Are all DA polisher created equal?

I have the 1st gen Porter Cable 7424. Are the newest/latest DA polisher are any better, power wise, the ability to correct paint faster?

I was looking at the Griot's Garage G9 and wondering how much better is it over the Porter Cable 7424.

 

No, they are not created equal. I started with the PC then moved to a Flex 3401. It is a DA with forced rotation. Smoother than the PC and corrects quicker.

 

With the 3401 I read a lot of complaints about how the polisher is walking away from them. I won't purchase a 3401 unless I use it for a little time to see if I can get used to it.

For heavy correction I use my Dewalt DWP849X.

The Porter Cable 7424 I have to put moderate pressure to keep the pad rotating. The pads are getting a round indentation from the backing plate and from the pressure. I figure a DA polisher with more power I wouldn't have that issue.

 

3401 will do that but it’s minor. In my opinion it is easier to use than the PC due to the fact it won’t vibrate your hands off.

 

If you can handle a DeWalt rotary (which I also have), you can easily handle a Flex 3401. I also have a PC7424 (not the XP) and a Griots G8 and I'll take the Flex over all of them any day of the week.

And while we're on the subject, several friends have tried to talk me into various Rupes machines. I've tried two different ones and much prefer the Flex. You can easily stall the rotary motion on a Rupes, but not the Flex. Motion is correction and correction is time and money in the bank.

 

Since I never tried a 3401 I can't comment on it. By reading on Autogeek Online by someone I know, he preferred the rotary over the 3401. He has his 3401 since when they first came out and used it in business. Now he uses his Rupes for most of his job.

A lot of people can't get used to the reversed, force rotation of the 3401. I don't think I would buy a 3401 without trying it first. This is why I'm looking for a orbital DA polisher like the PC.

 

As mentioned above people can't get used to the forced rotation of the 3401. I read people are getting rid of their 3401 for a PC style polisher, or Rupes, long throw polisher.

I have the 1st gen Porter Cable 7424. When polishing I'm concentrating on what I'm polishing not the vibrations of the polisher. I think the vibration isn't to bad.

 

I use the Rupes 15 with 5.5 inch pads for larger areas, and the PC for my 3 inch pads/smaller areas.

 

You could always go Rupes Mille, it's their forced rotation answer to the 3401 and spins the way you're used to. Griots is about to update their G15 and G21 machines to the newer design like the G8 and G9 and going to be at a much lower price point. Like a G9 and a G15 for the price of one Flex or Rupes.

 

I would buy another brand DA before buying a PC. The damn vibration on those is terrible. The Flex is better even with the walking issue.

 

I thought about a large throw polisher. I read it takes a little to get used to and to operate it properly.

 

I thought about getting the Makita PO5000C to see what a force rotation polisher is all about if I don't like it I can always return it back to Home Depot.

I don't want to spend $400 plus on a polisher if I can't get used to the way its operate.

 

This is why I started this thread to see what other brands are available.

I read the Griots G9 is supposed to be smooth. I don't know if it's true.

 

Agreed, or at least amend that to "one" polisher. Multiple sure that makes sense, plus you need a good bit of money for pads. I don't do this for money so it's hard to justify.

 

I don't do this for money. Over the years I spent 1000's of dollars in detailing products at my cost. Some of the products goes in the trash from sitting for years. Now I put a stop to it and get just what I need.

 

Man, I wish somebody getting rid of their Flex 3401 to buy a PC style polisher would sell it to me. The Flex is waaay more productive and if you use a polisher as often as I do, that's money in the bank.

Truth be told though, for most folks who detail their vehicle once or twice a year, a Flex or any rotary is overkill. There's also the inability to get yourself into any real trouble with the less powerful machines ...

 

Eh maybe a little bit of a learning curve, but you get the hang of it quickly.

 

I don’t use the Flex often but when I do I am thankful to have it.

 

There's a lot people get rid of their 3401 for the Rupes.

My rotary polisher are just for those stubborn defect where the PC have trouble.

 

I don't use my rotary often but when I do I'm thankful I have it.