Hi, I would like to upgrade my Porter Cable random orbital to something that has a sleeker profile, better balanced back plate, and made for smaller pads for the bike. Can anyone provide me some suggestions? I'm an amateur and it's just for the bike, and while I would like a quality unit, I don't want to pay for a top tier tool that I don't necessarily need to do the job.

I'm planning on using carpro reflect and carpro gloss pads (per eaglefan). Is this a one step process for moderate corrections on paint, or should there be a heavier polish/pad step done, prior?

Also, I have not done a ceramic coating yet, but planning on trying that this time around. Looking for a user friendly product if there is one.

Thanks!

 

Check out Griots, ShineMate, SPTA, for "Budget polishers
Reflect and gloss pads are for finishing, not any correcting
CarPro SiC is the easiest coating I have used. I have not used all of them, so there could be others

 

I was a detailing rookie....at least to an extent. The thread link below describes my start-to-finish project, including the products I used. I am not the type person to chase absolute perfection at the micron level, and I don't show or compete. I wanted dependably superb results with maximum ease. I went with Griot's for all my prep, correction and polishing because they have a system and I like logic. I used Ethos Graphene for my coating and it has held up beautifully.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/detai...tom-paint.html

 

Thanks guys will check those options out!

 

Agree with the Griot's recommendation. If you're only using it for your bike, you could get away with a G8 I'd think.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. When comparing these buffer options to the Portal Cable, how do they compare? Are they a significant improvement to that of the Portal Cable? Thanks

 

I have purchased Griot brand products in the past from Autozone and such. If that is the same product they sell online from the Griot's store, it is not worth the extra money the the name.

I get as good of a clean and shine from using S100 (following manufacturers instructions and washing in the shade!), and Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax.

My bike is not a garage queen where I detail the bike after every ride. I wash once a month and get a nice clean bike to ride in the bugs and rain again. I wash once a month and that also serves as a general maintenance check.

 

The Porter Cable fell out of favor years ago when new DAs starting coming out with much more power at smaller sizes. The G8 will make the Porter Cable feel like a relic... because it kind of is.

 

You've purchased Griot's DAs and feel they're not worth the money?

 

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.