved lip toward the top is perfect for your grip position on the top end of the machine.
Take note that the Rupes is a tighter fit into our favorite Adam's bag. I did make the zipper secure just fine with the PC, Flex and Rupes all together with various Adam's polishes bottles still inside.
SPEED SETTING AND TRIGGER
Like the Flex and Porter Cable the Rupes has a 1-6 speed setting for your various control of laying down whatever products you may be applying.
If you remember the facts from above there was mention of the "Soft Start" feature. This is a roughly 1 second delay after pulling the trigger that slowly powers up to the selected speed. At first this threw me off. I almost thought this machine had already crapped out on me. However after the 2nd or 3rd panel I was quickly used to it. Yes, a little annoying but so very minor overall.
Now on the Flex we all know and love the fact you can have that German beast on a higher speed setting and use the trigger slightly to lay down your product before pulling it up to full speed. The Rupes LHR21ES does not allow for this. To some of you this may be a big issue, however to myself I do not mind since we all lay down our product on the paint from the pads differently but that's just personnel preference.
And yes, the Rupes does have a trigger lock to keep your machine running full speed while allowing to remove your finger off the trigger.
OVERALL FEEL
After starting on my hood I then moved to the front fenders. By then I was getting a good feel of this machine in it's full power. It didn't feel like it was in full power compared to what the Flex feels like though, but it was doing what it's supposed to do with paint correction. I noticed some things during a speed 5 and 6 setting. The Rupes feels really smooth. It's almost like a gliding feeling as you lay down your product. And to understand what I am talking about think about where it is made....Italy. Now think about an Italian sports car. You get where I am going with this. It's a really nice feel in your hands.
Another thing I did like on the Rupes over the Flex is the hopping factor. If you have your technique right with the Flex you are fine, however we all know we've experience that hop or force of the Flex wanting to move on you. I never got that feeling out of the Rupes, but I realize this is only the first of many uses of this Italian princess. Sorry, I love calling it that for some reason!
Now let's get on to discussing the throw of this machine. Yes, the throw is a whole different thing on the Rupes compared to the Flex or the PC. When you force the backing plate around manually with your hand you can see what everyone is talking about. However when you actually are using the Rupes on the paint it doesn't feel like the throw is changing the way the machine operates in anyway. So don't let that be an issue of concern. But I would as always suggest to tape off emblems and such to avoid damaging your pads.
BOGGING DOWN
Since sharing my purchase of this machine I have been told by many there is an issue of concern with Rupes bogging down. Immediately I knew exactly what others were talking about. If you apply just too much pressure on your top hand that is directly over the pad the machine does feel like you are forcing too much on it. Now do I feel the machine really "bogs down" as some may say....no it does not. Nothing more than any other polisher would do.
After realizing the bogging down part I wanted to move to a new panel that contained a good amount of swirls and try something out. Remember this was a black paint that was sitting outside thru snow, ice, rain, wind for about 3 weeks. I also was using halogen lighting so the swirls were out in full force.
With the front and rear passenger doors being next, I decided to work the front door with very light pressure listening for the Rupes to be at it's highest performance and work the entire panel while starting a stop watch. And there it was.....no extra pressure was needed and the correction was completed in an easy manner.
I then moved to the rear door, and used a little more pressure. To the point where I could hear the machine bogging down a little. Yes I received the same results, however I felt I used more time overall, but I actually didn't. The time took almost the exact same, however I felt the panel took a lot longer because I was using more energy.
So with this, I do agree you can achieve the same results as the Flex, with less energy being used.
CONCLUSION
After 2 rounds of applying products at higher speed on the entire vehicle, and moving on to a sealant application on a lower speed setting I can share with you my final thoughts on the Ruper LHR21ES Random Orbital Polisher.
I like the machine a lot. I feel there is room for loving it as I continue to use it on all different paints and vehicles. So I kept asking myself some questions all yesterday and into this morning as I thought about this write up.
- Would I recommend a current Flex owner to run out and buy a Rupes?
NO! Should you come across one and you have the financial security to purchase one to add to your arsenal, then go for it.
- Do I like the Rupes over the Flex?
To early to tell at this stage. I love the way the Rupes feels over the Flex but in overall comparison I would say the Rupes only has a slight advantage at this point.
- Would I suggest somebody upgrading from a Porter Cable to a Rupes?
I have my concerns with this one. I feel there is almost a certain experience factor needed, but I'm not too sure. It could just be me over thinking this while trying to put myself in others shoes. I have this concern about somebody not to familiar with polishers of all kinds going straight to the Rupes as their 2nd machine. So with that I would suggest trying to get a hold of a Rupes and a Flex to try out first before you decide to purchase.
- Am I happy I purchase the Rupes?
Absolutely. Like I said, I have a feeling I am going to fall more and more in love with it. It's just a learning curve to get comfortable since I've been "Flexing" so much lately.
