The Flex Tool XC 3401 VR is here this is the ultimate orbital polisher
#1
Addict
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Flex Tool XC 3401 VR is here this is the ultimate orbital polisher
Flex Tool XC 3401 VR
The orbital rotation of this innovative polisher simulates the circular movement of the human hand while polishing. At the same time, the polisher's highly smooth running facilitates a careful, precise finish and even offers what is necessary for hologram-free polishing. That's just what this polisher, with its ergonomically designed **** handle, was made for. The positive drive ensures a uniform movement, even under load, thanks to constant lift. Taken in conjunction with the large stroke length there is also the possibility of removing existing holograms from black finishes. Thanks to the direct orbital drive, very little heat develops on the surface, which is ideally suited to temperature-sensitive finishes. The accelerator trigger switch and speed selection allow for a controlled acceleration to the optimal speed. Note: the machine's orbital movement has been optimally adapted for the special back pad included with it.
Specifications:
Max. polishing pad diameter: 6 inch
Velcro pad: 150 inch
Speed without load: 160-480 rpm
Power input: 900 Watts
Power output: 590 Watt
Orbit: 8 mm
Orbit Rate without load: 3200-9600 rpm
Weight: 5.75 lbs
STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
1 grip cover
1 **** grip
1 Special Velcro backing pad 150
Note: No discount codes for this unit per Flex Tools. They requested all retailers to maintain a price of $279.95
http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...ROD&ProdID=246
__________________
Philip Yiu
Detailer's Domain
e-mail: phil@detailersdomain.com
website: www.detailersdomain.com
tel: 201-233-0003
Promo code is rennlist for 10% off anything on the site
Current Sales and Updates
Philip Yiu
Detailer's Domain
e-mail: phil@detailersdomain.com
website: www.detailersdomain.com
tel: 201-233-0003
Promo code is rennlist for 10% off anything on the site
Current Sales and Updates
#2
Addict
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
some more about the product:
Video of the Flex in action from DetailUniversity:
YouTube - Flex XC 3401 VRG Buffer Demo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=onfKkTWrYT4
Video of the Flex in action from DetailUniversity:
YouTube - Flex XC 3401 VRG Buffer Demo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=onfKkTWrYT4
#3
Addict
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From detailuniversity:
So I've been extremely excited to put this buffer into action and see if this buffer really lives up to its hype. One of my good friends has a 1996 Black Honda Civic that has more swirls, holograms and other imperfections than any other vehicle I know I may be able to get my hands on. I found this is the perfect candidate to test this new Flex XC3401VRG buffer, while comparing it to the results I can achieve from a PC.
Greg and I started by taping off 3 sections, a side of the trunk for Flex, a side that goes untouched, and a side for the Porter Cable 7424.
Here's a full shot of the Flex side:
A shot of the Flex side and the None Column:
A full shot of the PC side:
And the last before shot the PC side and the None Column:
We shot a video working each buffer using a yellow Lake Country variable contact pad and Menzerna Power Gloss on both the PC and the Flex. Once I have time to put together the video I will add them to this post. Following the cutting compound, we followed up with Menzerna PO106FF on a white Lake Country polishing pad to get the paint as glossy as possible.
Here are the results. First up the PC:
The Porter Cable 7424 did a great job removing the surface swirling and put quite a dent on the deeper imperfections. As you can see there are still some remaining, but overall the finish looks great compared to when we started.
Time for the Flex:
The Flex side of things cleaned up nothing short of exceptional. Look at the lower right hand corner where the light crosses the unpolished area onto the Flex side of things. The amount of imperfections that were removed and the clarity of the paint after polishing is mind boggling to think that this came from a random orbital buffer. It wasn't until I lined the lights up side by side on the Flex side to the PC side until I realized just how much better the paint looked.
Let's revisit the before picture with all three sides. I've added a red line just below a horizontal scratch that spans across the entire trunk. The scratch was moderately deep and I was just ever so slightly able to catch my fingernail on it.
In the next picture there is virtually no trace of that scratch on the Flex side. The Flex was able to remove several other deeper imperfections that the PC could not, while also producing a crisper, deeper, wetter finish.
As I was packing up my camera equipment, Greg said that he could almost read the wording on the inner part of the halogen lights on the Flex side, with the PC it was still murky and unreadable in comparison. By this time I already packed up my camera equipment, but went over to look at Greg's findings. The detail was so clear that you in fact were able to see the writing on the inner part of the light bulb. I re-setup my equipment and tried to capture this effect. I've never seen paint transform from a severely swirled vehicle, to something so crisp and clear as this with a random orbital:
That concludes the experiment write up, I will continue writing about my overall thoughts on the unit after dinner, as well as post the video sometime this weekend.
