My Favorite Vacuum for Detailing - Flex 9-Gallon HEPA Vac

[@stevencottrell3046]

Here I am watching a man I’ve never met, hoovering with a vacuum I’m never going to buy. OG, you got me good. Touché 😉

[@UNDERTOW999]

“Hoover” I see what you did there 🍻

[@PuR3OwNaGe45]

Never say never friend. 😬

[@lifeislucci]

You can tell this is way better than a shopvac. Definitely looks good for us obsessed retailers. I’ll be ordering one in the future

[@tylerwest3820]

Hilti also builds a hell of a vac. I’ve had one for years using it for drywall sanding and it never misses a beat.

[@davidsonsdetailing]

My small 5hp wd4070 Ridgid I've been using for many many years and is an absolute workhorse. The upgraded orange professional hose on the ridgid from the "detailing kit" looks identical to the red one of the flex. As well ridgid has the bendable long crevice tool. Those 2 things for a detailer are a must have. The pocket in the back is also great for storing a few more accessories and wrapping the cord handle around the handle takes about 5 seconds which I love. the filter just comes off on 1 second and you can blow it out or change it in no time. However the front casters are garbage has they are cheap plastic and I've upgraded them to a stronger metal caster and wheels which is a great upgrade. The flex definitely looks better built but I would love to see a smaller version, one that could be transported and pulled around the car easily. With that upgraded red hose, smooth casters and better cord storage. Let's say an OG spec ridgid or flex?

[@jpstang131]

I like Obsessed Garage's content because of the extreme amount of thought and testing that Matt puts into choosing the best stuff to recommend and sell. This one, however, seems like a cop out. "I've had it around for a while, and everyone is telling me I should put something in the store, so I guess I'm recommending/selling this $600 vacuum." If you put as much effort into finding the best (and best value) vacuum as you did pressure washer I would be happy to give you my money. After this video, I'm left super disappointed and trust almost nothing said in it. Id love to see a series with actual testing and comparisons because you never know...something might surprise you just like the Active pressure washer.

[@Erix7810]

Get a life man. It’s a just a YT video about a vacuum. It’s not meant to point you and guide you through life.

[@jonbrown7760]

I have the Flex and the Festool Midi. I prefer the Festool because of the hose storage. Power and maneuverability are equal.

[@Master0fMayhem]

Matt, The receptacle on the front of the vacuum is for triggering the vacuum to turn on when you turn your tool on. The main application would be for a sander or a tracksaw; the vacuum will detect current flow, and turn on automatically.

[@adeelcyril3339]

Great minds think a like! I’m sold on this beast. OG spec is what we’re after. Thank you Matt for vetting this.

[@ObsessedGarage]

It's really good.

[@Erix7810]

I really like how he doesn’t have to raise his voice when using it. Looking to replace my craftsman 6hp that is probably 120db. It’s unreal, like a damn jet engine.

[@Baltzy24]

I use the Vacmaster Beast for mobile detailing. only like $60. Fits in my Chevy SS easily along with an entire mobile detailing arsenal! Try it out!

[@zapadeeboom]

For people who are saying that you probably hardly use it because of how clean it is - I can attest that the same thing thing has happened to me. I'm a handyman and do wood working and I can't believe how much I suck up with this thing... and it remains pristine.

[@joshweidlich6200]

Festool has the best vacuums 👌🏻

[@bestcrazyboy8487]

I agree Josh I’ve got a couple absolutely brilliant 👍🏻

[@fav6059]

Facts. I have 3.

[@shawnoen1029]

$89 Home Depot Rigid 5hp, 12 gallon model works great. No need to overthink a simple vacuum. More exotic/exclusive does not always make it better.

[@wjkrug]

I have a Rigid and they really are not great at all. I guess they get the job done, until they don’t.

[@timbrown9731]

@@wjkrug I have a rigid five horse 12 going at the winery and I beat the crap out of it picking up grape seeds out of press tanks sucking up steel shavings had it for about four years now and it keeps on chugging.

[@ObsessedGarage]

I heard this same argument about every product I’ve ever used and recommended.

[@dtna]

"Lifetime Warranty"...

[@lewisfisk]

I’ve never used the Flex, but I’ve used the Festool dust extractor. Trust me these are way better then your Rigid shop vac.

[@kimnewling5728]

One small tip......put a piece of foam or rubber over the metal handle. While pulling or moving the hose while working, the vacuum will move around because the casters are very mobile. Next thing you know.....DING.....right into the car, or the one next to you. Ouch.

