Anyone have/use the Griot's RO?

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...dom+orbital.do

How does it stack up to a Flex 3401? Is it even close? 1/2 the price, but is it also half as effective? I need to start polishing the car. Waxing over swirl marks just doesn't jive with my OCD

 

I have no experience with the griot's but I can tell you the flex is about as foolproof as it gets. Awesome at paint correction and very safe. You won't be disappointed.

 

I haven't used the Griots Polisher, but if it is anything like the Meguiars G110 or the Porter Cable 7424xp, then it isn't as powerful as the Flex.

The Flex has a 7.5 amp motor, in comparison to the 4.5amp which the G110 and the Porter Cable. The working range of Oscillations Per Minute on the Porter Cable and the G110 is just as wide as the Flex, but lower. The G110 has a slowest speed of about 1800, the Porter Cable is 2500. Those are both slower than the Flex which has a slowest speed of 3200. That is a benefit for both of those machines if you are using it for wax application, where slower is definitely better. On the high end however, which is the speed that you require for removing more defects, the highest speed of the PC or the Meguiars is roughly 6800 or so, whereas the Flex goes all the way to 9600.

The Flex also has a forced rotation, which means that if you apply pressure to it, it will continue to rotate rather than just orbit, that aids in its corrective ability. The Meguiars unit has what they call "cruise control" which is probably the same thing, I haven't used it, but their product description says that it will continue to work even under applied pressure, so it could be similar.

The bottom line in comparison of simple numbers, is that the Flex is considerably more powerful than the other two. Its layout is also a little bit better. It has a trigger for a speed control, which is great. It is laid out a lot like a rotary, so it is really user friendly. The Porter Cable and the Meguiars both have a simple on or off switch with a speed control. So they are great for use with one hand, but for using two it is a little more difficult.

I would really judge them all on their ability to be a complete and functional tool. The Flex is easy to use, doesn't have a steep learning curve, and is extremely capable as a tool. Even doing our full paint correction details, we still heavily rely on the Flex because of its ability to due the job while severely minimizing the risk of damaging the paint surface. It corrects well, finishes great, and takes a lot of the stress and thought out of the polishing process. From the first time that I used it I thought that it was the best tool for the DIYer, and two years later, after countless hours using it, I can't possibly agree any more.

 

Do you want one? You can have mine.

I switched to Flex 3401 about a year ago. The cutting ability and efficiency of the Flex is very very good. Not rotary, but I'm not skilled enough to use rotary safetly.

- bob

 

Jon pretty much nailed it as to the technical aspect of how much superior the flex is compared to the pc models and griot's. I have used the griot's version and consider it a better tool than a pc. But the flex's variable trigger, professional-grade power and assembly, along with German build quality, makes the flex the only choice for the avid diy detailer. I can tell you this, unless there's a newer and much more advanced way of polishing in the future, your flex will not become obsolete any time soon. You can use it to polish and wax, making it very versatile.

Here's a great package on the flex and it's 10% off too making it more attractive:

http://www.glisteningperfectionstore...sh-Kits/Detail

 

whats the difference of the flex and a pc high speed buffer?

 

I have the newer Griot's orbital and I love it. I believe that it has more power than the Porter Cable units, but I just like the way it handles. Variable speed, a very long cord, and the adjustable handle are all pluses. I have not used a Flex, and until I acually see one and use it, I have to stick with what works for me.

 

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Think I'm still leaning toward the Flex. Griot's stills seems to be somewhat unknown as far as it's polishing ability. I always seem to try to save a few bucks here and there only to end up spending more in the end for what I really wanted. Get what you pay for.

bbwyu: PM sent.

 

Think about it this way... You paid how much for a car? Is it really worth saving a few bucks on something that just isn't the best at this point? Esp when the Flex is considered to be about the pinnacle of what is out there in the polishing world.

I own the 3401, and while I have never used anything else, it has never really left me wanting for more. I spent quite a while over at Autopia researching before deciding to purchase the 3401. Look at the pro detail before and afters. The Makita rotary and Flex 3401 are the top used machines by the professionals. That to me said it all. I don't want to burn paint and cut paint on the edges so I went with the 3401. It is #2 to the rotary polishers, but there is virtually no learning curve to it. I love mine. It really is worth the extra couple of bucks when you figure that it is something you will have for 10-20 years.

 

Couldn't have given a better DIY response.

I have to ask...let's see some before/after pictures of your handy work