Car Detailers Rank The Best Polishers | Tier List

In today's Tier List video, Levi and Anthony Rank some of the most popular Detailing Polishers! From Rupes to Milwaukee, the boys breakdown their personal thoughts on these machine and where they land in the rankings. Do you agree with them or disagree?
Detailers often have a preference when it comes to machine polishers. Some like Random oribtal, some like rotary, and others prefer gear driven. However, not every machine is created equal and brand has a big part in that. Levi and Anthony have used MANY of the machines on the market today and have an opinion on them.
At the end of the day, find a machine that works best for YOU! It's the end result that matters most. With Machine Polisher is the best for you? Let us know down in the comments!
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00:00 Intro
01:00 Rupes Mille
04:01 Rupes Duetto
06:34 Flex Pxe 80
07:59 Milwaukee Fuel 21mm
11:05 LC Udos
13:55 Porter Cable 7424
16:07 Rupes Ibrid Nano
18:09 Dewalt Rotary
20:01 Rupes Rotary
22:19 Griot's G15
24:22 Flex 3401
27:32 Flex Xfe 15
30:27 Rupes 15 Mark 3
31:56 Chicago Electric
33:48 Rupes Hlr 75
35:45 New Rupes HLR 15 Ibrid
37:07 Recap
40:24 Outro

[@BorderlandCorvette]

“Absolute monster with 3 inches” thank you I needed to hear that ❤😂

[@jay31415]

I didn't even know what a polisher was until today. To see these men so excited and drooling over various polishers really makes me wonder what I've been missing out on.

[@marshprofessionaldetailing9794]

I've been using the Griot's G9 and G8 for a few years and for anyone getting into detailing (paint correction) they are unbelievable value for the money + lifetime warranty. I recently upgraded to the Rupes LHR15 Mark II (late to the party but got it on a awesome sale) and it is a noticeably better machine and much faster at correction. If you have the money, go for it (mark II or III) right away. Thanks for the extensive list and review guys! This stuff helps a lot of people save money, but more importantly, time.

[@piggietruckerjones7545]

More of this!! I love these videos.

[@florinstate]

Top quality video, very informative i love tier list series

[@teslamr7333]

I recently bought the Griot’s G9 when they had a good sale over the holidays. Basically it ended up costing double what I paid for my Harbour Freight. When I started using it and I put the constant speed control on, all I could think was how I was using that POS Harbour Freight tool for all those years. I am very happy with the product.

[@richsmith3120]

Spot on with the Porter Cable 7424. I've had mine for 20 years (not XP) and it still corrects paint with no problems.

[@danlc95]

That one is my favorite. I have a fleet of Rupes polishers that are in danger of heading to eBay! 😂 I have two pre XP, and two XP.

[@BXGreen]

Love this kind of video. Ty

[@crs1474]

Arguing like brothers 😂😂. Enjoyed the video 👍

[@gs_mick]

I loved this video - helpful and entertaining! Please do more!

[@theragcompany]

Thank you! We will!

[@MC_Reds_Mark]

I would have to move the Griot’s machine up a level and would need to include the 3 inch G8 and short throw G9. Maybe a B+ if you can’t go all the way to an A. With that said, I really appreciate the lifetime warranty and the price point. They are great machines for enthusiasts and DIYers 😊. Great video guys!

[@justinvanburen8259]

Great video!! Thanks

[@vdub5818]

For a weekend warrior like myself, I scored a G8 & G9 combo a few black fridays ago. I have no doubt I would prefer a more premium tool but I just cant justify the costs for how rarely I use them.

[@Buckyvw]

great comparisons. something for everyone.

[@neilwalker5041]

Great video as all tools here will get the job done. I grew up racing go karts and am guilty of looking ahead while feeling where I am at. I am just not good at feeling padding stall on a dual action polisher. I mainly cut with the beast and finish with my corded Flex rotary. I do use the 3” Rupes for the 5-5-5- method and sometimes for curvy panels because the polisher is really smooth. Thank you guys for the video and for also running a company which delivers products which work!