[@luck6044]

Festool Vacuum looks nice

[@alfcappuccino]

I hope you could try what Festool has to offer; the CT L (I would go M filtration just for the overkill of it) Midi or Mini (if you prefer a small bag) and they will be available cordless to. They also have Bluetooth capability, so you can turn them off without going to the machine, just add the little remote to the end.

[@PrincessCutLawnCare]

speaking of cameras, what your favorite?

[@robertbrothen1460]

Another modification that vac needs is a button on the handle to adjust the amount of suction like the Miele vacuums have. That way when you do the floor mats it's not just stuck to the floor mat, and you can move the wand around to work / clean. Matt, you should work with this Flex company to make changes to their product.

[@custome9218]

Excellent review and I love your personality definitely need you own reality show I’d watch it for certain!!! 🤓🤩

[@AndrewTempleton]

The Flex is comparable to the Fein I have. However, I have a soft spot for my Festool CT 36 as I think it's nicer than the Fein and Flex. May have to get a smaller Festool for my non woodworking tasks.

[@FixitFred]

Hauling a vacuum around is a real pain. I was really hoping Matt would find an amazing wall mount unit to go with that awesome vacuum reel.

[@ObsessedGarage]

I will.

[@juantascon]

Amen, brother.

[@chasec9197]

"Let me check muh spreadsheet" lol Matt you are the consummate professional!

[@zapadeeboom]

I've had the Flex 33 for about 4 years and I love it. I'm surprised you can't find Festool because every Sherwin Williams has had the Festool line for many years now.

[@CBlasek]

I sorta feel Matty sold out here - Festool is clearly a better offering, but its doubtful OG would be a Festool dealer so thats why hes selling these.

[@cbeserra]

Matt Salesman! Looks like a nice vac. My favorite is an old Craftsman I’ve had forever.

[@Antimatter.]

The Ridgid 4 gallon 5 hp with 1-1/4 in Premium Car Cleaning Accessory Kit for RIDGID Wet/Dry Vac is small and cheap and last for years , It’s all you will ever need , That thing is over kill and made for cleaning cars out of a junk yard not brand new BMWs & Porsches 😂

[@ObsessedGarage]

I have a half a dozen of those Rigids around. I grab this this thing instead every time.

[@Reaper-Jim]

@@ObsessedGarage lol see this is why your argument trumps all others … it’s not about costs or performance or durability or la la laaaa …. It’s ONLY about what you love to use, regardless of the other factors. Nobody is going to say this vac is garbage because everyone knows it’s not. Some think it’s too expensive and/or big but that’s okay, not everything is for everybody.

[@Davecars44]

I used this vac and new fest tool on regular floor jobsite cleaning and i can say that festtool wasn't better.

[@J.A.GCustoms]

Electric ⚡️ tape the handle suction closed with a nice neat wrap is black and looks good and works really well boom all the suction and no more worrying if it opened up 🆙 J.A.G Detailing

[@heeltoe6845]

Curious how this compares to the new Milwaukee cordless vacs.

[@stevekoz]

I like the Festool just cause of form factor.

[@psubuster]

The comments on this are hilarious. Either they can’t get past the price of it or they’ve never used something better than what they have - neither is a good argument for the hate.

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

I enjoy your review comparison car tool vids.. 👊

[@acelakid94]

First I was going to get the Bissell Garage Pro because you don’t have to change anything to go from dry to wet, but it was hideous. Then I started looking at something with the same function with better aesthetics: the Prolux Garage Pro. Then I moved to a different house. So now I’m going to use a whole house central vacuum and put a hide a hose in the wall attached to a separator in the closet.

[@cautilli]

festool is a great vacuum, but very specialized for woodworking, try karcher professional line they even have lifetime warranty on the motor etc

[@Dannypalarchio]

Ive got a numatic james and george. The best🐐🇬🇧

[@Reaper-Jim]

Vacuums are just one of those things where everyone is going to have an opinion and literally none of them are invalid. For me, I’m not in to the quality and features and looks or costs. I want something that works well every single time. That, for me, is the Rigid. Yeah, being in the Rigid camp makes me unqualified to be included in a serious conversation about vacuums BUT it is what it is. I buy and use things for one purpose; to serve me and my process. I don’t buy something because of how it looks, how expensive it is or because it makes coffee and tucks you into bed at night. THIS vacuum is too heavy, too big and too expensive for mobile detailers. It’s also just not practical for anything but a shop … but there are more powerful and more effective shop vacs available for far less. So what’s the point of buying this one? Yeah, there is no point. It’s not crap, that’s for damn sure. It’s a good vac … even if way overpriced for the value it brings. The point is, if you want it, get it. If you don’t, move on. You’re not going to like everything Matt offers, you’re not going to agree with him on everything. That’s okay. This is a pass for me, but I’m sure other people will gobble these up. It’s all good. 😊😊😊

[@utbigpapa]

Agreed. This vac is too large to be ideal.

