I've been running a Flex 3401 for about 3 years & love it! Bding gear driven there is not stall & the power is great! It'll chew oxidation from gelocat but also works for spreading wax. Great vid
Thank you for your honesty. This is exactly my experience. This machine has major power and stalling problems especially as the battery levels deplete. This is contradictory to the company's claims. Compared to the corded Mark III Rupes it is a major downgrade in terms of paint correction ability and speed. Rotation speed is also less (5000 vs 5200) I have tried the "washer mod" and doing so is an improvement that you can try yourself. I think I will be returning my unit as I am still within the return period on mine. I am a professional paint correction specialist based in Dallas like yourself!
Or perhaps it's just that your expectation is different than mine? There's no denying it has less power than the corded model. That's not an opinion.@@jeffc6832
In my opinion I think cordless DA’s are for 1 step or applying a glaze. I run a Milwaukee 15 and it’s a powerful machine but like you said around that 50% mark you’re better off changing that battery at that point. You can hear the pitch of the machine not being the same at the same speed you were polishing on. So you have it on speed 4 you’re really on speed 2-2.5-3 at speed 4 until you change that battery. They have their place but you can’t replace the consistent power with corded. I ended up selling my MKIII and going cordless last year and wish I had kept it to have both. I’m actually trying to go back to corded.
@@_DannyG I wish I kept my mark 3. I just sold my Milwaukee so that’s what I’m going back to or a shinemate. Honestly the next best/equal is shinemate for corded.
Great video Carlos. I think the new Rupes polisher is very powerful and maybe stay on speed 3-4 max. I think running it on 6 is too high for most surfaces and it will eat up your battery life. Just my thought..... Keep up the great work !!!
With this machine you need to run it on speed 5 or 6 just to keep the pad rotating with some pressure on curved edges and even then it will completely stall at times.
I think you're too used to the Maxshine polishers shaking the hell out of you. The RUPES is extremely smooth so it gives the impression of not enough power/speed. That said, a 15mm random orbital DA is not the best choice for a gel coat surface. You should ideally be using a rotary on that thing. The RUPES reps clearly stated at SEMA that the advertised continuous runtime was for moderate usage, not speed 6 with a sticky polish on sticky gel coat. That pad is also looking very dirty and in need of a cleaning, or it should be swapped for another pad. This machine is designed to be run around speed 3 to 4, which is usually all that you should ever need except in some extreme and limited cases.
The degree to which the battery depletes so does the performance of the machine. That’s just my experience with the cordless tools that I own (Milwaukee DA & rotary). Maybe that’s the nature of these types of devices. Keep us updated and thanks 🙏
Great video bro!!! The end you’re exhausted that boat is holding you up 😂😂. Yeah sucks about you not liking the polisher. For the spinning and rotation still looked like plenty of power.
@@serranosmobile got it yeah sometimes things on camera look way different!! Especially when we polish a car in person looks perfect but in camera shows even more defects! Blessings and curse of the camera
Maybe the pad is sticking to the gel coat. Try a stiffer pad or put more polish on the surface. Those white pads tend to grab more that’s why sometimes you get a better finish with a firmer pad.
In life many times perception is reality. If you think the Rupes isn’t doing well…then it’s not doing well. Doubt you’ll change your mind. Time to retire it or sell it. The boat has gel coat on it!
The battery powered stuff still has a long way to go. It doesn’t hold the full power through a charge & does not deliver like a corded counterpart. Nice for a high end wax job I guess lol
I watched your video and listened to your comments on noticing power reductions as the battery depleted. I’m curious if you also noticed it when doing a vehicle versus gelcoat. RUPES emphasizes letting the machine do the work without any force pressure, however, as we all know with gelcoat, It’s a little more difficult to reduce the gelcoat haze without some pressure on the machine, which is why most of us were using wool pads… curious on your thoughts on that
I appreciate your feedback, I did notice battery depleted as well on vehicles, and preasure is always light as I wamt the pad doing the work but noticed battery also fading. I would always choose rotary and wool when doing a paint correction, when doing enhancement I will do Da for quick gloss
take off the shield guard for more free spin, the rubber piece before the backing plate! I did it to my corded 21mm recommended by a guy who has been in the industry for a very long time.
