Happy Easter!! Hope you are all relaxed after a big dinner and spending time with the family! I appreciate each and every one of you guys....just if you couldn't tell! :)
I’ll be honest... I’ve had one of these polishers for... I’ll say 7 years, but maybe longer. I have done many cars with it, and not one time have I taken it apart and cleaned and greased it 😧 although I knew it must’ve needed cleaning.
Happy Easter to you my friend. I loved this video. I upgraded from the Porter Cable 7424 to this Flex 3401 and have never looked back. It truly is the Swiss Army knife of polishers. It took all of 5 minutes to get used to tendency to want to pull away due to the direct drive. But imo this actually has a side benefit of teaching proper technique of laying the pad down flat. Thanks for your honest review of this timeless machine.
I love mine! I bought it for cutting fresh paint with sand marks at my Dad's bodyshop. You are absolutely right it will work you to death if not kept flat and even at low speed it will wear you out..... Although if one can afford it I would definetely say it was worth the money for correction work
I love my 3401. I use this polisher the most but have recently become very interested in learning the rotary. Still, the 3401 is the one I reach for the most and probably always will!
It is a great unit but the price keeps it only for the pros that do need the power. Overall a great video but that metal shroud can get a bit too warm with continual use. Yet, I plan to own one in the future, just not yet!
Hey brother , i already own a bunch of DAs and stalling is a problem for me when i must finish faster. Do you recommend a rotary or a forced rotation ( one step polishing included ) thank you
@@craig.encinitas since then, i resolved my problem. I bought flex the super beast. Absolute love it and finish my work half the time i used to with the rupes DA. Go gear driven, there is no way back
Hi , is the forced rotation polisher a good tool for a complete novice ? Looking for something that can do everything so i don't have to buy multiple polishers , thanks .
Why does my stop and heats up quick? I cleaned the dust with HP air and checked the carbos which are good. It seems when the cable tilts different it turns off when i push it in and start it it works but turns off. Im using a 12 gauge cable because you got to use it. Qny ideas? I have not put any lithium jelly since I got it say 6 yrs ago
I've had this machine for around 8-9 years. Accurate review, IMO. If you're doing a lot of cutting, this thing will plow through virtually anything. Doesn't care what pad/ abrasive is used. It keeps on going. This being said, it's a bit of a workout. I can definitely feel it in my back and shoulders, but I'm old. A younger person may not experience as much bodily drain. I use the smaller factory backing plate with ~5" pads. Admittedly, these days I rarely finish with it. It's a terrific buffer, no question, just be prepared for its operational constraints.
I'm trading a Rupes Mini for one of these. I've had and sold two in the past. As I sell off my Rupes polishers, I'll be left with a Makita rotary, a couple of Porter Cable 7424xp's and the 3401. Back to basics.
My friend has one of these 3401 polishers and it started leaking oil after a short time. My Flex PE8 leaked oil after less than 6 hours of cumulative use over 2 years. Like German cars, runs nice when working but poor reliability.
Imo forced rotation is useless if you have long throw and rotary. 15-21 throw machine corrects faster than any forced rotation da. Imo only thing that beats long throw is a rotary with large twisted wool pads but then you have lot more work to finish. I had mille and sold it and 3401 is so awfull with its vibration etc. Its like comparing synchronized and non synchronized gearbox, one is more demanding to use but once you master it, it is faster and more effective.
My long throw MaxShine 15mm stalls on me on any vertical panel. I’m still searching for a fix and have tried switching up how I hold it, etc. No luck yet.
@@clawmachinetime955 really? Have you actually tested it? I have with both mille and 3401, so yeah stfu. Even my fellow detailer who uses 3401 95% of the time agrees with me.
