Best foam pads for rotary?

I use wool pads at work for pretty much everything, and I don't want to use wool for my side jobs, so I don't really know what the best foam pads are for smooth and effective polishing. I just received my new flex lightweight rotary from CG, and it came with a few Hexologic pads. Are these good pads? I have menzerna polishes. All suggestions are welcome, pads and polishes. Thanks in advance!

 

the uber foam pads are great.

 

I use them on my PC and they are awesome, I'll have to order some 6.5s and try them out.

 

They are awesome on any machine !!!!!

 

I use the Uber line of pads on my Flex with Menzerna's Polishes all the time. They are excellent.

 

If you really want the good stuff, get some european 3M foam pads. Green, yellow and blue.

 

I have Lake Country Hydro-Tech Cyan, Tangerine, and Crimson pads, most aggressive, polishing, and finishing in that order, and that is pretty much all I need for Rotary and Random Orbital (Flex 3401VRG) work.
They are not particulary fond of high speeds for a long time, but with the great compounds and polishes out there today, you dont really need flaming high speeds to get beautiful, clear, panels.
These pads are aggressive in their particular place at first, but have the ability to finish down really nicely, even LSP ready.

The only other pad I use the most for extreme correction work or on Airplanes, is the Lake Country Purple Foam Wool, a really nice pad that corrects really bad stuff nicely, and doesnt leave a lot of marring after, and has less wool "explosion" than normal wool or wool/blends.

Have you thought about microfiber pads for your Rotary yet? I have purchased Optimum's version in cutting and finishing in 5" size, and have not had time to bring in my Jeep, BMW, or CR-V to try them out. Hopefully soon will have a break in the action, and hopefully we will get a break from all this freaking RAIN !!!

I learned on the big sized pads and used them for years and years, and now have changed that up to using mostly the 5" sizes for most work and the 6" sizes for big jobs like Vans, Surburbans, Yukons, Beechcraft, Cessna, etc...

Dan F

 

I wouldn't mind trying some microfiber systems, just not sure which ones to get. I have used the purple foamed wool from lake country and I like it a lot, and will definitely be getting some of those!

 

I have been wanting to try those for a while... any place in the states or Canada that carries those do you know Bryan?

 

Of the 2 Microfiber pad systems I know of (Meguiars and Optimum), I believe only Optimum says their pads can be used with both Rotary and Random Orbital machines; Meguiars says they engineered their Pads, and Polishes, to be used only with a Random Orbital machine. I have also read that sometimes their pads separate from the backing rendering them useless. Have not heard of Optimum microfibers doing this..

Just thought of something - if you want to try out the Lake County Hydro's I have a good supply of all 3 of those I mentioned and Im here in Bellevue.. Let me know..

Dan F

 

I always order from the UK, or Ken or someone sells them on here.

 

I plan on getting some pads with my next paycheck, I wouldn't mind trying some.

 

I much prefer soft pads on my Flex PE14-2 150 rotary, and I very much like the UK 3M pads. The green compounding is a bit nasty, but the yellow and blue pads are great!

I like the LC flat pads too, I find them better than the CCS for polishing. I like the hydro-techs on my DA, but not so much on my rotary.

It all comes down to personal preference.

 

I just got those yellow and blue 150mm 3M pads from Elite in UK. Can't wait to try those out. I wish Phil carried them.

 

I just had several hours to try out the UK 3M pads on my PE14 and the po85rd I got from Phil last week. Freaking beautiful.

I used the blue pads and it's the best pad I have used yet. The yellow ones are super soft also but I guess those have more cut and intended for polishing with medium compounds like SIP or power finish.

Phil, I hope you get these pads in one day and perhaps the UK 3M polishes too.

 

I have quite a few of these pads too and they really are nice. I haven't ordered any in a while, but I've had good luck with getting them from i4Detailing

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk

Pretty sure that CIVIC is or was a code good for 5% or so off from them. Shipping isn't horrible and their service is fairly quick too

HTH

 

Yeah, those are the ones. If you ever wanna get rid of yours you know my PM haha!

 

Yes! Love the UK 3M pads!!!

The 3M polish not so much, it's hard for me to change from Menzerna. I love the 3M yellow and 203S. Very nice combo. Same goes with 85RD and blue or black pad.

 

where can you get uk 3m pads?

 

What speeds are you guys running the Uber pads? I tried the 5.5" I usually use with my DA and they seemed to be grabby and want to skip around. Even with light pressure and low speeds (2-3 on the flex). Tips would be great! I may have the opportunity to work on an old lamborghini and Ferrari and would like to have my foam system down in case he's looking for full corrections! I don't want to use the wool I'm used to working with...