I know there are only a few of us here that have a Flex 3401 but I was wondering what pads you are using. I know some are with CCS and some with Erasure. Are those the only two? I want to find some 5.5 CCS pads for the new backingplate when it comes in but I don't know if I like the flat edge. I used the somewhat curved edge and loved them(6.5) I don't know if they make the ccs curved in a 5.5. So what other pads have you used that you like a lot? I really like the 6.5 ccs, they worked good for me, no skipping or anything.
Flex pads
- Thread starter Mobilejay
- Start date
superchargedg
Twin Turbos
I am using the ccs pads(ones with the dimples i think that is what they are called) and they will pull you around some.I am going to try the erasure pads next and see if they smooth out the ride a little.
superchargedg said:
I'd almost be willing to put money down that they do. As we discussed before, I had the same issues as you with the CCS pads. Also, I'm starting to like the Detailer's Paradise pads as well. I think they are sourced from LC as well, but are flat or kind of a reverse egg shell shape where the center is concave in. I think this works out well since, it seems to me, the center of the pad protrdes out when polishing, thus making the pad flat.
I'm def a fan of the concave type pads, for me they're more manuverable...easier to work in tight areas using just the edge/side of the pad and such.
I have used the CCS "flat bottom" type pads and thought they worked fine. I didn't really notice the skipping others have. I more didn't like having to use the entire 6.5" pad surface on the paint.
My concave pads round from the bottom to the side...while the CCS pads seem to be more of a 90 degree angle. I prefer the rounding sides of the concave type pads.
The problem is, I'm having trouble finding the older style concave pads...most pads seem to now have flat bottoms.
I have used the CCS "flat bottom" type pads and thought they worked fine. I didn't really notice the skipping others have. I more didn't like having to use the entire 6.5" pad surface on the paint.
My concave pads round from the bottom to the side...while the CCS pads seem to be more of a 90 degree angle. I prefer the rounding sides of the concave type pads.
The problem is, I'm having trouble finding the older style concave pads...most pads seem to now have flat bottoms.
okay I finally received the bp in the mail and was wondering if I can still use the 6.5 concave ccs pads with it. With the smaller backing plate would it act any different to use a bigger pad? I don't really want to buy a flat edge pad. I like the concave ones a lot. Centering is going to be a task though I think. Anyway, if it is going to be better to use a smaller pad I guess I will try out the erasure ones but don't want to. Let me know please. Thanks
MobileJay said:
I agree Jay; I prefer the concave pads as well.
I lost track...what size smaller BP did you get?? The 5" or 5.5"??
Regardless, I think either would work with a 6.5" pad. My only concern regarding the Flex and smaller BP's with larger pads is that the Flex obviously has a considerable amount of speed/power. I would think you'd want as much of the BP area attached to the pad as possible...just to avoid possible tearing of the pad.
But really...I think you're the first to try this scenario of smaller BP and pads. So we'll be looking to you for your thoughts.
Okay well I am going to go with erasure pads. I spoke with someone from Lake Country this morning(brandon I think). I told them that I liked the concave 6.5's but that they didnt have them in a 5.5. I was saying that I would like to have them in the smaller size. Well after we talked for a bit he said the the erasure pads are from LC and that even though AG is only selling the orange and white right now, they will be selling 7 different erasure pads shortly. He told me that he would talk to someone and see what they can do about the 5.5 concaves. If that means they are going to look into making them, that would be sweet. If not, then I will be alright with the 5.5 erasures. Anyway just letting you all know. Take care.
wannafbody
wannafbody
I think the curved edge CMA CCS pads would be a good choice or regular CCS pads since the flex has higher speeds than a PC. CCS pads reduce drying of ZPC for me and I'm sure they would increase the working time of Menzerna polishes as well.
imported_Picus
New member
I'm using LC 6.5 flat pads, same ones I use via rotary.
MobileJay said:
Did you mean exceldetail instead of AG? On AG's site, I did see their orange and white 5.5" low profile pads, but a search for Erasure pad came up with nothing. On exceldetail's site, there's the orange and red 5.5" Erasure pads so far.
Anyone know of any 6" pads that work well with the Flex and polishes like Menzerna?