Am I right when I heard you say one pass is sufficient for a DD with thin Clear coat? If so, that's a game changer for sure compared to 6-8 passes with my G9
When hes showing the example of polishing his truck is the Flex in direct drive or DA mode, the previous example shows him taking the gear ring out to show how its done. Just curious if the example is the direct drive mode with the gear in installed.
i have been in various trainings and they (including Jason Rose) dont recomend using microfiber pads with a force rotation polisher but i think there is no absolut best to do things in the detailing world
Thanks Brian I always appreciate your time and effort you put into the channel ✊This is a great review from inside out literally. I like how you are interested in how they construct the machine. I would probably do the same.✊
Great video Brian. I love my 3401. I saw the cordless 3401 last week at the AG Detail Fest in Palm beach, I will definitely be buying one when they come out at the end of the year. While I was there I picked up the Flex cordless rotary and so far I like it.
Does a drained battery *truly* charge completely before you drain the second one? Meaning no downtime waiting for a charge using only 1 charger and 2 batteries? Or do you need several batteries and more than one charger with you?
3401 is a great tool when I don't feel i need to use my high speed. When i started buffing in a bodyshop i used the high speed for cutting and polishing and finishing. I am so glad that they made machines like this too .Gives me a option now .I have 2 other flex machines too the XFE 7 15 150 and the XFE 7 12 love them all .
I bought a free spinning long throw polisher not long after the bigfoot first appeared. In my opinion, the only thing they are good for is finishing. The constant stalling on curves makes the job harder and longer and if you put a hard cutting pad on to try and do correction they stall even more making it very frustrating . Ive just bought the new version of the Flex VRG and it makes the job of buffing out a car much quicker and less frustrating although you do have to get used to the 'walking' effect of the force drive. Even keeping the pad flat they can still have moments where they want to walk but once you learn to live with it , you just kind of get used to it.
I use RUPES and I basically don’t even use a rotary anymore it’s collecting dust these machines cut just as good as a rotary and you can be more comfortable
Another great review Brian! Your videos have motivated me to start working on my channel, I love sharing my experiences with others in the detail community!
Hi Brian I just reviewed your videos on the torq 22d polisher as I am getting ready to detail my truck now that the weather on Long Island is getting warmer. I know by your videos machine speed is very important, can you please tell me what speed you use on the torq 22d when making corrections. Thanks and keep the videos coming
Hello, could you please respond if the new Flex XCE 10-8 125 is actually a newer version of the 3401? i'm searching for info on the web but looks like nobody has anything about it.
Thanks Brian once again top notch you are truly the "Yoda" of detailing!!! The 3401 is my go to unit. I saw one good tip on running it. Keep your arms as close to you body as possible and by not extending your arms equals less fatigue by the end of the detail....Seems to help on the overall control as well.
How much did you sell it for? I’ve had mine for yeeears and it still works like new. I’m using 15mm 5” and 12mm 3” polishers now and use the rotary when I need to hit spots with 2” pads. The Flex is exhausting and like you said, the shroud gets toasty! I feel the machine would be way better with a 5” backing plate. The OEM plate is just way too big.
Trust me, you will want to get wolf's head grease, works great for that little gear spindle will keep it cool, vrg3401 is notorious for over heating on the aluminum housing.
Hi Brian, I am seriously considering buying a Flex 3401. Do you use it much as a free spinning polisher as shown in your modification in this video. Do you recommend this 3401 on “softer” clear coat. I want one polisher for all around use, what do you think in your professional opinion? Thanks you, Howard
Brian has several tools, so he won't likely use the 3401 as a "free spinner." This tools does fine on softer clear coats, as well as tougher gel coats on boats. It's a great machine
@@craig.encinitas I see you bought the 15mm version. JustJesus on the forum, here. I've been using a DeWalt 15mm DA. I like not having a cord. I'm saving for the gear drive cordless Flex. For mobile jobs, cordless is a dream
Just finished polishing my vehicle very proud of my accomplishments thus far. Using the HD Speed orange pad by chemical guys and max shine polisher. Did a fantastic job. The max shine is great start at 3 go to 4 seems to operate smooth at 4 5 is a little fast. How important is the speed as it relates to paint
Not quite a toss up. :) I give it to Brian. BPS, just an FYI, the Lake Country "flat" pads in 5.5" are a pretty good fit for the stock backing plate. - Also, I commented on your video. Check it out.