[@LV4EVR]

Clean SwissTrax. Like it Matty.

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

Yep I'd wear out that piece in a months time.. clickn it on and off.. should be billet at least that round clickity piece.🔥👊😎

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

That's to hook up a electric sander. Sand vacc dual tool maybe..

[@bert4910]

That pile of SVS looks delicious!

[@derekwalsh4583]

so far working as it should

[@impulserecreationbuyer]

I see it. I love it. I need it!

[@Ecdetails]

Matt can we use this with the cox reel vac / hose solution ?

[@richardmesser1091]

In the immortal words of Matt Mormon '' Don't be a scumbag vacuum your carpets''

[@wedmoreblue]

No way has that this particular item “been used for years”/“a thousand times”- it actually looks brand new to me, not a spec of dust or any usage marks on the outside, even the wheels & castors appear unmarked and there was no sign of use on either of the filters we saw, yet Matt claims he has taken it home for use during building works as well as being used all around OG HQ for years! You could tell he wasn’t fully familiar with using every aspect of it that he demonstrated - how realistic is this having claimed to have used it “thousands of times”? There’s no need to make such unnecessary claims, Matt’s honest endorsement is normally enough for me🤷‍♂️

[@Jeeper1378]

You dont know OG .. the thing’s probably ceramic coated 😂

[@bestcrazyboy8487]

Probably just come out of a cardboard box more like 🤔

[@michielvoets6743]

Yeah, kinda disappointing

[@johnmbell4642]

Everything you said can be easily disputed he said he did clean up the unit and he uses it in a very clean environment hence no visible wear marks on the wheels at least not on camera I’m sure we saw a close-up there would be minor marks also I’ve seen that in the background in videos dating back quite some time I couldn’t tell you how long but I’m sure I’ve seen it in the other building no this new one. Why would one accuse somebody of lying with no real proof I would remove your comment if I were you

[@supahmac]

Some people take really good care of their stuff. All my vacuums, steam cleaners, wet cleaner and so on look brand new, even though they are 2-4 years old. My car looks brand new - I get comments about it all the time. I just take care of it.

[@patrickvennard838]

I bought one after watching thanks for your advice, I live in the UK or I would have bought it from you.

[@Matthew3753]

Way too much money. I will stick to my Go to old reliable Rigid

[@tnmz6i]

Vacuum is cool and all, but that crated object in the background is really what we all want to know about.

[@OscarM.94]

@34:02 😂damn 🍔🍔 I’m guilty asf

[@tier1detailing]

Flex and Festool are beautifully designed machines, just not sure detailing hobbiests want something that large. A lot of real estate being taken up by those puppies

[@the80s365]

This 100%. So big, the real estate issues are serious.

[@Erix7810]

Detailing hobbyists are not their target customer, I am sure. Detail shops, yes.

[@tier1detailing]

@@Erix7810 the machines themselves are targeted to shops, yes, but OG's target customer are hobbiests. Even for shops, these are probably overkill. Most of the cost is from the built in dust extraction features they have

[@scotttaylor4430]

For the part the spins and annoys you. Check out Central Technology Systems, they sell a hose cuff that just screws on to end of the hose so you can just attach a crevice tool.

[@pakkreation4458]

I’ve the 9 gallon flex vacuum. I put my vacuum to extreme elements, used on sanding cement dust,works great on auto tool set up track saw for wood working. I made my garage cabinets a lot of it and Kept all the dust down. The best vacuum I’ve ever used…

[@rafarami618]

When will you have the accessories available for purchase

[@davidhaygarth648]

We need a radar detector buying guide next please !

[@utbigpapa]

Vortex Radar knows FAR more than Matt on radar detectors

[@soflosuds]

Would you say this vacuum has more suction or less suction than the vacuum aid shop vac

[@soflosuds]

And would it still handle enough suction once put on a 50 foot reel?

