Exclusive Detail University Deal on Flex XC3401VRG Random Orbital Buffer

[George @ DU]

Be one of the first detailers to get your hands on this exciting new buffer from Flex. Flex is a German based company that has been manufacturer high end tools since 1922. Their latest random orbital polisher combines the safety of a random orbital with the power and control of a rotary.

The Flex XC3401VRG delivers unmatched power with the convenient variable speed trigger. Meaning at full squeeze you are running at the maximum speed setting you choose. However, unlike other random orbital buffers, if you let off the trigger, the buffer slows down. There is also a convenient lock feature that you can lock in your maximum speed setting without using the trigger. Your speed setting is set by a dial that reads 1 - 6. The control you have doesn't stop with the speed, but the ergonomics as well.

Flex has conveniently placed the handle directly over the pad. This allows you to place your hands at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock, allowing pressure to be distributed evenly over the pad while having complete control over the unit. The handle is detachable for those who are used to holding onto the head of your buffer.

Flex has also included a long 13' cord and a 6" velcro backing plate. This means that you can probably use the same pads you already have been using.

Let's get to the good stuff, the power of the Flex. Flex designed this buffer with detailing enthusiasts in mind. They gave the unit a powerful, German engineered motor, that smoothly delivers 9,600 OPM! This is 60% more power than other quality random orbitals available, such as the Porter Cable 7424. This allows you to effectively break down polishes significantly easier, which means more imperfections removed. Get the finish of a rotary buffer without worrying about rotary haze or burning your paint.

For the month of November, Detail University members can take advantage of an introductory promo ran by Detailed Image. We have bundled together the Flex XC 3401 VRG - DU Special and your choice of Menzerna PO106FF Polish - or - Menzerna Super Intensive Polish, for $299.99!

To take advantage of this offer, simple enter FREE PO106FF or FREE SIP in the comment field during checkout along with your DU Forum Handle.

Or Purchase the Flex XC 3401 VRG without any polish for just $264.99!

If anyone has any questions about anything, please do not hesitate to ask.

George

[stiffdogg06]

WoW! Awesome Deal George!

[the skillmaster]

It looks like an awesome machine and I wish I could get one but my funds won't permit it. But once I have all the consumable detailing supply's (polishes, etc) I need, and have the money for a polishing machine with more grunt than my PC, than I will definitely consider getting this instead of a rotary. I know I could get a rotary for much less and not have to deal with any vibrations, but I like the peace of mind of a safer machine. So George, have you used this thing yet? If you have, how do you like it?

[George @ DU]

Yes, full report and documentation coming soon...

[blkyukon]

Originally Posted by stiffdogg06

WoW! Awesome Deal George!

^^^^I agree^^^^

This is suppose to be an awesome machine...looking forward to the review

[George @ DU]

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 @ DU]

As the owner of a detailing website we are very fortunate to be able to test a wide variety of products from manufacturers. Rarely does a product grab my attention as much as the Flex buffer did. I've been looking for other variations of an orbital buffer so I was hoping this would be the answer. I had read outstanding reviews about the Flex line of tools across the board so my expectations for the buffer were definitely high. George did an excellent job of outlining our study with photos, so I thought I would share some insight on qualitative values related to the Flex buffer. I used the buffer on different panels than the ones outlined above in George's post.

At first Glance:
The buffer feels relatively light, while probably ever so slightly heavier than the PC. It feels very solid as any good buffer should. I'm extremely pleased with the location of the two grips, primarily the top one. My right hand is placed low, near the trigger and my left hand is above the pad (approximately 3.5 inches) so your hands are at 6 and 12. With the PC (no handle) and rotary buffers I typically have my hands in a similar but slightly different position. My right hand is typically towards the bottom of the buffer and my left hand is typically positioned directly on top of the spindle applying downward force. This leaves my hands at 6 and 12 but I'm far more likely to exert pressure more towards the bottom of the buffer. With the Flex design your hands are more evenly spaced out above and below the spindle so you are more likely to exert even pressure across the pad.

Turning the buffer on:
The buffer sounds about as loud as the PC, with less rattling. It feels far more powerful than the PC and almost impossible to bog down. When moving from speed (min) 1 - 6 (max) it doesn't increase in volume to the extent the PC does. I found it relatively easy to handle and move smoothly around the surface. It's slightly more challenging to use around trim, but manageable with a little care. I started off with the Power Gloss and a 6.5" Yellow Cutting Pad. I set the speed to 6 but I held the trigger down lightly to help me spread the product first, then I clenched the trigger tight for full power and locked it in. It worked the polish in so well that I stopped after four passes with the Flex because of how clear the polish looked. Typically with a PC I would have applied more pressure and done 6 - 10 passes to get the polish to look that thin and clear. The Flex easily delivered more cutting power in less time, I was thoroughly impressed. After removing the left over polish I was impressed at how well it removed the imperfections with minimal hazing. While on speed 6 it has a slight tendency to want to take off on you, like a rotary buffer, but not nearly to the same extent. When you position the buffer right and adjust your stance you can control it with ease.

Quick Summary:
Both the PC and Flex are fantastic in their own right. However after using the Flex I can't ever imagine polishing again with the PC, even when I'm pressed for time. The Flex can deliver more cutting power in less time and with minimal risks. I can't wait to use it on my personal vehicle and share it with some local detailing friends. I often describe the PC as a toy because just about anybody can use it and get good results. The Flex buffer is more like a tool that is better suited for those who are willing to put in a little more effort for improved results.

Let me know if you have any other questions about this buffer.

Greg @ DU

[George @ DU]

I wasn't able to add the video to the post, but I was able to include it on the product page...

Flex XC3401VRG Random Orbital Buffer Video

I'll put one together with both the Flex and PC in the near future. I can't wait to use this thing on more vehicles, it's addictive!

My thoughts were pretty on par with Greg's review. Here are a couple of things I've thought of between using the Flex and writing the review. One potential downside is that you can only use 6.5" pads or larger. For me that is not a problem, as I love how the Lake Country pads work and finish. I know some detailers like using smaller pads to generate more heat with the PC, but due to the proprietary velcro backing plate that is not an option. Edge2k pad users would not be able to use their Edge2k system either.

I was most impressed with the power of the Flex XC 3401 VRG. I tested the waters with how much pressure I was able to apply and was unable to successfully bog the machine down. I realize I am not as skilled as Kevin (Picus) or Nathan (jedi-knight83) when it comes to paint correction with a rotary, but I have never achieved results like this with my Makita 9227C or Porter Cable 7424 ever before. With a firm grasp the unit was easy to handle and maneuver. It never walked on me like a rotary buffer but if you lose focus, it could easily happen.

The way this buffer breaks down a polish blew my mind. I personally have never seen any buffer break down Menzerna Power Gloss like the Flex did. You could have easily gone to your LSP after PG, however the ultimate clarity and depth and gloss really came from following up with the Menzerna PO106FF, especially on the black paint.

Comparing the Porter Cable 7424 and the Flex XC 3401 VRG is like apples to oranges in terms of power, control and results. If you can afford the Flex, it should be part of your detailing arsenal.

To me, the combination of the Flex buffer and Menzerna polishes are a dream come true for professionals and enthusiasts. It truly couples the power of a rotary with the safety of a random orbital. You will not be disappointed on any level with this unit.

I will post some more content as I get to spend more time with the buffer.

George

[stiffdogg06]

* holds back the temptation of selling the Makita *



Looks like a very stout machine you guys got! Awesome Deal on it too!

- Andrew