Awesome Brain! Thank you for this one. I have been using M205 with the Lake Country Hydro-tech Tangerine Foam Flat Light Polishing Pad. with my 3401 for some time. I like the results on my Jeep Brilliant black paint. Should I look into the micro fiber pad? What will it give me over what I use (potentially)? More cutting? FInish down better? Love your videos! as always, Like button smashed
If it makes your job easier and you save an hour or two on each correction, it will pay for itself rather quickly! But you definitely don't need to spend that kind of money to be successful! I personally don't care for forced rotation machines all that much. I cut with a rotary, finish with a lightweight standard throw DA. Best combo I've found so far in just about every aspect.👍👌✌
I got the flex 3401 polisher I bought it used. It rotates counterclockwise do u think that's the wrong way it suppose to go and do u think that by it's going counterclockwise that I want get the same results as one that goes clockwise? Thanks for any response to my question
Happy Easter!! Hope you are all relaxed after a big dinner and spending time with the family! I appreciate each and every one of you guys....just if you couldn't tell! :)
Apex Detail I can always tell ✊
*Good **MyBest.Tools** power and rpm control.*
Great tutorial. Really breaks things down for us newbies. Keep it up Apex👍
Great video. I have this polisher for years and had no idea about replacing the grease. Thanks!!
The foamed backed low lint LC wool pads work best for cutting on the 3401, IMO. Thanks for the awesome video Brian! Happy Easter!
I agree...the Lambswool pads are excellent!
Well... the title was absolutely correct. That was the best 3401 video I have seen. And the ending had me ROFL
I’ll be honest... I’ve had one of these polishers for... I’ll say 7 years, but maybe longer. I have done many cars with it, and not one time have I taken it apart and cleaned and greased it 😧 although I knew it must’ve needed cleaning.
Happy Easter to you my friend. I loved this video. I upgraded from the Porter Cable 7424 to this Flex 3401 and have never looked back. It truly is the Swiss Army knife of polishers. It took all of 5 minutes to get used to tendency to want to pull away due to the direct drive. But imo this actually has a side benefit of teaching proper technique of laying the pad down flat. Thanks for your honest review of this timeless machine.
Lol....love the final thought segment!😂😂
I love mine! I bought it for cutting fresh paint with sand marks at my Dad's bodyshop. You are absolutely right it will work you to death if not kept flat and even at low speed it will wear you out..... Although if one can afford it I would definetely say it was worth the money for correction work
I love my 3401. I use this polisher the most but have recently become very interested in learning the rotary. Still, the 3401 is the one I reach for the most and probably always will!
It is a rotary and da at the same time
Should we/you grease the ring gear for the forced drive with anything as well? Plastic on plastic would make it not last long, no?
Happy Easter to you Brian Thanks for another awesome how to video
It is a great unit but the price keeps it only for the pros that do need the power. Overall a great video but that metal shroud can get a bit too warm with continual use. Yet, I plan to own one in the future, just not yet!
Hey brother , i already own a bunch of DAs and stalling is a problem for me when i must finish faster. Do you recommend a rotary or a forced rotation ( one step polishing included ) thank you
Forced rotation.
Same problem here.
@@craig.encinitas since then, i resolved my problem. I bought flex the super beast. Absolute love it and finish my work half the time i used to with the rupes DA. Go gear driven, there is no way back
Hi , is the forced rotation polisher a good tool for a complete novice ? Looking for something that can do everything so i don't have to buy multiple polishers , thanks .
It's "Tactile Feedback" boss. Love the videos as always.
Love my 3401, the only machines I own are it, and HF DA and rotary. Lol so one of each, looking to upgrade DA soon.
Why does my stop and heats up quick? I cleaned the dust with HP air and checked the carbos which are good. It seems when the cable tilts different it turns off when i push it in and start it it works but turns off. Im using a 12 gauge cable because you got to use it. Qny ideas? I have not put any lithium jelly since I got it say 6 yrs ago
Would you please test the Makita PO5000C Forced rotation polisher?