[@jarrettsherman6652]

appreciate the honesty between top tier rupes and flex. helping me determine what my next purchase is going to be🤔

[@jeffc6832]

I love these lists, keep doing more! I do really like my Milwaukee 21mm, but you're 100% right about the weight. I actually like the ergonomics and chunky trigger, but its a beast that can wear you out. I will be upgrading my MKIII LHR 15 to an iBrid 15, and eventually the Milwaukee will probably get replaced by an iBrid 21 as well.

[@WillyD1]

Is that really an upgrade though?

[@MyGuyKirby]

I do not polish often but do own the CBEAST (cordless 3401). I like the clockwise motion, 8mm throw, and appreciate the never stall on curved surfaces. The new Dynabrade Warthog is a new comer to try if going corded.

[@cwoolman]

Wow, quite a list. Interesting conclusions and opinions.

[@ChristensenStringStudio]

Super helpful even for those of us who know nothing. Thanks !

[@theragcompany]

Glad it was helpful!

[@superado2k]

Griot's G9 and G8 are both a solid S/A for me!

[@Bill-bi7sk]

Neither of them heat paint up enough to do some real correction

[@theragcompany]

“Heating Paint” is from the days of Lacquer. Modern Single Stage and Clear Coat is most-effectively handled by keeping your pad as cool as possible.

[@Bill-bi7sk]

@@theragcompany you have to get clear coat hot to get it to mend together so how is that something of the past? I did a test run on a correction I was doing on a hood it was night and day between the griots g9 and my 3401 forced rotation

[@joestewart8966]

@@Bill-bi7sk paint correction is not about getting clear coat to "mend", its about shaving down the peaks of the clear to allow light to refract off it more smoothly, creating a slicker and glossier finish.

[@BigBear--]

If you're "heating the paint" enough for the clear coat to go super soft or flow...you've done serious damage to the paintwork. The layers of paint and primer below are now damaged. You might not see the result of the damage for a bit of time, but that section soon will not look right, and will fail sooner than later.

[@GooseroverGaming]

I love the meticulous amount of editing this video took which made much more enjoyable and you guys exploring a different form of content great video

[@404notfound.....]

I started with PC 7524 moved to the griot's G9. Sold my G9 bought a flex 3401@ rupes mark lll15 mm. Both are excellent units!!

[@wescat2]

I had a Chicago HF (before Bauer) for years and worked great. I still have it. Last year moved up to a G8 & G9 and it was leaps and bounds ahead. I polish once or twice a year so it was a great upgrade for me. Right now I can't justify the cost of a Mark III, but if I ever get another polisher it's going to be that.

[@ryanshutz4748]

Love my G8&G9, they haven’t failed me yet.

[@user-yb2tp4qf1r]

I think the Griot's G9 is an S, it's not expensive but an excellent tool for every one, pro and beginners.

[@nomad509]

I skipped the line and got a G9 and G8 awhile back with intentions on upgrading to cordless machines at the right time. The Rupes HLR 15 Ibrid really isn't expensive considering what you get and would love to add it the detail bag. The Ibrid Nano is also a no brainer for sure! Instead of the LHR15 I'd skip that machine and go straight for a Mirka but feel it's too early to adopt that platform yet so I will stick with my G8 for now.

[@jncdetail]

Great tier list! While I love the porter cable I can’t justify it at A tier either though. Definitely a D tier for performance nowadays haha. Also don’t be so hard on the Milwaukee it’s a beast of a machine for an amazing price (if you’re in the Milwaukee battery market.)

[@FishinPugs]

The 3401 is my go to tool.

[@realmikeq]

I gotta admit I tapped out when you gave the porter cable an A. Sorry it puts the entire ranking system in question.

[@emmanuelhud1]

Must of been a sponsorship video because Ive had a Rupes 15 mk3 and it wasn't all the hype that I heard about.

[@joestewart8966]

Hey guys great list, I personally had to return my G15 after it failed on the second vehicle I polished. Griots is a very nice company and I did receive a refund. I replaced that with a shine mate polisher, I have both the three inch and 5 inch. They are a notch above the griots and is the true midpoint between weekend warriors and full time professionals. They are amazing to work with. I did have a question about a cheaper alternative to getting super tiny corners and crevices like under a rear view mirror or a door handle. I don't have the budget for a rupez or flex polisher with those capabilities but I definitely do need something. Any recommendations?