Alright guys and gals, there it is. I'm sure there are some things to be discussed further which I will do my best to share responses to. And please feel free to add to this if you've used the LHR21ES yourself for everyone to know about. Remember there is a lot of information out there on this machine. So go out and search your little polished hearts away!
Question
JBlack151
Hey there fellow "Shine Freaks",
I recently purchased the new Italian made Rupes Bigfoot LHR21ES polisher and since then I've received numerous requests by others here to share a review on it.
For those of you that are not familiar with this new polisher making a name for itself quickly in the industry I will share some of the standard facts with you before going into my first experience. There are 2 machines in this category of Rupes polishers. The LHR15ES which has a smaller backing plate and component sizes. And the LHR21ES which will be discussed here.
General Description
The Rupes Big Foot LHR 21 ES is an electronic random orbital polisher with anti-spinning system. Suitable for all polishing operations, including
the removal of scratches and refinishing operations. It performs the same operations as traditional polishers, but it is easier to handle and delivers superior finishes.
BIGFOOT SYSTEM ADVANTAGES
- FASTER MACHINING OPERATIONS UP TO 40% TIME SAVING
The new Big Foot polisher is an amazing tool that enables you to obtain excellent results in no time. LESS steps, LESS time, LESS compound consumption and GREATER profits
- SUPERIOR FINISH
The goal of operators has always been achieving two results: gloss and color depth. In designing its polishers, RUPES has taken these requirements into account to allow operators to achieve unique and extraordinary results.
- NO SURFACE OVERHEATING
Superficial temperature must be kept within specific safety limits. The random orbital movement and technical features of new RUPES polishers maintain the superficial temperature within acceptable limits end
eliminate the risk of burning the clear coat.
- 40% ENERGY REDUCTION
Thanks to their design and technology, the new random orbital polishers by RUPES are more energy efficient as compared to traditional polishers.
- EASINESS OF USE
Polishing has always been considered an operation that requires experience and skill. Inexperience may in fact result in surfaces being damaged and in the exposure of edges and sharp corners. RUPES has eliminated these risks with its new random orbital polisher that enables even less experienced operators to achieve professional results.
- MAXIMUM CONTROL
RUPES polishers stand out because of their accuracy and easiness of use, which enable to obtain high quality results with less fatigue.
- LARGER CONTACT AREA
The new RUPES random orbital polishers enable to use the whole surface of the buffer. When using traditional rotary polishers , it is necessary to maintain the buffer inclined as compared to the work surface due to the high temperatures that develop on the machined panel, which reduces the useful surface of the buffer to 40 %.
Features:
- The random orbital movement reduces the overall polishing time
- The orbit up to 21 mm enables to quickly obtain gloss and colour depth
- The electronic feedback control maintains speed constant in all applications
- Soft Start guarantees an acceleration ramp to prevent accidental dispersion of compound unwanted
- The anti-spinning feature prevents the high speed rotations avoiding scratches
- New ergonomic front handle
- The 500 W RUPES motor reduces power consumption
- Polyurethane backup pad designed by RUPES
- The tool can be easily used even by unskilled operators
LHR21 ES
- 6" backing plate
- 21mm-diameter orbit
- 4,200 RPM/OPM
- The 21 mm orbit is suitable for all polishing operations on all types of surfaces: painted surfaces or recently painted surfaces and finishing applications
- Denibbing
- Holograms removing
Okay, did you guys take all of that in, or did you just skim right over that only allowing for some notes to catch your eye! Well have no fear, there will not be a pop quiz on any of those details.
Let me share some shots of this machine right out of the box along with some comparison shots to our other favorite machines.
I'll start off with the vehicle to be the guinea pig. My 2006 Trailblazer SS. Since the truck is up for sale I figured with the random mild temps here in January to get out and give her a mid-winter correction. I will let you know I did not take many action pictures since it really is useless seeing a before and after and not really knowing the process it took to get there. So this is mainly all reading material for you.
After a quick wash with the always amazing Adam's Car Shapmoo and Kranzle pressure washer it was time to begin testing this fine Italian princess of a polisher.
PRICE
The price is steep at roughly $399 for the LHR21ES compared to the Flex, however with discount codes or promo codes the price can become an easier acceptance to some.
SIZE
The Rupes LHR21 is longer by an inch or so compared to the Flex, however it feels just right in your hands. The curved lip toward the top is perfect for your grip position on the top end of the machine.
Take note that the Rupes is a tighter fit into our favorite Adam's bag. I did make the zipper secure just fine with the PC, Flex and Rupes all together with various Adam's polishes bottles still inside.
SPEED SETTING AND TRIGGER
Like the Flex and Porter Cable the Rupes has a 1-6 speed setting for your various control of laying down whatever products you may be applying.
If you remember the facts from above there was mention of the "Soft Start" feature. This is a roughly 1 second delay after pulling the trigger that slowly powers up to the selected speed. At first this threw me off. I almost thought this machine had already crapped out on me. However after the 2nd or 3rd panel I was quickly used to it. Yes, a little annoying but so very minor overall.
