What is the difference between gear-driven and dual-action?

A gear-driven polisher forces the pad to rotate, so it keeps cutting under pressure. A free-spinning dual-action polisher stalls more easily but is gentler and easier for beginners.

What speeds does it offer?

It has an 11-speed dial and a variable-speed trigger, with constant speed control up to 700 RPM and 8,700 OPM.

What backing pads are included?

It ships with a 5-inch/125mm backing pad in the packaging and a 6-inch/150mm pad on the tool, plus an Allen key.

Does it need a special power supply?

It runs on standard 120V AC mains, so it plugs into a normal outlet rather than a battery.

Is it suitable for a beginner?

It can be, but the forced rotation is less forgiving than a dual-action machine. Practice on a test panel first.

Flex FC3401-Z Orbital Polisher Price History: Lowest $499.99

Q: Where is the Flex 120V Brushless Gear Driven Orbital Polisher FC3401-Z cheapest?

At West Marine, for $499.99, as of our latest check.

Q: What do buyers say about the Flex 120V Brushless Gear Driven Orbital Polisher FC3401-Z?

Buyers like: Long-time detailers call FLEX their polisher of choice; Reduced noise level appreciated; Longer power cord praised.

What reviewers say

Long-time detailers rate the FC3401-Z highly, calling Flex their polisher of choice. They praise its strong cutting force, lower noise and longer cord, and note the light body despite the power.

What people mention

Cutting forcePraisedDetailers say it removes defects quickly with strong cutting force.
NoisePraisedOwners report the improved gear head runs quieter than earlier Flex polishers.
WeightPraisedUsers call the body light for a machine with this much power.
Power cordPraisedThe longer cord is appreciated for reaching around a vehicle.
Forced rotationMixedThe gear-driven action is effective but can be aggressive on soft paint and edges.

From West Marine

Brushless motor delivers high power and greater efficiency while eliminating maintenance
Constant speed technology maintains RPMs under pressure, up to 700 RPM and 8,700 OPM
Vibration suppression for reduced fatigue
Improved gear head for reduced high-frequency noise
Lightweight body with ergonomic grip for precise control
11-speed control dial with variable speed trigger

Guarantee: Protected by a one-year limited warranty when registered at registermyflex.com.
Shipping: Orders placed by 3 PM EST typically ship the same day; orders placed after this time are processed the next business day.
In the box: 120V Brushless Gear-Driven Polisher (FC3401-Z), 5 inch/125mm Backing Pad (within packaging) (FT333), 6 inch/150mm Backing Pad (on tool) (FT334), Allen Key

About the Flex 120V Brushless Gear Driven Orbital Polisher FC3401-Z

The Flex FC3401-Z is a 120V brushless gear-driven orbital polisher. Its brushless motor delivers high power and greater efficiency, and it eliminates motor maintenance.

Constant speed technology keeps the speed steady under pressure, up to 700 RPM and 8,700 OPM. Vibration suppression reduces fatigue, and an improved gear head reduces high-frequency noise.

The body is lightweight with an ergonomic grip for precise control. An 11-speed control dial and a variable speed trigger set the speed.

Power source: AC mains, 120V
Motor: Brushless
Drive: Gear-driven orbital
Max speed: 700 RPM, 8,700 OPM
Speed control: 11-speed dial with variable speed trigger
Backing pads: 6 inch/150mm (FT334) on tool; 5 inch/125mm (FT333) in packaging
In the box: Polisher (FC3401-Z), 5 inch/125mm backing pad (FT333), 6 inch/150mm backing pad (FT334), Allen key