[@dennishill6742]

Enjoyed this content. Thank you! Get the retrofit trigger for your Rupes LHR75. Rupes developed a new trigger design that eliminates accidental turn on and polish sling, which I believe comes standard on all new devices. It looks incredibly easy to install. I ordered mine from your neighbor, MVP Detail Supply.

[@GregoryVeizades]

For the mark III?

[@golf007sd2]

The Milwaukee rocks!. As for the weight...eat some manly food and cowboy up! Oooh and let's not forget the massive cost saving in comparison to the Rupes; in addition to us that have many Milwaukee batteries. Remind us all on the Rypes battery cost, charging speed etc..etc. Hay: Checkmate!

[@Captain_V_Neck]

I have the 15 and the 21, I would have to agree that the 21 is on the heavier side and causes fatigue a lot faster. But just switch to the 15 at that point lol.

[@maicon_13]

But they cried about it being heavy yet the guy with the hat like the dewalt

[@emmanuelhud1]

I have the milwaukee m18 polisher and I perfer it over my Rupes 15 mk3. I will probably never buy another Rupes polisher. But I ike there polish and pads

[@Captain_V_Neck]

@@emmanuelhud1 With the high output batter it has a lot of bite. They did not mention having to use HO batteries to give it more power as well. Love my DA from Milwaukee. Can even use the 3.0 HO and it bangs lol.

[@emmanuelhud1]

I have only used it with the 5.0AH, but I will definitely try it with the high output batteries! Thank you for the recommendation! (5.5AH high output?)

[@wilsontorres2514]

I can’t believe they put the porter cable above the flex and Mille 😂😂

[@Rabbit.760]

I think the list is for beginners

[@scootsmith425]

Nice review! Duetto should have scored higher. It can be used as a sander for orange peel to cut a lot of time out of wet sand work.

[@veils1de350z]

The hlr 75 now has a little stopper for the switch, solves the only complaint yall had. And agree it is a fantastic tool

[@Dave_the_Detailer]

I agree with the pxe it’s great, I loved the Milwaukee when I was mobile only but now that I have a shop and have been using the rupes 15mm the Milwaukee is getting dusty.

[@ceerock8088]

I love my flex rotary and pxe

[@atdautospa]

I learned on a Dewalt Rotary, I can’t tell you how many sets of headphones I lost and was promptly beaten with the cord, due to that machine! lol I saw someone get their dreadlocks ripped out with a Dewalt rotary. Burned a lot of paint at the bodyshop with that tool but thousands of hours later, and after switching to gear driven and DAs you realize nothing cuts like a rotary.

[@783tyler]

Anthony Levi. Do your favorite chemicals next. Interior and exterior. Please. Probably all p&s 😉 lol

[@nolanhull312]

Just pre-ordered the hlr 15 I can't wait to get it.

[@theragcompany]

Keep us updated on your experience when you get it!

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Ooooooo putting the Dewalt and Makita in the D tier list should be a sin. Those are go too for anyone doing metal polishing and they are just all around proven machines. Obviously they get no love with all the new cool machines out but they will always be industry classics. Definitely c maybe even b tier imo.

[@Ultra0wnz]

Any opinions on what to get if you want to start off and get a machine which'll stay relevant for a long time? Currently I prefer to start off with one machine for private use and expand the collection where fit over time, but preferably without investing in machines that are likely to be replaced if a longer term option is realistic. So far the PXE 80 stood out to me due to it's versatility and reliability. At first I doubted the use of a battery for the polisher, and now I have some additional doubts due to a recent polishing course where I used a DAP Evo DA. This tool worked well, though I'm not sure how I felt about the cable. Firstly, are the available pad sizes not too small if you're detailing larger body parts? Secondly, the instructor doubted whether the power of the machine would be sufficient for my more 'weathered' car. Lastly, as you guys also mentioned the battery can be a bit of a commitment to a platform, and in this case no other Flex powered machines made it to the S-tier, so I'm curious to hear your opinions on the above. Thank you for the great video at least, as you might have noticed it also rekindled the allure for a PXE for me;)

[@donaldgreen9292]

the iBrid system is the way to go. Just having the ability to switch between battery and cord, I generally end up doing large vehicles. Hopefully a rotary is next in line for the iBrid system.