I've had this machine for around 8-9 years. Accurate review, IMO. If you're doing a lot of cutting, this thing will plow through virtually anything. Doesn't care what pad/ abrasive is used. It keeps on going. This being said, it's a bit of a workout. I can definitely feel it in my back and shoulders, but I'm old. A younger person may not experience as much bodily drain.
I use the smaller factory backing plate with ~5" pads. Admittedly, these days I rarely finish with it. It's a terrific buffer, no question, just be prepared for its operational constraints.
Felix F I’m 26 and it absolutely destroys me. Went back to DA’s. Much easier on the body.
Andres Rivera this is good info stuff, I’m tying to decide on a polisher. I’m leaning towards a Maxshine m15 pro series ll.
I'm trading a Rupes Mini for one of these.
I've had and sold two in the past.
As I sell off my Rupes polishers, I'll be left with a Makita rotary, a couple of Porter Cable 7424xp's and the 3401. Back to basics.
For that price, why would they use a plastic ring gear? Seems cheap to me
Can this one finish every time without holograms with one step compound in hands of intermediate skills da polisher user ?
My friend has one of these 3401 polishers and it started leaking oil after a short time. My Flex PE8 leaked oil after less than 6 hours of cumulative use over 2 years. Like German cars, runs nice when working but poor reliability.
Thank you sir! Great video and just ordered the Flex 3401. Video will definitely help me cut down on my learning curve.
Imo forced rotation is useless if you have long throw and rotary. 15-21 throw machine corrects faster than any forced rotation da. Imo only thing that beats long throw is a rotary with large twisted wool pads but then you have lot more work to finish. I had mille and sold it and 3401 is so awfull with its vibration etc.
Its like comparing synchronized and non synchronized gearbox, one is more demanding to use but once you master it, it is faster and more effective.
My long throw MaxShine 15mm stalls on me on any vertical panel.
I’m still searching for a fix and have tried switching up how I hold it, etc.
No luck yet.
You are delusional if you think a long throw da corrects faster than the forced rotation flex 3401 that’s complete bull shit
@@clawmachinetime955 really? Have you actually tested it? I have with both mille and 3401, so yeah stfu. Even my fellow detailer who uses 3401 95% of the time agrees with me.
absolutely no need to oil the backing plate it will just attract dirt which will then grind the plastic.
i own two of these, but still watched your video because I like your videos. I liked the Final Thought segment. Funny.
Am I right when I heard you say one pass is sufficient for a DD with thin Clear coat? If so, that's a game changer for sure compared to 6-8 passes with my G9
This is a horrible machine very expensive and when you use this it looks like you fight the machine.
When hes showing the example of polishing his truck is the Flex in direct drive or DA mode, the previous example shows him taking the gear ring out to show how its done. Just curious if the example is the direct drive mode with the gear in installed.
Likely used it with gear in place.
Muy buen video!! Q opinas de la rupes mille comparada con esta del video?
The new xce which is the replacement for the 3401 is quite smooth and a joy to use.
Great review Brian👍👍 Your comment @ the end was some funny 💩 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😜
i have been in various trainings and they (including Jason Rose) dont recomend using microfiber pads with a force rotation polisher but i think there is no absolut best to do things in the detailing world
Use what works....period.
Thanks Brian I always appreciate your time and effort you put into the channel ✊This is a great review from inside out literally. I like how you are interested in how they construct the machine. I would probably do the same.✊
So don’t oil the plastic ring? And can I use gun oil?
Reason I'm asking is because I just purchased a new max shine
Great video Brian. I love my 3401.
I saw the cordless 3401 last week at the AG Detail Fest in Palm beach, I will definitely be buying one when they come out at the end of the year. While I was there I picked up the Flex cordless rotary and so far I like it.
Does a drained battery *truly* charge completely before you drain the second one? Meaning no downtime waiting for a charge using only 1 charger and 2 batteries? Or do you need several batteries and more than one charger with you?
Hy Brian, did you try the new Flex XCE?