I took the rubber shroud off my MKIII, but it doesn't appear to be necessary on the new cordless machines. The backing plate spins freely on both my 15 and 21.
It would have been interesting to see if you had another polisher to compare the results. Definitely interested to know before an investment like that.
I think that HLR15 is so smooth and quiet that it feels underpowered. Imo its quite compareable to milwaukee 15 which i sold. HLR21 does have more torque and power just like did milwaukee 21. I would say Milwaukee 15 is 9/10 for power, 6/10 fpr smoothness and 8/10 noice. While HLR15 is -9/10 for power, 10/10 smoothness and 10/10 on noise. Battery life is pretty much compareable to milwaukee 5.0, but offcourse you will get more from 6.0 etc, but they also make milwaukee weight like 3,6kg or like 8 pounds. I would say that the power is pretty much on bar with 15 mk3, but 15mk3 just feels more powerfull because its louder and not as smooth. Also while people hate stalling, its the throw that makes the major of the correction, only about 10-15% loss of correction if it stops spinning, so its not that crucial anyway.
I think we would all agree with you, however, I appreciate this gentleman trying something different and giving us his honest opinion. I used to do boats in the water and that’s where a cord became a real handicap.
It looks normal for a free spinning DA but all cordless will not have equivalent power at the pad compared to corded units. You should always have one battery charging while using the other and run at a lower speed to get more run time . More later
If the pad is stalling it’s not your imagination. A lot of the cordless polishers are under powered. If you have to run the machine on Speed-6 continuously, it’s not the right tool for the job. You would get better results using a rotary polisher or gear-driven DA on that boat.
I think any cordless polisher is going to struggle with a boat that big. Unless you have more batteries. Something that big I’m thinking a corded polisher would be more optimal. Once they come out with the cord adapter for the 15 I wonder if that will make a huge difference. They did say the battery should not lose power, so I am also curious if there’s a way to tell for sure. There are a lot of factors to the whole outcome, and as I am sure you know, pads getting loaded can also make a huge difference. That’s one thing they mentioned about these new machines they are sensitive to pad condition.
@@KingTheDetailer Most polishers are sensitive to a pad getting loaded. That’s why people use multiple pads on vehicles. If you think Rupes is over rated, tell me which brand you prefer. I have tried many and Rupes has always given me the best results.
@@serranosmobile Yes sir!!! I have had Flex, Porter Cable, and also the Cyclo. And to me, the Rupes stands out. They run smoother and the ergonomics are so much better. It’s all about the interaction with the machine. While I Love the Flex, it is like having to man handle the polisher. Cyclo is really smooth, but bulky and heavy since it has the metal casing. Both are great, but time and time again I reach for the 15.
Pretty expensive buyer remorse there. I hope it grows on you but if you don't like it you won't like it. It's hard when you just dont know. Sometimes convenience isnt always the best way.
Great information. I like the cord because for some jobs because I always have the same power. Im thinking of buying a cordless. What polish did you use for the gel coat?
Carlos was the blue side indicator light flashing to alert too much pressure applied? That would seem to coincide with pad rotation slowing or stalling in my opinion. Sell for $100 less than what you paid maybe. So many brand choices it’s overwhelming.
But the rupes USA rep said you don’t need to use it on speed 6 and it looks like it’s spinning to me but also the machine isn’t designed for curves but for more flat panels..
It didn’t seem that powerful at speed 6 at least for me, you also mention the battery and run time is decreasing for almost a 1k dollar machine. Yeah i’d stick to corded
I honestly would never buy such an expensive polisher , I just don't see the purpose of spending so much just because it's a rupes when other polisher for a fraction of the cost do the same job some would say maybe even better , but if you want to give it away I will take it 😂😂😂😂😂😂. I'm actually buying the Milwaukee M18 cordless polisher for wax applying and light work , and I'm keeping my maxshine corded for heavier work. Corded polisher will always have a better kick then a battery one.