[@MyGuyKirby]

I love the PXE but it has its quirks, so i would rank as A-grade. Looking forward to their 5-or-6 mm throw accessory for tight spots.

[@BruceSWeinberg]

I replaced the switch on my 3” Rupes and now I don’t worry about spraying polish all over my face. No reason not to replace the switch with the new one offered by them.

[@johng753]

The Griots Garage lifetime guarantee on their machines is invaluable.

[@jeffc6832]

Perfect for a DIY'er, but not ideal for a detailer without good backup machines.

[@mariomcmichael3230]

How do you guys feel about the Maxshine M8S Dual Action/DA Polisher or any of the SPTA spinoffs?

[@john_dee1431]

Appreciate both the thorough review and fun back and forth. Will lean on the recommendations.

[@WillyD1]

Don’t

[@Peaches.detailing]

Could you guys please do a review on the apex customs DA polisher, its on the more affordable side, but specifications tell me its as a capable as a Rupes lhr iii

[@JP-ro2yi]

I was watching some mike philips videos and when he uses the beast he makes pretty fast passes with it. I think the trick to using it is just moving faster with it. It is probably the most efficient machine out there.

[@DinoGrahovic]

Happy new year guys! 🎉🎉

[@theragcompany]

Happy new year!!

[@jarydladwig914]

As someone who is strictly mobile, can’t do corded machines. But love learning about everything out. We only use TRC and expecting our next order soon! Love the content. Would love to connect.

[@joeschmoe6908]

For the price of a rupes or flex cordless polisher, you could buy a generator and almost any other brand of polisher. Plus you could power other things with it.

[@ms3er396]

it's not a forced rotation; it's a gear drive dual action polisher. A forced "rotation" machine is technically a rotary.

[@bannerrecording]

One I would add to the D list would be the Chemical Guys Torq 15mm throw. I had three die on me in less than 50 cars when I first started. One actually must have started grinding the gears and threw some metal flakes in my eye. I was ok but not happy. Another issue I had was how to change the speed. There are small round buttons that get annoying to have to go up and down with. Third time it died, I got serious and got a Rupes.

[@djrockon5729]

Glad ur ok but they use cheap grease inside them and not enough. Id open it up upon purchase and regrease the gears with good automotive #2 grease although you can use red n tacky Lucas oil grease for great results but make sure u take ur time and don’t use an impact wrench or drill only screwdrivers and take ur time there’s maybe 12 screws to remove. If it’s a tool u used for a while I’d replace the two brushes while ur at it. It’s not a premium tool but if u take care of it and don’t treat it like crap it will last longer . I’m gunna get the Rupes Mk III from the jump but even it needs to be greased properly upon purchase sadly even at that price, just grease around the sides not the entire gear box u will make a mess but there’s quite a few KZbin videos tearing them down showing how lil grease are in them and poorly they are greased even at a $350-600 price point. A lot of times u can hear and feel when the gears are grinding or are drying out to some extent there’s usually a lot more vibration also . But u should get in the habit of re-greasing ur gearbox every 6 months with the volume of cars you’re doing. Good luck ….

[@OndAutoValet]

The Mirka 3 lineup, Shinemates, and other things

[@555fourthstreet8]

@@timkinley1779might be twice as good yet results and finished work isn’t any better than what the others provide

[@DasJav]

Feel like a lot of people got into polishing and started off with the Porter Cable because of the Junkman. Now, I really only use it as a my dedicated 3" polisher, which I like. I'm really liking what I see or more heard from the new Rupes iBrid 15. I have tinnitus on one of my ears and that ear is very sensitive to sound. I always wear hearing protection while polishing. A quieter machine is very, very appealing. So, the high price tag might be worth it to me to help protect my hearing while letting me enjoy the what I love doing. Appreciate this video.

[@kevinscarbrough8800]

What do you think of the UDOS 51e for a fully mobile detailer who has gotten a lot of paint correction/enhancement requests?

