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You've purchased Griot's DAs and feel they're not worth the money?
i've never heard one person buy one and complain
the g8 and g9 are more than worth the money in the right hands, they are among the more affordable polishers like it, but there are way cheaper, and for some, the way cheaper ones are the best option
I purchased the Griots chemicals, towels, wash mitt and the foam sprayer. Based on those products, purchased from Autozone, I would not depend on the brand name Griot. I would look at brand names that actually make, and not re-badge, the item I want.
I don't have a dog in this fight as I own PLENTY of chemicals and tools that aren't Griot's, but Griot's is one of the few that actually manufactures and bottles their own chemicals in house, save for a handful of aerosols and such. Now I'm not saying they're all the best, but Griot's is not rebottling their chemicals.
the g8 and g9 are more than worth the money in the right hands, they are among the more affordable polishers like it, but there are way cheaper, and for some, the way cheaper ones are the best option
I've got a G8, G9 and Boss Hybrid Micro. They're all three excellent and when I had an issue with my first G8 making more noise and vibration than I liked, they replaced it at no cost and no questions asked.
I've also got a MaxShine long throw, Flex 3401, Rupes iBrid Nano and a Dewalt cordless. You know what they say about having the right tool for the job.
I don't have a dog in this fight as I own PLENTY of chemicals and tools that aren't Griot's, but Griot's is one of the few that actually manufactures and bottles their own chemicals in house, save for a handful of aerosols and such. Now I'm not saying they're all the best, but Griot's is not rebottling their chemicals.
I was sure they make their chemicals. I doubt they make their machines.
Works well for what I use it for, mostly polishing and some paint correction, six speeds from 3,000 - 7,200 rpm.
I'm not a professional so it gets used about 5 or 6 times a year. I could not see pending hundreds or even thousands of dollars if I was not going to use it daily.
I am inclined to upgrade my random orbital. My porter cable... the counter balancer weight is designed for its larger backplate. I currently use a 3" backplate on it, but feel that its operation is not balanced or smooth as it should be. Auto geek is having a sale, so am considering one of these "mini" options:
The griot seems best value of the 3... Flex might be a bit out of the budget. But they are having 20% off, so that helps. Maybe its buy once...cry once? lol
I am inclined to go with the Griots G13 Mini Long-Throw.
You can't go wrong with any of those. One thing to keep in mind, at least in my experience, is the long-throw DAs really do throw the pad around quite a distance. That can be great when you're working on larger areas, but can be annoying in tight spaces on a bike where you're working up against an adjacent panel or tank console for example. I switch the long throw 13mm drive on my Griot's Micro out for the 5mm when working in such areas.
I'd also say I prefer a cordless option these days as battery and motor technology have come a long ways. While the corded machines are consistent in their power delivery, and you're not dealing with batteries, the convenience of not having to worry about what the cord is doing (and what it's touching while I'm working) is worth it to me.
You can't go wrong with any of those. One thing to keep in mind, at least in my experience, is the long-throw DAs really do throw the pad around quite a distance. That can be great when you're working on larger areas, but can be annoying in tight spaces on a bike where you're working up against an adjacent panel or tank console for example. I switch the long throw 13mm drive on my Griot's Micro out for the 5mm when working in such areas.
I'd also say I prefer a cordless option these days as battery and motor technology have come a long ways. While the corded machines are consistent in their power delivery, and you're not dealing with batteries, the convenience of not having to worry about what the cord is doing (and what it's touching while I'm working) is worth it to me.
Thanks for your insight. Yes, I did read that maybe smaller throw would be better. Besides the Griots G9, it's seems all they sell for mini are long throw. So, maybe I should go with that.
However, I'm willing to spend a bit more if its worthwhile. Maybe, I should look at other distributors too.
If your going to use the polisher just for your bike then the option of a polisher to buy are endless. If you intend to do any 4 wheel vehicles, I would only consider a few polishers. Suburbans and trucks are massive when you start compounding and polishing on them. Ive had my Flex 3401 for a long time and I can't tell you how many vehicles Ive used it on. My buddy had to redo the cord were it went into the machine. It still has the original brushes in it. Absolute work horse
I had a G6 for a while and it quit working. I can't remember how old it was but they didn't sell them anymore, so they sent me the replacement. It works well for what it is and for what I use it for. It is a really good machine for the guy taking car of his own vehicles. It's a little light in power for an every day machine. This is just my opinion only.