It's the hype no more, no less !!! People think that if they buy one, they will become more professional 🤔. It's a hype !!! Never owned one. I detail professionally for 19yrs.
I just gotten the Milwaukee 21mm throw and man that was the best thing I ever bought, I run maxshine and grits, and not having the cords was amazing. Honestly the Milwaukee m18 is pretty legit, ik deff going to grab the 15mm throw as well
I was thinking to purchase that one 👀 but i wills stay whit the adams cordless $200 even i have issues whit the bateria😭😭 And still thinking rupes it is over priced like kranzle adams active3.0
peeps all hypiong this polisher for 1k .... honestly its a scamm, that polisher is shit for the price.... And i think you are one of the few saying how it lacks power for a 1k machine.
Idk why everyone was super hyped up for the cordless rupes. They are a tiny spec compared to other cordless tool brands. The corded polishers are always going to be the best on the market by rupes but when it comes to cordless I personally went with the Milwaukee DA. The batteries are easy and cheap to source and the amount of power you get from the machine is phenomenal all the way through even with 1 bar on the battery. It almost feels like a forced rotation because it barely even stalls.
@@serranosmobileyou definitely took one for the team. I was thinking about buying one for myself but I wanted to see your review on this Machine. You’re out in the trenches doing mobile just like me and you review a product by experience as a full time mobile detailer rather than a weekend warrior or enthusiast. Trust me though pick up a Milwaukee it’s not the smoothest machine but it’s definitely worth the try. Other than that keep up the great work love the content ✅
I've been running a Flex 3401 for about 3 years & love it! Bding gear driven there is not stall & the power is great! It'll chew oxidation from gelocat but also works for spreading wax. Great vid
I appreciate the feedback
Nice, I am buffing an entire 24-year-old chalky Carver 40 foot cabin cruiser. Hoping you make the right decision with the Rupes polisher. 🙏🏻
24 yrs old oweeee
Looked like plenty of rotation to me.
I’d say it’s your mind playing games.
looking at the video, it looks like it is spinning, I myself was like wow this won't be good lol. In person, it's different
Thank you for your honesty. This is exactly my experience. This machine has major power and stalling problems especially as the battery levels deplete. This is contradictory to the company's claims. Compared to the corded Mark III Rupes it is a major downgrade in terms of paint correction ability and speed. Rotation speed is also less (5000 vs 5200) I have tried the "washer mod" and doing so is an improvement that you can try yourself. I think I will be returning my unit as I am still within the return period on mine. I am a professional paint correction specialist based in Dallas like yourself!
I appreciate your feedback, I hope to meet you one day
My experience has been exactly the opposite. So either there is something wrong with your machine or your technique.
Or perhaps it's just that your expectation is different than mine? There's no denying it has less power than the corded model. That's not an opinion.@@jeffc6832
In my opinion I think cordless DA’s are for 1 step or applying a glaze. I run a Milwaukee 15 and it’s a powerful machine but like you said around that 50% mark you’re better off changing that battery at that point. You can hear the pitch of the machine not being the same at the same speed you were polishing on. So you have it on speed 4 you’re really on speed 2-2.5-3 at speed 4 until you change that battery. They have their place but you can’t replace the consistent power with corded.
I ended up selling my MKIII and going cordless last year and wish I had kept it to have both. I’m actually trying to go back to corded.
Thank you for this amazing feedback
How’d you like your mark 3? I’m considering buying one
thank you for the feedback
@@_DannyG I wish I kept my mark 3. I just sold my Milwaukee so that’s what I’m going back to or a shinemate. Honestly the next best/equal is shinemate for corded.
Great video Carlos. I think the new Rupes polisher is very powerful and maybe stay on speed 3-4 max. I think running it on 6 is too high for most surfaces and it will eat up your battery life. Just my thought..... Keep up the great work !!!
thank you for the feedback
With this machine you need to run it on speed 5 or 6 just to keep the pad rotating with some pressure on curved edges and even then it will completely stall at times.