[@Rabbit.760]

Maxshine 2 in 1

[@dfd4688]

The beast is a manly man tool for sure as is the dewalt rotary and yes they are not for girly men😁 the Milwaukee cordless trigger switch is a real turn off (cumbersome) and yet effective… good stuff 👍

[@davidnguyen4888]

HLR75 really misses the mark for me. im glad they patched the trigger but the vibration and noise is not very Rupes-like

[@Danomite70]

What about the Meguiars MT300? One of the biggest names in car polishing and no mention of their polisher???

[@jaxbrewery]

I hope FLEX updates their machine with the newer 24V battery platform.

[@vwking2000]

I’ve used most of these tools and for me the flex 3401 is easier to use and gives me better results than the Rupes. I also have a griots g9 and it’s a great mini polisher for folks on a budget

[@djparra41]

Can you guys also do this with compound and polishing pads?

[@theragcompany]

Yes we can!

[@djparra41]

@@theragcompanyMy man!!! 🤙🏾

[@RascalMcGovens]

Im curious how you guys would rank a torq 15da. I was given one as a birthday gift. I know that as a general rule of thumb chemical guys is trash, but the polishers has served me well and made me good money.

[@TheSkeptic_1]

Really surprised the Meguiars didn't make this list anywhere. I know it wouldn't be S-tier but curious if it would make the entry-level argument for C-tier.

[@Samuelfish2k]

What makes you think it’s a bad polisher?

[@Spirited282]

I was going to go with a Duetto as my first (more expensive) polisher, heard from other channels it is a pretty good beginner friendly machine. At least i hope?

[@theragcompany]

Good choice!

[@tier1detailing]

lol, the good ole PC. If you're reading this, definitely go with a G9 over a PC any day of the week. Completely understand the nostalgia going on here, but the amount of vibration the PC has is literally bad for your health. As for the HLR75, the form factor is definitely comfortable, but I'm disappointed in the areas I'm not able to reach with the taller design. Not being able to get underneath mirrors is super annoying for example. The flex 3" has the best form factor IMO, but the performance seems to drastically fall off once the battery gets under 50%

[@iconindexsymbol]

Where would the Flex PE14-3 lightweight rotary go? It looks like a nice polisher for hobbyists.

[@whitegoodman7465]

Flex 3401 is still a DA, just a forced rotation DA like the Mille instead of free spinning.

[@stephenlouden480]

Px 80 is the best polisher I've used the Rupes ones but the straight up versatility is on another level. then I have a Griots G9 as well it's definately an S no question for the price and power thing kills other polishers triple the price change it to an A right now! lol

[@Ethan-wi1oy]

i was really hoping to see the new Griots garage BOSS Hybrid mini in the video

[@gspam154]

I have the Milwaukee 15mm and their Rotary. Bought because I have a ton of batteries and chargers. They are heavy but the locking trigger is terrible. I can't reach far enough to lock the trigger when the machine is on the car, and I have large hands. I have a garage full of Milwaukee tools, but I would rate these a C. If I have more than one panel to polish, I break out my corded Flex polishers.

[@jeffreycoronado823]

Mirka cordless 3inch🔥

[@benparkes5939]

Mach 3 it is then. Thanks guys ❤👍

[@theragcompany]

Glad we could help!

[@tpddetailscr]

Where does the LHR15 Mark V land at?

[@chriscotton4207]

Makita is absolutely perfect. Smooth enough, powerful enough, ergonomic, forced rotary, battery life and consistency with power. Makita ftw

[@LolaFrenchie]

You bros ever try the 3m polisher ???? Wonder where it would rank

[@redsuncarcare]

power, balance, price, efficiency,durability = shinemate ex620, for 3 inch - griots g8

[@theredscourge]

Not sure why KZbin keeps deleting my comment... One of those $5 drill polisher attachments you can buy off Amazon and stick in your cordless drill is an easy F tier, every time I use one it immediately swirl marks everything no matter how fine of a pad you put on it, so I have to hand polish after because I can't justify buying a polisher as someone who does not detail for a living. Also reviewing a palm sander with a pad on it would have been nice for people to get some perspective on how much better these polishers are.