[@timbrown9731]

I’m giving Rigid a try, mainly because I have one at work and I beat the thing up at the winery sucking up grape seeds out of press tanks and sucking up steel shavings I beat this thing to crap and it keeps running so far so I just ordered a five horse 12 gallon, I need a wet dry vac for multiple usage not only doing cars with shop work an occasional detailing on interiors, I should buy a dedicated carpet cleaner like a Bissell…

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

8th I do interiors but dang, I hate those with pet hair and smoke since I am allergic to both and for that must wear a hazmat suit and mask all geared up 😄😄

[@edwardramos9666]

I gotta see this. I always struggle

[@jamesrabon496]

ive been waiting for this moment lmao

[@utbigpapa]

The footprint is too large. A smaller vac is better.

[@vigilantezen]

I could 3d print something that would fix the first issue. I think a 3d printed ring of TPU would do the trick.

[@vigilantezen]

I just placed an order. If you want to communicate via email and send me some dimensions I can model something and send it to test.

[@earaji3187]

Where can we get that rolling chair ?

[@ObsessedGarage]

www.obsessedgarage.com/products/og-vyper-chair?_pos=1&_psq=vyper-chai&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@inspectorm6128]

Anyone know what shoes Matt is wearing?

[@mikebarrs9347]

I have a Festool and Nilfisk vac. This Flex vac looks great. Will replace the Nilfisk vac with this Flex when it's time.

[@Booczech7]

That “Flex” vacuum is actually Nilfisk 😂 it is licenced product, there are few other brands who sell this vacuum under their brand, you can see nilfisk brand on that inside filter :)

[@robhunter2435]

Hey you missed vacuuming the back and the trunk

[@g.dubyou6263]

This thing literally looks like you took it out of the box, 10 minutes ago. Doesn’t even look used. And $600, eh, $689, tool only and $775 with all of the mattyisms. How is it a wet/ dry vac with all of these paper filters? Never could understand that.

[@motiOn732]

Really interested in the nadair. Anyone use that? Kind of what I was expecting to see from OG

[@johnwalters878]

Matt has one in the corner (or did). He said he didn’t like it. It was hooked to a Cox reel and hose. I looked into the Nadair, it looked good to me, but there is no availability.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Yeah, I don’t like it.

[@joshbanker8743]

Is that a dust extractor?

[@bestcrazyboy8487]

Indeed it is

[@rubiconrunnerlife]

This is great Matt, but I'm 100% waiting for the wall solution. I've been using the Bissel Wall mount vac for the past 2 years without issue, but I'm sure there is a more "Obsessed" option out there.

[@Baltzy24]

Yeah you would be better off contacting a local HVAC company and have them install a system in your walls. Thay way every room has a retractable hidden vacuum that looks like light switch. If you're that obsessed. And rich

[@jezzie1965]

What’s a multiple

[@davewallace9048]

Nobody in their right mind is going to pay $630 for that vacuum cleaner..sorry Matt!!

[@supahmac]

It's not that bad. I mainly buy Miele for around the house, and it costs about the same.

[@AMP8424]

You'd be surprised. I would never but I'm sure there's some guys with money that will.

[@christopherahl8092]

Have not yet watched this video (I will) - so forgive me if this has been covered. This Flex vacuum looks almost identical to the Milwaukee corded dust extractor of similar size (8 gal). Vent style and location, wheels, body accessories, handle/releases etc. It makes me think these are both an outsourced white label tool built by some other mfg. any thoughts by og on this?

[@GHJA614]

Flex makes them for Milwaukee

[@meme40s]

@@GHJA614 Nilfisk makes the vacuum, they make it for both Flex and Milwaukee

[@wjkrug]

He talked about that a bit

[@GHJA614]

@@meme40s Yup, I stand corrected.

[@christopherahl8092]

Thanks for the replies all. Yes correct looks like Nilfisk makes this for both flex and Milwaukee. I’m a bit surprised matt didn’t choose the Milwaukee version in this case as I assume this would be added to the “master collection”.

[@timbrown9731]

The first mod I would do if I bought that flex is delete the steel handle…

[@glovesguy1936]

I swear this guy said he was giving away this car around a year ago.... all these givaways are scams

[@Ole_Lige]

Needs a flexible crevice tool

[@jezzie1965]

What’s that piece of junk in the background with wheels and all those boxes are those the give away s

[@nofsgiven3855]

I don’t believe you use that vacuum it looks brand new.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Nah…I just keep my stuff nice.

[@verdict1163]

Am I the only one who doesn't care about any of this shop/house stuff? Wish there were more car videos, specifically 'Matt driving and complaining' videos, which is my favorite genre of content.