Thanks for reading!
Greg and I started by taping off 3 sections, a side of the trunk for Flex, a side that goes untouched, and a side for the Porter Cable 7424.
Here's a full shot of the Flex side:
A shot of the Flex side and the None Column:
A full shot of the PC side:
And the last before shot the PC side and the None Column:
We shot a video working each buffer using a yellow Lake Country variable contact pad and Menzerna Power Gloss on both the PC and the Flex. Once I have time to put together the video I will add them to this post. Following the cutting compound, we followed up with Menzerna PO106FF on a white Lake Country polishing pad to get the paint as glossy as possible.
Here are the results. First up the PC:
The Porter Cable 7424 did a great job removing the surface swirling and put quite a dent on the deeper imperfections. As you can see there are still some remaining, but overall the finish looks great compared to when we started.
Time for the Flex:
The Flex side of things cleaned up nothing short of exceptional. Look at the lower right hand corner where the light crosses the unpolished area onto the Flex side of things. The amount of imperfections that were removed and the clarity of the paint after polishing is mind boggling to think that this came from a random orbital buffer. It wasn't until I lined the lights up side by side on the Flex side to the PC side until I realized just how much better the paint looked.
Let's revisit the before picture with all three sides. I've added a red line just below a horizontal scratch that spans across the entire trunk. The scratch was moderately deep and I was just ever so slightly able to catch my fingernail on it.
In the next picture there is virtually no trace of that scratch on the Flex side. The Flex was able to remove several other deeper imperfections that the PC could not, while also producing a crisper, deeper, wetter finish.
As I was packing up my camera equipment, Greg said that he could almost read the wording on the inner part of the halogen lights on the Flex side, with the PC it was still murky and unreadable in comparison. By this time I already packed up my camera equipment, but went over to look at Greg's findings. The detail was so clear that you in fact were able to see the writing on the inner part of the light bulb. I re-setup my equipment and tried to capture this effect. I've never seen paint transform from a severely swirled vehicle, to something so crisp and clear as this with a random orbital:
That concludes the experiment write up, I will continue writing about my overall thoughts on the unit after dinner, as well as post the video sometime this weekend.
Thanks for reading!
#4
Is this a better option than a rotary for the enthusiast detailer (not a pro, and no rotary experience). Will it do most of what a rotary will do without the risk of burning the paint?
#5
Addict
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It will be the best option before a rotary. However it will not do it as fast as a rotary or as good as a rotary.
It will be much better than the PC, UDM, and Cyclo.
It will be much better than the PC, UDM, and Cyclo.
#6
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Phil do you know the differences between this and the Griots (not sure if it's the same as the PC) other than the more positive orbital action? I'm at a point with my car that is similar to your last PC pic and I'm curious if if using the Griots a couple more times or staying on the panel for an extended period will get rid of the remaining scratches.
#7
Addict
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Griots is more in line with the PC. The flex will have more bite for sure.
Its going to take longer with the Griots but you should be able to clean up more imperfections.
Take a look at these PC videos, scroll down there are 3 videos:
http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...on=Custom&ID=3
Its going to take longer with the Griots but you should be able to clean up more imperfections.
Take a look at these PC videos, scroll down there are 3 videos:
http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...on=Custom&ID=3
Trending Topics
#8
Three Wheelin'
I have used a Rotary and PC for years, and ordered a flex 2 weeks ago from Phil. I agree with the fact that the flex is not as strong or cannot correct as much as a rotary, but it does do a much better, faster job then the PC. I highly recommend the flex over the PC and griots machine, and I highly recommend Phil for info and products!
Steve
Steve
#9
Burning Brakes
Phil,
Have you thought about comparisons to an old school Cyclo Dual Polisher which is what I use currently. It has two heads and can be more difficult for smaller spaces... Would the Flex cut the mustard more than the Cyclo, if so I may have to order one up.
Have you thought about comparisons to an old school Cyclo Dual Polisher which is what I use currently. It has two heads and can be more difficult for smaller spaces... Would the Flex cut the mustard more than the Cyclo, if so I may have to order one up.
#10
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
#11
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
More info and a comparison to the PC:
http://www.detailedimage.com/Flex-M26/XC-3401-VRG-P128/
Interesting that they offer a $10 discount when placing an order (due to inventory being out of stock).
http://www.detailedimage.com/Flex-M26/XC-3401-VRG-P128/
Interesting that they offer a $10 discount when placing an order (due to inventory being out of stock).
#13
Burning Brakes
well Merry Christmas to friggin me then, I will get on your site and order up one tomorrow... Strange how excited I get about polishing machines, sick, sick, sick. but Wife, Work, Porsche, that's it my man... I never promised a certain order though.