[@emmanuelhud1]

All I can say is I've had a Rupes 15 mk3....... compared to my milwaukee 15 m18 polisher. The milwaukee is way better. I bought the rupes because of the hype. It got mega hot! The white rubber bumpers came off. I took good care of it. All I can say is for these guya put rupes in there S category must be a sponsored video. I still buy rupes pads and polish. But there polishers are over hyped and not worth it

[@danlc95]

We have both the Rupes and Makita at work. The Makita is very stout and very powerful. Performance wise, I can't tell a difference. I usually prefer to grab a Porter Cable though. 🤷‍♂️

[@britishrocklovingyank3491]

The Porter Cable is garbage but I understand feelings.

[@josephtovar3941]

Wow... Milwaukee at "C"... I love my Milwaukee.

[@garethdavies7564]

i brought rupes ibrid for me it dident have eough power then i brought flex pxe 80 totaly night and day monster 💪

[@Jay-fq5pu]

Lmao everyone knows their polisher. This video was purely for Rupes. New cordless rupes is on preoerder, preoerder numbers are very down, rupes raises concern and Rag Company follows orders

[@timmy8784]

I don’t get the battery design of the new Rupes HLR 15. I haven’t personally tried yet, but seen a lot of reviews on it and a lot of complaining with the design. It seems like the angles don’t quite give you the clearance you may need. Just doesn’t make sense to me. Should be sideways 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tyuspoletti]

What about the Milwaukee rotary

[@tripsingh3642]

Duetto should of been scored higher, your right about the speed controller but its no big deal just stop and set your speed, with the Duetto the bearings and electronics are alot superior than griots and most budget friendly da to go for in my opinion. Plus it has a torque regulator module and can sand as well with their interface its a 2 in one its very very smooth hardly no vibration. I know alot pro detailers hate it but ive corrected very hard german paint plus ppg cermiclear with no issues and soft japenese paint as well, 12mm finishs very nice

[@karlf2378]

Ok, please be gentle on me. 😂I have a Meguiars MT300 and I want to know where that would stack up in here. Second, I love detailing but I don’t know where to go in my area to find these other machines to try and see which one fits me best. Any guidance would be greatly apperciated. BTW, I am in the Minneapolis market.

[@Samuelfish2k]

Be gentle for what? That’s a fine polosher.

[@danlc95]

If you like that tool, there isn't a reason to get another. You can do anything with that tool you can do with the others.

[@Auto-Bots.Custom.Detailing]

What’s the difference between a DA and a force rotation? I mean don’t they both spin in the same direction, and also have a gear action? Correct me if I’m wrong.. is the only difference a forced rotation won’t stall out?

[@arnestufek7062]

The da which stands for "dual action" not only spins but jumps while it spins minimizing heat as your doing a paint correction. A forced rotation tends to stall less but is less forgiving as it just spins while your doing a correction so you have to be careful with heat. Hope this helps.

[@danlc95]

"Dual action". Is the more appropriate term for machines like the Flex 3401. "Random orbital" is more applicable to the free spinning machines.

[@samtarariverasanchez59]

I’m a Rupes fan .

[@curtisholick3135]

So, deep into gel coat/boats. Have used the DeWalt extensively, yes heavy, yes durable. Wanting to get a Rupes or Flex rotary for improved technology and weight. Again daily use on Gel coat. Which one would you pick Levi?

[@danlc95]

I'd stick with the DeWalt or the Makita. I had the Flex, but the Makita was way more robust.

[@BarryRocha]

Kinda surprised Adam's Polishes swirl killer polishes and Chemical Guys Torq didn't get on the list.

[@davidrasmussen2975]

What about the Hercules forced rotation 6”? It is a knock off of 3401.

[@btbd2785]

LC would have made the new UDOS31E better if they actually produced other smaller and or larger backing plates which they didn't do.

[@ionelbanu4451]

Porter Cable can't be top tier next to Rupes or Flex(orbital) just for sentimental reasons...plus it's too old and vibrates like crazy

[@carrickdubya4765]

Why is PC on the list and not the CG 209x TorqX ? Looks like a Rupes commercial . . .

[@jimmymak579]

give thanks....

[@PeteyMcSavage]

If you want to get around a car fast in 1 go around without haze or holograms flex 3401 is the money maker. 21mm or 15 don’t keep up

[@OddlyHuman]

Theres a reason they only put rupes on top as S tier 😂