Suggestions on best DA polisher

[ShinyMopar]

I am currently in the market for a DA polisher, a first for me. I have found megs, griots, flex, rupes?, and pc. What would the group out there recommend. Money isn't an issue as far as these DAs are priced. I just want the best. I noticed a 200 dollar difference between them. What makes one better? Also what pads, polishes, backing plates etc should I also look at purchasing? Thank you.

[groundskeeper willie]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

there are two major differences in design of the units between the Flex and all the other machines you listed.

1. design of the spindle mechanism.

the Flex is unique being a direct drive unit (forced rotation) whereby the pad WILL not stop moving rotating or oscillating. this design will in theory achieve better results quicker because the pad is always rotating and oscilating, thereby creating the maximum cut/polish.

the other machines are all free floating spindle design. this is unique because when the pad is subjected to too much pressure, not held flat to the surface, or is moved over body lines (impressions/corners) the pad will stop rotating (maybe even oscilating) and the machine will not be cutting. you need both rotation and oscilation to achieve correction.

One COULD argue that the free floating spindle machines are safer than the Flex, but i still dont think you can damage the paint like a rotary in the hands of an inexperienced user, unless you drop the machine on the paint.

2. pad rotation

The Flex has a bit of a learning curve because of the forced rotation design, plus it rotates counter clockwise. It is something to consider, because all the other machine rotate clockwise and so has every other machine you have previously used. BUT, there is nothing wrong with the Flex machine. it is an excellent high quality machine.

I would suggest that as a hobbyist, the GG machine is the best bang for the buck, because it has a good amount of power, and a lifetime warranty.

Ive also had a few PC's and they are hit or miss for me. some are really noisy and vibrate the hell out of your hands, but others have been smooth as butter.

there is alot of hype about the rupes being the cats meow, but ive yet to get my hands on one to try. the theory of the larger stroke on the rupes machine also tends to indicate it will correct faster, and it has been reported to be very quiet and smooth as well.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

Get a rupes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

or a Meg's

Do not get a PC or a Giots. They shake wayyyyyyy to much and you'll hate it the second you turn it on.

The Flex is a great mechine but the Rupes is the king!

[goldenlight]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

I'm not a detailing professional.. I am quite happy with the Griots gagrage. The company actually gives you 6 months to try the polisher if you order it directly from Griots Garage.

I personally would save that money and buy other things like towels, pads, and other car detailing accessories.

[STRIFE]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

Well if $$$ is not an issue, then Rupes all the way!
But for myself, I have the Megs G110v2, GG3, and GG6....I absolutely love all 3 DAs. I am not a pro nor do I detail for $, but I can maintain a new car look on my 2003 MPV, 2005 G35 and 2011 Impreza with these 3 machines. I may get the Rupes just because...?
Get whatever you want, you'll be happy to have a DA

Btw...i read here that the Rupes are almost effortless to use....maybe Marc can chime in?

[oaker55]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

Get a rupes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

or a Meg's

Do not get a PC or a Giots. They shake wayyyyyyy to much and you'll hate it the second you turn it on.

The Flex is a great mechine but the Rupes is the king!

Let me get this right, are you saying that the Rupes has less vibration/shake, etc or it just does a better job of polishing? I am looking for the machine with the least amount of vibration/shake. My PC does have some vibration that I can do without. Which Rupes would you recommend?

[Detailing by M]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

Rupes 21 is the best Dual Action polisher on the market today.
Rupes 15 is second
Third is Meg's G110 or a Flex (but a Flex is a "Forced Rotation" so not in the same catagory as these)
Forth is Meg's G100
Fifth is an old Porter Cable/G100
All others fall short of these 5

[Evan.J]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

Rupes 21 is the best Dual Action polisher on the market today.
Rupes 15 is second
Third is Meg's G110 or a Flex (but a Flex is a "Forced Rotation" so not in the same catagory as these)
Forth is Meg's G100
Fifth is an old Porter Cable/G100
All others fall short of these 5

To add to this the Rupes is really effortless to use when it come to polishing. No need for any downward pressure on the head of the machine at all.

[oaker55]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

Thanks!

[The Guz]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

FYI autogeek is having a 24 hour sale with no exclusions and free shipping over $125. So it's a great time to buy a polisher.

[STRIFE]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

FYI...another good vendor with a labor day sale.
Detailing.com has the Rupes 21 for $359.97 plus 15% off and FREE shipping

http://www.detailing.com/store/rupes-bigfoot-random-orbital-polisher-21mm-orbit.html

[The Guz]

Re: Suggestions on best DA polisher

FYI...another good vendor with a labor day sale.
Detailing.com has the Rupes 21 for $359.97 plus 15% off and FREE shipping
http://www.detailing.com/store/rupes...1mm-orbit.html

Also a good deal and a longer sale. It's a great store to visit.