I have an update for those with the Flex regarding pads.
While the majority of the users were thinking “smallerâ€� with respect to pads, I’ve had this suspicion that a larger pad may actually prove to be beneficial. So with a 10% discount and free shipping from CMA, I ordered one white 7.5â€� pad to try out. Here are my thoughts…
1. The 7.5� pads fit and sit very nicely in with the original “red� 6� backing plate.
2. The mushroom shape really does work very well with the Flex; I can honestly say I’ve never had the Flex handle so well with any other pads. Though the pad’s size is 7.5�, the most pad surface that is in contact at any one time is around 6�. Since the pads are mushroom shaped, the outer edges rise off the paint and you’re left with the diameter size of the backing plate that will actually make contact with the paint.
3. The rising outer edges of the pads are what I believe to help the “handling� overall. It really helps to adjust the leveling of the machine while you’re moving. It also makes moving in and out of the contours of the car much easier.
4. The mushroom shape also lets you use half the pad while lifting the other side. This gives you a nice clean approximately 3� side of the pad to work with; great for tight areas.
5. The sculptured far outer edge is great for getting into tight areas. I could run the pad right up against things like door handles and mirrors with plenty of buffer from the backing plate. Plus it could “reach in� further than a flat outside edge pad.
6. Finally, I swear they produce less vibrations than 6.5� pads. At first I thought it was my imagination…so I went back and forth putting on a 6.5� pad, then a 7.5�. Until I finally proved to myself that it truly was less vibrations. Nothing major…yet subtly noticeable.
One last thing…someone noted earlier about a black ring showing up on their backing plate. Well…I now have one. I’m certain it is ink transfer from the pad, I can also see smearing of the writing on the inside of the pad. I’m pretty sure this is nothing to be concerned with.
I will def be purchasing more 7.5â€� pads…I really did like them a lot. I’d love for some other users to give the 7.5â€� pads a try and post their thoughts.
While the majority of the users were thinking “smallerâ€� with respect to pads, I’ve had this suspicion that a larger pad may actually prove to be beneficial. So with a 10% discount and free shipping from CMA, I ordered one white 7.5â€� pad to try out. Here are my thoughts…
1. The 7.5� pads fit and sit very nicely in with the original “red� 6� backing plate.
2. The mushroom shape really does work very well with the Flex; I can honestly say I’ve never had the Flex handle so well with any other pads. Though the pad’s size is 7.5�, the most pad surface that is in contact at any one time is around 6�. Since the pads are mushroom shaped, the outer edges rise off the paint and you’re left with the diameter size of the backing plate that will actually make contact with the paint.
3. The rising outer edges of the pads are what I believe to help the “handling� overall. It really helps to adjust the leveling of the machine while you’re moving. It also makes moving in and out of the contours of the car much easier.
4. The mushroom shape also lets you use half the pad while lifting the other side. This gives you a nice clean approximately 3� side of the pad to work with; great for tight areas.
5. The sculptured far outer edge is great for getting into tight areas. I could run the pad right up against things like door handles and mirrors with plenty of buffer from the backing plate. Plus it could “reach in� further than a flat outside edge pad.
6. Finally, I swear they produce less vibrations than 6.5� pads. At first I thought it was my imagination…so I went back and forth putting on a 6.5� pad, then a 7.5�. Until I finally proved to myself that it truly was less vibrations. Nothing major…yet subtly noticeable.
One last thing…someone noted earlier about a black ring showing up on their backing plate. Well…I now have one. I’m certain it is ink transfer from the pad, I can also see smearing of the writing on the inside of the pad. I’m pretty sure this is nothing to be concerned with.
I will def be purchasing more 7.5â€� pads…I really did like them a lot. I’d love for some other users to give the 7.5â€� pads a try and post their thoughts.
frostydog said:
That's great info! Thanks! The test for me will be how well it works with the 5.5" BP that's supposed to end the BP issue.
frostydog said:
That was me. I don't think it's anything to be worried about either, and Powerhouse had never heard of it before. However, I don't think it could have been ink transfer from the pad because the velcro backing on my pad is an off-white with no lettering.
superchargedg
Twin Turbos
How about using the lc purple foam pad with the flex.........do you think it would work or not.