About to pull the trigger on a DA Polisher

[m.wood0213]

Im looking a variety of DA (Dual Action) polishers. Im looking at the inexpensive Harbor Freight, and the slightly more expensive Griots Garage 6" Version 3, and Porter Cable 7424. I was originally drawn to the HF one due to cost but after pricing product and accessories it doesn't fall to short from the others.

Desired HF setup w/ 5" backing plate, Wolfgang Duo kit and 3 CCS pads.
~$140
Griots kit all the same except for backing plate (because it comes with a decent backing plate.)
$180
Similar Porter Cable kit to the Griots'
$180

I am not getting great vibes from any of these devices. HF is cheap w/ a cheap on/off switch. Griots 2nd generation had bad reliability but comes w/ lifetime warranty and this is the third gen. And Porter Cable is extremely popular but everyone says the Griots' is better. I will be using it strictly recreational on my own car only.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[DoomsdayJesus]

I got a black and decker random orbital buffer for a fraction of the price of the Griots'. There is no perceivable difference except my wallet seems somehow heavier than yours is about to be.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-WP900-6-Inch-Polisher/dp/B000077CPT"]Amazon.com: Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher: Home Improvement[/ame]

You'll notice the bad reviews are mostly crying about the foam/wool pads that come with it not lasting forever. Toss those and use the saved cash to get some decent pads. I've had mine for over 5 years with no issues whatsoever, and use cheap microfiber pads you can find anywhere.

Simple mechanical tools like this are a shame to waste money on when they do the job just as well.

[sshole]

I bought the Griot's 6" base kit (came with 5 pads) from @DetailersDomain when they were on sale a year or two back. I haven't had any issues with mine and I use it probably ever other month.

[NLS8520]

I have the Porter Cable 7424XP, no regrets. I got a kit with the polisher, backing plate, pads, polish for around $180 as well, worth it.. If I were you, I would take a pass on the Harbor Freight have not heard good things. Go with a proven polisher to use on your paint. For a DA polisher that is not to terribly expensive go with either the PC7424XP or the Griot's. People say the Griot's has more power, while the PC 7424XP is longer lasting from what I have heard. Now Meguiar's also released a DA polisher recently, I'm just saying. Lots of choices in that price range.

[GhostShield]

Porter cable or rupes. Rupes are amazing if you can afford it

[sissupr]

for the price... Porter Cable 7424XP

[Paul_S]

I have owned and used multiple Griot 6" machines as well as a Porter Cable 7336 , Meguiar's g100v2. Also had some time on a friends HF da and Flex 3401. I now use multiple Rupes machines. If I was starting over and was only doing my own cars I most likely would choose the griots. Tuff ,dependable and fairly priced. The link by DoomsdayJesus, how do you polish tight places or spots with that monster ? Sorry but I can't see that working on todays curve loaded cars.

[Stay Fresh Car Care]

We would recommend using a 6" backing plate. We offer a three step process with our state of the art buffing pads.

You can purchase our pads in 5" and 6"

[merlin2111]

I have the griots and it works really well. I have never used the others but I bought this thing to make my cars look great and that is what it does. So, it was money well spent in my opinion and if it breaks it has the warrenty.

[Michael]

I've never used Griot's but I have a Porter Cable 7424XP and I LOVE that thing. Smooth and well-built. No issues with it and I've used it maybe a dozen times so far.

[Stay Fresh Car Care]

Porter cable is a very good machine. Perfect for novice users!

[Ec1990]

Griot's all the way I have both and numerous hours with it and the Porter Cable. It doesn't bog down on curves as much and has near double the power. Also hassle free warranty returns.

5" pads highly recommended over 6. Ignore the Black and Decker, there isn't anywhere near enough power behind it to actually remove scratches.

[radroach]

The Meguiar's / Porter Cable polisher is excellent with the new microfiber correction system.

[racecarshots]

I have a Porter Cable that is really old. I just keep rewrapping the power cord as it gets frayed. But it just keeps going and going.