Now on the Flex we all know and love the fact you can have that German beast on a higher speed setting and use the trigger slightly to lay down your product before pulling it up to full speed. The Rupes LHR21ES does not allow for this. To some of you this may be a big issue, however to myself I do not mind since we all lay down our product on the paint from the pads differently but that's just personnel preference.
And yes, the Rupes does have a trigger lock to keep your machine running full speed while allowing to remove your finger off the trigger.
OVERALL FEEL
After starting on my hood I then moved to the front fenders. By then I was getting a good feel of this machine in it's full power. It didn't feel like it was in full power compared to what the Flex feels like though, but it was doing what it's supposed to do with paint correction. I noticed some things during a speed 5 and 6 setting. The Rupes feels really smooth. It's almost like a gliding feeling as you lay down your product. And to understand what I am talking about think about where it is made....Italy. Now think about an Italian sports car. You get where I am going with this. It's a really nice feel in your hands.
Another thing I did like on the Rupes over the Flex is the hopping factor. If you have your technique right with the Flex you are fine, however we all know we've experience that hop or force of the Flex wanting to move on you. I never got that feeling out of the Rupes, but I realize this is only the first of many uses of this Italian princess. Sorry, I love calling it that for some reason!
Now let's get on to discussing the throw of this machine. Yes, the throw is a whole different thing on the Rupes compared to the Flex or the PC. When you force the backing plate around manually with your hand you can see what everyone is talking about. However when you actually are using the Rupes on the paint it doesn't feel like the throw is changing the way the machine operates in anyway. So don't let that be an issue of concern. But I would as always suggest to tape off emblems and such to avoid damaging your pads.
BOGGING DOWN
Since sharing my purchase of this machine I have been told by many there is an issue of concern with Rupes bogging down. Immediately I knew exactly what others were talking about. If you apply just too much pressure on your top hand that is directly over the pad the machine does feel like you are forcing too much on it. Now do I feel the machine really "bogs down" as some may say....no it does not. Nothing more than any other polisher would do.
After realizing the bogging down part I wanted to move to a new panel that contained a good amount of swirls and try something out. Remember this was a black paint that was sitting outside thru snow, ice, rain, wind for about 3 weeks. I also was using halogen lighting so the swirls were out in full force.
With the front and rear passenger doors being next, I decided to work the front door with very light pressure listening for the Rupes to be at it's highest performance and work the entire panel while starting a stop watch. And there it was.....no extra pressure was needed and the correction was completed in an easy manner.
I then moved to the rear door, and used a little more pressure. To the point where I could hear the machine bogging down a little. Yes I received the same results, however I felt I used more time overall, but I actually didn't. The time took almost the exact same, however I felt the panel took a lot longer because I was using more energy.
So with this, I do agree you can achieve the same results as the Flex, with less energy being used.
CONCLUSION
After 2 rounds of applying products at higher speed on the entire vehicle, and moving on to a sealant application on a lower speed setting I can share with you my final thoughts on the Ruper LHR21ES Random Orbital Polisher.
I like the machine a lot. I feel there is room for loving it as I continue to use it on all different paints and vehicles. So I kept asking myself some questions all yesterday and into this morning as I thought about this write up.
- Would I recommend a current Flex owner to run out and buy a Rupes?
NO! Should you come across one and you have the financial security to purchase one to add to your arsenal, then go for it.
- Do I like the Rupes over the Flex?
To early to tell at this stage. I love the way the Rupes feels over the Flex but in overall comparison I would say the Rupes only has a slight advantage at this point.
- Would I suggest somebody upgrading from a Porter Cable to a Rupes?
I have my concerns with this one. I feel there is almost a certain experience factor needed, but I'm not too sure. It could just be me over thinking this while trying to put myself in others shoes. I have this concern about somebody not to familiar with polishers of all kinds going straight to the Rupes as their 2nd machine. So with that I would suggest trying to get a hold of a Rupes and a Flex to try out first before you decide to purchase.
- Am I happy I purchase the Rupes?
Absolutely. Like I said, I have a feeling I am going to fall more and more in love with it. It's just a learning curve to get comfortable since I've been "Flexing" so much lately.
Alright guys and gals, there it is. I'm sure there are some things to be discussed further which I will do my best to share responses to. And please feel free to add to this if you've used the LHR21ES yourself for everyone to know about. Remember there is a lot of information out there on this machine. So go out and search your little polished hearts away!
Thanks everyone!
Edited by JBlack151Link to comment
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Slava
Once again thanks for the review. I was able to use it couple of times and I was impressed with how easy it was to use and how smooth the machine is. I still think that there's a bit of misunders
phil@detailersdomain
figured I would put my 2 cents in hopefully you all won't mind. got about 30 cars done with the Rupes and I can say it has saved us a lot of time. as you get more time with the Rupes you will see
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