What a great honest review need more people like you in the world today. As far as the polisher RAFFLE it off for charity.
I appreciate the feedback
I refuse to buy cordless until battery costs go down someday 😂 because you’ll need plenty of them
I think you're too used to the Maxshine polishers shaking the hell out of you. The RUPES is extremely smooth so it gives the impression of not enough power/speed.
That said, a 15mm random orbital DA is not the best choice for a gel coat surface. You should ideally be using a rotary on that thing.
The RUPES reps clearly stated at SEMA that the advertised continuous runtime was for moderate usage, not speed 6 with a sticky polish on sticky gel coat. That pad is also looking very dirty and in need of a cleaning, or it should be swapped for another pad.
This machine is designed to be run around speed 3 to 4, which is usually all that you should ever need except in some extreme and limited cases.
I will go neck to the drawing board, after this amazing feedback
Maxshine hardly vibrate. Fk rupes.
I love my maxshines no lie
@@serranosmobile over 400 cars on my M21 Pro. The latest maxshine machines wipe their ass with rupes 15 and 21. The Duetto is really nice though.
@@DriveVibeAutoFk RUPES, yet Maxshine tries to copy everything RUPES makes? Even their red square logo is a damn ripoff of RUPES.
The degree to which the battery depletes so does the performance of the machine. That’s just my experience with the cordless tools that I own (Milwaukee DA & rotary). Maybe that’s the nature of these types of devices. Keep us updated and thanks 🙏
I appreciate the feedback
That thing is WAY too expensive in my opinion.
Go with the cordless Dewalt DA...
The Dewalt is amazing!!
I think your use to riding in a V8 & Now you have a Electric 😅
Great job 🔥
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I spit my drink out
He's just likes it to vibrate as much as possible 😁
@@serranosmobile LMAO 🤣
Great video bro!!! The end you’re exhausted that boat is holding you up 😂😂. Yeah sucks about you not liking the polisher. For the spinning and rotation still looked like plenty of power.
🤣🤣🤣🤣 it was, but yeah on video it looks powerful but in person looks and feels different
@@serranosmobile got it yeah sometimes things on camera look way different!! Especially when we polish a car in person looks perfect but in camera shows even more defects! Blessings and curse of the camera
Maybe the pad is sticking to the gel coat. Try a stiffer pad or put more polish on the surface. Those white pads tend to grab more that’s why sometimes you get a better finish with a firmer pad.
I low-key have tried many types and same performance
In life many times perception is reality. If you think the Rupes isn’t doing well…then it’s not doing well. Doubt you’ll change your mind. Time to retire it or sell it. The boat has gel coat on it!
GelCoat! Thank you!!!!!
been saying this before it even came out can’t beat chord
Cord is the best
The battery powered stuff still has a long way to go. It doesn’t hold the full power through a charge & does not deliver like a corded counterpart. Nice for a high end wax job I guess lol
thank you for the feedback
I watched your video and listened to your comments on noticing power reductions as the battery depleted. I’m curious if you also noticed it when doing a vehicle versus gelcoat. RUPES emphasizes letting the machine do the work without any force pressure, however, as we all know with gelcoat, It’s a little more difficult to reduce the gelcoat haze without some pressure on the machine, which is why most of us were using wool pads… curious on your thoughts on that
I appreciate your feedback, I did notice battery depleted as well on vehicles, and preasure is always light as I wamt the pad doing the work but noticed battery also fading. I would always choose rotary and wool when doing a paint correction, when doing enhancement I will do Da for quick gloss
take off the shield guard for more free spin, the rubber piece before the backing plate! I did it to my corded 21mm recommended by a guy who has been in the industry for a very long time.
Made a huge difference for me.
I will look into that
I took the rubber shroud off my MKIII, but it doesn't appear to be necessary on the new cordless machines. The backing plate spins freely on both my 15 and 21.
It would have been interesting to see if you had another polisher to compare the results. Definitely interested to know before an investment like that.
I'll be doing another video. Would my maxshine Reaper be a good comparison?