3401 is a great tool when I don't feel i need to use my high speed. When i started buffing in a bodyshop i used the high speed for cutting and polishing and finishing. I am so glad that they made machines like this too .Gives me a option now .I have 2 other flex machines too the XFE 7 15 150 and the XFE 7 12 love them all .
How do you like the 15mm polisher?
I bought a free spinning long throw polisher not long after the bigfoot first appeared. In my opinion, the only thing they are good for is finishing. The constant stalling on curves makes the job harder and longer and if you put a hard cutting pad on to try and do correction they stall even more making it very frustrating . Ive just bought the new version of the Flex VRG and it makes the job of buffing out a car much quicker and less frustrating although you do have to get used to the 'walking' effect of the force drive. Even keeping the pad flat they can still have moments where they want to walk but once you learn to live with it , you just kind of get used to it.
I use RUPES and I basically don’t even use a rotary anymore it’s collecting dust these machines cut just as good as a rotary and you can be more comfortable
Another top shelf review... by far.
i dont get it with the speed that is on the machine. It has a maximum of 480 rounds per minute?
25% off coupons at AutoGeek do not apply to the polisher. Dont hold off, its a great polisher!
This probably is something I'm about to purchase. These cars are getting more curves in the body lines lol
which best pads?
Can wr email or talk on the phone? Im from texas and specialize in paint correction but id like some of your input of things
Looool @ the ending
That’s really cool I used to fix Hobart dough mixer and the planetary gears are similar
I have question guys is their same machine with low price? Even it is made in china..
Vertool Force Drive.. half a price. Pretty decent machine.
snakeplisskenrecords thanks for your answer 💐💐💐💐
@@hadialagha4730 did buy it?
Richard Fox No I didnt.. actually It ‘s for my brother so he bought one from different brand.
wow nice review: how to maintenance, part explanations. comparisons. TY
speed 4-4.5,huh? i have always used 6 for cutting,5 for finishing.
Different method, same result?
Another great review Brian! Your videos have motivated me to start working on my channel, I love sharing my experiences with others in the detail community!
Yes!!! Pump those vids out brother!
Hi Brian I just reviewed your videos on the torq 22d polisher as I am getting ready to detail my truck now that the weather on Long Island is getting warmer. I know by your videos machine speed is very important, can you please tell me what speed you use on the torq 22d when making corrections. Thanks and keep the videos coming
Between 3 and 3 1/2.
Hello, could you please respond if the new Flex XCE 10-8 125 is actually a newer version of the 3401? i'm searching for info on the web but looks like nobody has anything about it.
The shroud is now plastic. Not sure what other changes were made
I'm also waiting on a review for xce ...
Thanks Brian once again top notch you are truly the "Yoda" of detailing!!! The 3401 is my go to unit. I saw one good tip on running it. Keep your arms as close to you body as possible and by not extending your arms equals less fatigue by the end of the detail....Seems to help on the overall control as well.
Great tip!
Great video Brian. Do rotary, da, and forced rotation polisher use the same polish?
Yes.
have you tried unplug the gear and turn into free spinning mode?
For those that have use this and standard DA. Will forced rotation Da finish down as well as standard DA?
It can, yes
Have you ever hurt of glare Silent an if u can tell me what you think of it and no can you find out something of this Product
Can't say I have.
High temp bearing grease, good or no?
Have a picture would love to send one this is a beautiful job all the scratches are gone.
Could you show how to change brushes? Do they supply you extras and where do you buy them from? Thank you.
They will send an extra pair along.
What compound are you using?
Hey Brian, you rock brother. I sold my 3401 because that silver shroud just got blazing hot!
chris maintaining and lubing the felt seal would have helped.
How much did you sell it for? I’ve had mine for yeeears and it still works like new. I’m using 15mm 5” and 12mm 3” polishers now and use the rotary when I need to hit spots with 2” pads. The Flex is exhausting and like you said, the shroud gets toasty! I feel the machine would be way better with a 5” backing plate. The OEM plate is just way too big.
@@groundcontrol6876 I had the 4" bp from Lake Country and the OEM 4 3/8". I think I sold it for around $240 a couple of years ago
chris Thanks for the reply bro!
