[eShine]

This will be a 2 part review.

Part 1 is my initial impressions of a short job I did on a friends hood. I was in a hurry so there were no pics taken!

Part 2 will have pics and I will be purposely scratching the hood of my Jetta, seing if the Flex will remove what a rotary is usually dedicated for. I will them wetsand half the hood and see if the machine has enough balls to bring it back, another job I usually do with the rotary.

Sooooo.............

Part 1.

Received the machine From Flex. Opened it up and took a good look around. Typical high quality German tool. Great finish and design. Not much heavier than the UDM. I first was curious about this forced rotation, I put the machine on speed one and gripped the backing plate using a pair of gloves...Yup, it rotates and vibrates at the same time. The motion is quite smooth and the vibration was much less than I was expecting. I love the trigger activation, no more looking for a dam switch (UDM, PC7424). I kicked her up to max speed and wow! This sucker has some nuts. At this point I knew this machine was going to walk a Random Orbital, physics would prove it HAS to!

I was able to try it out for about 10 minutes today on a hood, my friend drove his truck through some brush and there were several scratches on the hood. Usually I would get out the Hitachi Rotary because the UDM or 7424 would just take to much time, if being able to work these scratches at all!

Started with an Orange Pad and SIP. Spread the product around on speed one for 10 seconds then kicked her up to 6. I was on 6 for just a few seconds and figured, heck, Ill just keep it at 5. I was smiling immediately, this machine is it boys. I was breaking down the SIP just as a rotary would. The machine will create heat and you can do damage with this machine. What you get in return though is quick defect removal with the ease of use that a Random Orbital provides. No steering, no grabbing and it finished clean!

People always talk about a machine that bridges the gap between a Rotary and a Random Orbital. IMO this machine replaces them both. It has the pros of both machines built into one.

My usualy detail routine is to start the job with the rotary and finish with the UDM or 7424. Although I can do a job from start-finish using a rotary I just find it takes too much effort and constant use to keep your skills sharp. Being a busy guy I don't get to detail often, Usually just my own vehicles. I find that by using the Rotatry for the first step and finishing with a Random Orbital, my jobs go fairly quick and finish clean every time. When I use the rotary to finish, I always have to pull her out in the sun and usually have to touch up a few buffer trails.

Now that I have tried this Flex I am convinced I can start any jopb with it and finish it with the same tool! I am likely going to get rid of my UDM and Hitachi and just keep the PC7424 with the 4" pad for tight spots. I have had this 7424 for quite a while and I am attached to it that is why I will keep it over the UDM, althought IMO the UDM is a better machine (No real advantage though when using a 4" pad..)

I know rotary users will say "I can finish clean with my rotary" that is true but why not use a machine that produces rotary results that has a easy learning curve and is much easier to operate?

Overall this machine kicks ass. It IS expensive at $270ish bucks but you do get what you pay for!

Hopefully this Saturday I can get the VW in the shop and really put it to the test.

[Calgarydetail]

thanks for the review, when i have the money i think im going to pick one up.

and i look forward to part 2 with the pics

[eShine]

Part 2 will really put it to the test and see if it has full capability of a rotary. I can't wait either! I will also use the DFT paint thickness gauge while I am hacking the VW.

[sneek]

$270...not bad not bad...

dam it...I am poor, but some reason this looks very cheap to me. Bad sign... Let me know when you are selling them and the price....

[sneek]

Woah...i looked up the spec sheet...this is 7.5 amps! I thought the Rona had power. 7.5 AMPS.................. Chris...I need one!

[Takumi587]

Well i cant wait to get mine. should be coming in Next monday.

[eShine]

I'll be calling Flex Friday (Today). I would like to order at least 25 and price them around $270-$280 (Free shipping as always).

[sneek]

[eShine]

Originally Posted by ZoranC

I am going to say just this: I told you all so. Was I right or was I right? You are welcome!

You da man, you da man.

[JLs Detailing]

Great review Chris! As I was reading it I was going "Yep, that's right, oh yeah done that, yep". I can't wait for part 2 either. Just like you said is the reason I love it... Easy learning curve with phenomenal results!