@@serranosmobile That would be great as maxshine is a DA I have been considering. I appreciate your hard work in bringing us the content you provide.
@bladesfpv4179 ill get this video out by next week
@@serranosmobile awesome man looking forward to it.
I think that HLR15 is so smooth and quiet that it feels underpowered. Imo its quite compareable to milwaukee 15 which i sold. HLR21 does have more torque and power just like did milwaukee 21.
I would say Milwaukee 15 is 9/10 for power, 6/10 fpr smoothness and 8/10 noice. While HLR15 is -9/10 for power, 10/10 smoothness and 10/10 on noise. Battery life is pretty much compareable to milwaukee 5.0, but offcourse you will get more from 6.0 etc, but they also make milwaukee weight like 3,6kg or like 8 pounds. I would say that the power is pretty much on bar with 15 mk3, but 15mk3 just feels more powerfull because its louder and not as smooth. Also while people hate stalling, its the throw that makes the major of the correction, only about 10-15% loss of correction if it stops spinning, so its not that crucial anyway.
I'll keep playing with it
I think rotary with a wool pad is best for gel coat i could be wrong.
yes
I think we would all agree with you, however, I appreciate this gentleman trying something different and giving us his honest opinion. I used to do boats in the water and that’s where a cord became a real handicap.
It looks normal for a free spinning DA but all cordless will not have equivalent power at the pad compared to corded units. You should always have one battery charging while using the other and run at a lower speed to get more run time . More later
yes I always keep the battery's charged, well always plugged and ready I meant
I got the Milwaukee and love it. Only thing I don’t like is I wish it had 1 more higher speed.
I tried and I didn't like that it was heavy from the battery.
@@serranosmobile no way with those muscles? 💪 😅
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ½ muscles
If the pad is stalling it’s not your imagination. A lot of the cordless polishers are under powered. If you have to run the machine on Speed-6 continuously, it’s not the right tool for the job. You would get better results using a rotary polisher or gear-driven DA on that boat.
I can't agree more
I think your just use to feeling your machine work , I get it if I feel a polisher isn't doing it's job then it's time for a different polisher.
yes, I miss the vibration and feeling it's about to explode, lol
@@serranosmobile 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I think any cordless polisher is going to struggle with a boat that big. Unless you have more batteries. Something that big I’m thinking a corded polisher would be more optimal. Once they come out with the cord adapter for the 15 I wonder if that will make a huge difference. They did say the battery should not lose power, so I am also curious if there’s a way to tell for sure. There are a lot of factors to the whole outcome, and as I am sure you know, pads getting loaded can also make a huge difference. That’s one thing they mentioned about these new machines they are sensitive to pad condition.
I agree, but even with a vehicle I feel it lacks
700$ polisher and they are sensitive to pad conditions smh , I've said it before they are overrated just good marketing
@@KingTheDetailer Most polishers are sensitive to a pad getting loaded. That’s why people use multiple pads on vehicles. If you think Rupes is over rated, tell me which brand you prefer. I have tried many and Rupes has always given me the best results.
same, rupes has been a staple in my business. only wool pad I used by Lake Country
@@serranosmobile Yes sir!!! I have had Flex, Porter Cable, and also the Cyclo. And to me, the Rupes stands out. They run smoother and the ergonomics are so much better. It’s all about the interaction with the machine. While I Love the Flex, it is like having to man handle the polisher. Cyclo is really smooth, but bulky and heavy since it has the metal casing. Both are great, but time and time again I reach for the 15.
Pretty expensive buyer remorse there. I hope it grows on you but if you don't like it you won't like it. It's hard when you just dont know. Sometimes convenience isnt always the best way.