@@groundcontrol6876 do you want to sell your 3401
can u use pre washed low lint wool pads on 3401 flex??I don't think u have enough polishers..lol.b well good friend 🍻🍻🍻🍻
Richard Seem Yes you can, they work REALLY well.
Those pads are great with the 3401. So is the Buff and Shine version without the foam.
Rupes mille? Or flex?
i have some honda high temp grease from regreasing my clutch system, can i use that instead of wolf's head
Trust me, you will want to get wolf's head grease, works great for that little gear spindle will keep it cool, vrg3401 is notorious for over heating on the aluminum housing.
@@UaeDelta nice, thank you! glad i left the comment here to check
another great video again buddy...happy Easter good friend 🍻🍻🍻🍻
Cheers!
Hi Brian, I am seriously considering buying a Flex 3401. Do you use it much as a free spinning polisher as shown in your modification in this video. Do you recommend this 3401 on “softer” clear coat. I want one polisher for all around use, what do you think in your professional opinion? Thanks you, Howard
Brian has several tools, so he won't likely use the 3401 as a "free spinner." This tools does fine on softer clear coats, as well as tougher gel coats on boats. It's a great machine
@@bbdetailing9123 I am debating this over the other two machines. The updated version and the battery operated FLEX.
@@craig.encinitas I see you bought the 15mm version. JustJesus on the forum, here. I've been using a DeWalt 15mm DA. I like not having a cord. I'm saving for the gear drive cordless Flex. For mobile jobs, cordless is a dream
@@bbdetailing9123 , thank you for the reply
@@howardlee7216 You bet.
Great and informative video!
Your a great teacher. Thanks
Great detail Brian! Would love to see this done with the Maxshine M15 Pro Series ll polisher. There’s really nothing out there for this model. Thx
Any word on how to get the morolex foamer inn the USA
They are stocking up and working on it.
Apex Detail thanks
Speed of polisher
Between 3 and 4
Just finished polishing my vehicle very proud of my accomplishments thus far. Using the HD Speed orange pad by chemical guys and max shine polisher. Did a fantastic job. The max shine is great start at 3 go to 4 seems to operate smooth at 4 5 is a little fast. How important is the speed as it relates to paint
The higher the speed...the higher the temps. High temps are the clear coats enemy.
neo post is it the M15 series ll polisher by Maxshine? Thx
Couldn’t you just offset the pad on a rotary and get the same rotation as the flex, but just not as smooth??
My video on the flex is pretty good too, maybe a toss up!
Not quite a toss up. :) I give it to Brian. BPS, just an FYI, the Lake Country "flat" pads in 5.5" are a pretty good fit for the stock backing plate. - Also, I commented on your video. Check it out.
Awesome Brain! Thank you for this one. I have been using M205 with the Lake Country Hydro-tech Tangerine Foam Flat Light Polishing Pad. with my 3401 for some time. I like the results on my Jeep Brilliant black paint. Should I look into the micro fiber pad? What will it give me over what I use (potentially)? More cutting? FInish down better? Love your videos! as always, Like button smashed
The absolute best pad for the 3401 is the Lake Country low lint lambs wool pad.
@@apexdetail85 for correction or everything?
Never mind. I'm watching your video about them right now.
$418? Are you out a your mind!!!
I got used for $180 shipped. Great condition..
If it makes your job easier and you save an hour or two on each correction, it will pay for itself rather quickly!
But you definitely don't need to spend that kind of money to be successful! I personally don't care for forced rotation machines all that much. I cut with a rotary, finish with a lightweight standard throw DA. Best combo I've found so far in just about every aspect.👍👌✌
Time is money. 3401 will cut your correction time in half
I bought the HD version when it first came out. It cost me 589.00. I didn t flinch or think about it
I got the flex 3401 polisher I bought it used. It rotates counterclockwise do u think that's the wrong way it suppose to go and do u think that by it's going counterclockwise that I want get the same results as one that goes clockwise? Thanks for any response to my question
People place too much emphasis on the rotation. Which ever way it spins, keep the pad flat, and you'll be fine.