Car Detailers Rank The Best Polishers | Tier List

[@BorderlandCorvette]

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

[@OlDirtYxRabbiT]

Lmaooo

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MuahMan]

The Milwaukee DAs are such a good deal because it comes with a free huge battery. So you get the tool and battery for like $299

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@מדינט]

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

[@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?

[@jeffc6832]

​@@WillyD1I kept my LHR15 (and always will) but I did get both the 15 and 21mm cordless (sold the Milwaukee). The LHR15 will always be my absolute favorite, but the cordless machines are nearly perfect. Definitely an upgrade, but I'd always have at least one corded machine around.

[@senorbonbon]

@@jeffc6832hey man! Hope you see this comment, so would you recommend the Rupes lhr15 mark 3 as a daily polisher? I just started my detailing business a few months ago thank you

[@jeffc6832]

@@senorbonbon absolutely. It's the best corded polisher on the market.

[@victoryensured7137]

@@jeffc6832 Hey im thinking about Flex or Rupes - the age old battle of titans, i wonder - Flex has only like maximum 15mm throw, while Rupes has 21mm (i prefer the 21mm overall) i know you guys are more Rupesy, but it will be my first machine and kinda hard to get a hold on them in the same shop (i mostly buy online) to compare side by side, still ive seen that Flex is a little chunky boi, while rupes is larger but let's say a shape that i would be comfortable, i know it's personal but if we can bog down to cutting and finishing ability (more about the cut) will the 21mm cut faster than the Flex 15mm? And did u guys service these machines yourself or send them to the manufacturer? It will be my first expensive one - sure i could send it back but i want it to be a good purchase (had luck so far with my 9mm and 21mm chinese ones, good machines but nothing GREAT about them)

[@jarrettsherman6652]

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

[@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.

[@ms3er396]

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

[@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.

[@thebeddoctor4273]

What's wrong with the porter cable? I've had mine for 20 years and never quits

[@TheIdeaPhotography]

same for me... milwaukee polisher is wromng as well it is A or B.

[@MuahMan]

@@thebeddoctor4273 Porter Cable one is good. I have one as well. I mean it's good in that it's cheap and does what it is supposed to. However, it's loud as hell and the vibrations over 3 speed are REALLY bad.

[@thebeddoctor4273]

@MuahMan lol ya so true. I've never used anything else so I don't know how to compare it but my hands are vibrating after doing a few panels

[@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.

[@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?)

[@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.

[@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?

[@wilsontorres2514]

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

[@Rabbit.760]

I think the list is for beginners

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidnguyen4888]

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

[@djparra41]

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

[@theragcompany]

Yes we can!

[@djparra41]

@@theragcompanyMy man!!! 🤙🏾

[@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.

[@georgesmith4639]

Rupes came out with a locking trigger for the HLR75 you can buy and install yourself.

[@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 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@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.

[@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!

[@FishinPugs]

The 3401 is my go to tool.

[@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!!

[@thelamb9656]

Milwaukee has little vibration, the battery is awesome as it only takes me 2 batteries to do my entire car. It’s real comfortable with the guard, not too big. It’s around 8 lbs with the battery on. I’m 145lbs and it’s the best one I’ve tried yet. It also does not stall!!! You can apply 20-30 lbs of pressure and it’s a beauty. Would recommend these. These guys know what they are talking about. 😂😂

[@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

[@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.)

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@Radial-racer]

I’m considering the PXE 80 as my first tool, it’s just so adaptable

[@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. 🤷‍♂️

[@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.

[@WolfAbarth]

You needed to include the random orbital sander you have gathering dust in the cupboard. It's a great super low cost entry into polishing.

[@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!

[@ChristensenStringStudio]

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

[@theragcompany]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanshutz4748]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@crs1474]

Arguing like brothers 😂😂. Enjoyed the video 👍

[@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.

[@chriscotton4207]

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

[@iconindexsymbol]

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

[@jaxbrewery]

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

[@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

[@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;)

[@mspeed3kb966]

Check out Harbor freight. Bauer or Hercules both have multiple corded/cordless, da/gear driven options and they're all under 100 I believe. Great warranties as well

[@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.

[@bobwhisenhunt7085]

Which one the Rupes LHR 75E mini or the Flex7-12-3 mini?

[@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.

[@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.

[@florinstate]

Top quality video, very informative i love tier list series

[@783tyler]

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

[@britishrocklovingyank3491]

The Porter Cable is garbage but I understand feelings.

[@ryanhoeven7826]

How are the Adams Polish's polishers?

[@LolaFrenchie]

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

[@carrickdubya4765]

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

[@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

[@ceerock8088]

I love my flex rotary and pxe

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@tpddetailscr]

Where does the LHR15 Mark V land at?

[@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%

[@Noface.rari3]

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

[@davidrasmussen2975]

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

[@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

[@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

[@justinvanburen8259]

Great video!! Thanks

[@mspeed3kb966]

Harbor freight has probably 4-5 solid polishers. Haven't tried the Hercules ones, zero complaints for the larger Bauer though and have used it for years. Wouldn't buy another rupes at over 5x the price of the most expensive at harbor freight now that I've used them.

[@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.

[@Ethan-wi1oy]

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

[@whitegoodman7465]

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

[@BarryRocha]

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

[@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

[@Buckyvw]

great comparisons. something for everyone.

[@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.

[@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.

[@cwoolman]

So, the new cordless 15 ibrid makes the top of the list even though you haven't fully tested it yet and it's not available for sale? And the other two tools announced at SEMA didn't even get a mention (Lake Country and Dynabrade)? Interesting.

[@cwoolman]

By the way... The 3401 rocks!

[@BXGreen_DrivewayDetails]

Love this kind of video. Ty

[@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.

[@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!

[@nicholasr.652]

So are the two handed orbital polish/waxers all shiet

[@piggietruckerjones7545]

More of this!! I love these videos.

[@georgina_gsm]

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

[@theragcompany]

Thank you! We will!

[@PREDATOR07]

The best was left out 🙄 The one and only with switch to go from random orbital to forced rotation. Makita PO5000C. They seems to have their feelings very easy hurt by anything.

[@redsuncarcare]

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

[@cwoolman]

Wow, quite a list. Interesting conclusions and opinions.

[@tyuspoletti]

What about the Milwaukee rotary

[@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

[@garethdavies7564]

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

[@benparkes5939]

Mach 3 it is then. Thanks guys ❤👍

[@theragcompany]

Glad we could help!