I appreciate your words
And this is why I prefer thee rotary. Thanks for the review!! Is that the machine belt around your waist?
that the maxshine tool belt
Great information. I like the cord because for some jobs because I always have the same power. Im thinking of buying a cordless. What polish did you use for the gel coat?
we used kochchemie p3o1
Carlos was the blue side indicator light flashing to alert too much pressure applied? That would seem to coincide with pad rotation slowing or stalling in my opinion. Sell for $100 less than what you paid maybe. So many brand choices it’s overwhelming.
it's so sunny the blue indicator would be a waste, lol. but I promise im not putting much pressure
@@serranosmobile Oh I believe you, you’ve been detailing for a long time 👍
But the rupes USA rep said you don’t need to use it on speed 6 and it looks like it’s spinning to me but also the machine isn’t designed for curves but for more flat panels..
yeah, on video, it looks good. In person is different
It didn’t seem that powerful at speed 6 at least for me, you also mention the battery and run time is decreasing for almost a 1k dollar machine. Yeah i’d stick to corded
corded is life
@@serranosmobile what’s your favorite polisher?
Should be using a rotary
@@williamsanders1296 I agree
I think ur over thinking it bud it has plenty of power it's just because it's so much smoother it feels like it's not working lol
you definitely have a point
@serranosmobile yea I got the same one and have the rupes lhr15 and the hlr 15 blows it out the water
Hey Carlos!
hello 🙏🏻
I honestly would never buy such an expensive polisher , I just don't see the purpose of spending so much just because it's a rupes when other polisher for a fraction of the cost do the same job some would say maybe even better , but if you want to give it away I will take it 😂😂😂😂😂😂. I'm actually buying the Milwaukee M18 cordless polisher for wax applying and light work , and I'm keeping my maxshine corded for heavier work. Corded polisher will always have a better kick then a battery one.
well, at least I bought it so I can show you my headaches 🤣🤣
You can use a $30 harbor freight orbital sander for waxing.
@@serranosmobile thank you for taking one for the team
It's the hype no more, no less !!! People think that if they buy one, they will become more professional 🤔. It's a hype !!! Never owned one. I detail professionally for 19yrs.
I just gotten the Milwaukee 21mm throw and man that was the best thing I ever bought, I run maxshine and grits, and not having the cords was amazing. Honestly the Milwaukee m18 is pretty legit, ik deff going to grab the 15mm throw as well
TGIF👍🏽👍🏽
Thank God
I was thinking to purchase that one 👀 but i wills stay whit the adams cordless $200 even i have issues whit the bateria😭😭
And still thinking rupes it is over priced like kranzle adams active3.0
I'm giving it a chance that's for sure
Check out Makita cordless. I love the fact that it is duel mode. You can go DA or forced rotation.
will do
get yourself a shinemate
I may
You move the polisher way way to fast give the polisher some time to work bro
o we giving it time for sure, for corrections. enhancement is different. thie boat was a wax pretty much
charge for a boat ceramic coating😜
right 😂😂😂
First 😂😊
I appreciate that 1st!
@@serranosmobile day one orange haired brother 🤣🤣🤣🤣
It’s heavy and just not comfortable at all. And just weak
Thank you for the feedback
Get your money back 😂
we shall see
Rupes are overpriced and overrated junk.
Andrew! what's up man! I didn't know you followed me lol
peeps all hypiong this polisher for 1k .... honestly its a scamm, that polisher is shit for the price.... And i think you are one of the few saying how it lacks power for a 1k machine.
maybe it's just me 😭😭😭
@@serranosmobile you r true thats the most important thing :)
Idk why everyone was super hyped up for the cordless rupes. They are a tiny spec compared to other cordless tool brands. The corded polishers are always going to be the best on the market by rupes but when it comes to cordless I personally went with the Milwaukee DA. The batteries are easy and cheap to source and the amount of power you get from the machine is phenomenal all the way through even with 1 bar on the battery. It almost feels like a forced rotation because it barely even stalls.
I appreciate your feedback. My purchase was more on an educational level to see why this is a popular brand
@@serranosmobileyou definitely took one for the team. I was thinking about buying one for myself but I wanted to see your review on this Machine. You’re out in the trenches doing mobile just like me and you review a product by experience as a full time mobile detailer rather than a weekend warrior or enthusiast. Trust me though pick up a Milwaukee it’s not the smoothest machine but it’s definitely worth the try. Other than that keep up the great work love the content ✅
thank you @@alfonsorodriguez9537