The 7-Function Microprocessor Inside all FLEX Polishers by Mike Phillips

[Mike Phillips]

The 7-Function Microprocessor Inside all FLEX Polishers by Mike Phillips

In my experience, FLEX tools are one of the best tools, when it comes to quality, on the market today. No other polishers that I know of, be it an orbital or a rotary, has the 7-Function Microprocessor that comes from the factory in all FLEX polishers. The most important part of the FLEX BEAST line of tools, which would be the BEAST, the Supa BEAST and the CBEAST, is in the inside of the tool, out of sight. The Harbor Freight copy of the FLEX BEAST, the Hercules Forced Rotation Orbital polisher doesn’t offer this 7-function microprocessor at the lower price point.

The FLEX 7-function Microprocessor includes,

1: Provides constant speed control via the tachometer generator.

2: Provides a soft, gradual start of the rotation of the electric motor that powers the drive mechanism.

3: Controls the accelerator trigger switch.

4: Provides restart protection after a power interruption.

5: Provides overload protection.

6: Monitors the temperature of the coil windings and turns the polisher off before damage can occur.

7: Controls speed set by the variable speed dial.



One of the most important functions is the heat sensor, which monitors tool temperature. If the tool becomes too hot, the 7-function microprocessor will turn the tool off so no damage can occur.

Another key benefit to the 7-function microprocessor is the power interruption function. If power goes off to the tool, when power is restored, the tool will NOT turn back on until you release the speed trigger lock. This prevents the tool from turning on and possibly causing damage to a vehicle or a person.


Besides the above, FLEX polishers come with precision machined stainless steel gears instead of stamped steel gears. This is one reason the FLEX tools are much quieter and smoother when using.


The battery technology used in FLEX cordless tools comes from EGO.

1: Longest battery run-time.

2: Shortest battery recharge time.

3: Longest cycle life - how many times the battery can be recharged.



I've been using the PROTYPE FLEX sent me in 2017 - as I type in the year 2024 that's 7 years without a single hiccup.

Do your own research but like the saying goes,

Buy once, cry once


Mike Phillips

 

[Mike Phillips]

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Ever since we made a video review for the Harbor Freight knock-off of the FLEX BEAST, I get a lot of comments and questions. The above article shares one of the primary differences between the FLEX BEAST (and all FLEX polishers), compared to other tools like the Harbor Freight Hercules Forced Rotation Polisher.

Here's the video review - regardless of which brand you own, I share information for both tools in the video.

Which Forced Rotation Polisher Is BETTER? Harbor Freight Hercules vs. Flex XC 3401 VRG

Here's the link to my blog article review, with video embedded, for the Harbor Freight Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher.

Review: Harbor Freight Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher

Hopefully after watching the videos and reading my article with LOTS of pictures, you'll be able to make the decision, which brand of 8mm gear-driven orbital polisher is right for you.



Mike

 

[Mike Phillips]

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And just to note, the GENUINE FLEX BEAST is being discontinued. If you think you'll ever want one, you better get one while you can.

FLEX has already discontinued this specific tool world-wide. The last holdout is America and I was told by FLEX, that at least one of the reasons the original FLEX BEAST, or if you prefer to reference tools by their part numbers, then the FLEX XC 3401 VRG, is my fault because I'm always using it, showing it and recommending it as a top tier tool that is a money-maker in the right hands. I'll take that claim as it is accurate.

You can find FLEX BEAST polishers used on eBay and other buy/sell online platforms, but if you want one that brand new, in the box, you should be sourcing one of these tools TODAY because once they're gone... they're gone.



Question?
Hey Mike, will the Harbor Freight Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher do the same job as the original FLEX BEAST?

The answer is of course yes, and while it looks the same on the outside, there are important differences on the inside.


Mike

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Hi Mike, I notice your PE-150 says "brushless" on the side; I was thinking about this the other day as I was using my Flex 3401 inside on the roof a car and could see the sparks from the brushes through the vent since it was at eye-level. It's only the battery tools that are brushless? Or are the newer corded tools also brushless?

 

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Mike, I notice your PE-150 says "brushless" on the side; I was thinking about this the other day as I was using my Flex 3401 inside on the roof a car and could see the sparks from the brushes through the vent since it was at eye-level. It's only the battery tools that are brushless? Or are the newer corded tools also brushless?

According to Chris Metcalf, who I spoke with about this topic at Mobile Tech Expo, (so just this last weekend), all FLEX polishes are being transitioned to their brushless motor technology. This is another reason the original BEAST is now discontinued. FLEX plans to use the new tool chassis and body as the main chassis and body for all full-size FLEX polishers to streamline production and this newer tool design uses brushless motor technology - so say goodbye to brush style tools like the original BEAST.


Good question, thank you for asking it.


Mike