If you’re a car enthusiast, then you know that keeping your ride looking good takes a lot of work. Polishing and waxing your car is essential if you want to keep it looking new. There are many different polishers on the market, so which one should you choose? In this blog post, we will compare the Griot’s Garage G-9 vs. Porter Cable 7424XP polishers to see which one comes out on top!
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Griot’s Garage G-9 vs. Porter Cable 7424XP Quick Comparison
| Features | Griot’s Garage G-9 | Porter-Cable 7424XP |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
| Item Weight | 6 Pounds | 5.75 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 14.6 x 7.5 x 6.3 inches | 14 x 6.5 x 6 inches |
| Max Rotation Speed | 6400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Easy to use | Yes | Yes |
| Maneuverability | Good | Great |
| Price | $169.99 | $126.24 |
Griot’s Garage G-9 Orbital Polisher
The Griot’s Garage G-9 is an extremely powerful orbital polisher. It has a 9mm throw that will help you remove scratches, swirls, haze, and oxidation from your car paint with ease. It is great for both beginners and professional detailers.
The G-9 is very balanced and easy to be used for many hours without getting hand ache. It has a 6” backing plate, detachable power cord, and double-shot rubber grips that are placed strategically.
The 9mm orbit makes this polisher easily controllable in tight spots. The 1,000-watt motor enables this polisher to quickly remove any paint defects.
What I like most about the Griot’s Garage G-9 is the fact that this is a super quiet polisher. You won’t be bothered by the sound this fella produces.
On the back of the G-9 polisher, there is a detachable power cord which makes it easy pretty easy to store. The electrical cord is 10-foot long and you won’t have to use any extensions.
The main issue that you can encounter when you first polish a car is that you can damage the paint if you stay in one spot for too long. However, the Griot’s Garage G-9 polisher has an innovative design that allows fresh air to be pulled through the air intakes and forced onto the pad and on the car paint preventing it from overheating and damaging.
Polishing a vehicle can last for hours. This is why the G-9 has a double-shot rubber on every major touch point. This will allow you to comfortably hold the polisher for extended periods of time.
Cons of Griot’s Garage G-9 Orbital Polisher by actual users
- The trigger lock isn’t great. The trigger lock is poorly designed and badly located on the G-9. It is not large enough for good touch control. You need to really make an effort to engage it.
- The lock-in power cord doesn’t always lock in. It really is great for storing but it can come off in the middle of polishing.
- It can get quite heavy. All of the polishers weigh almost the same. But, when you are 15-minutes into polishing vertical body panels, it seems to be increasing in weight by the minute.
Porter-Cable 7424XP Variable Speed Polisher
The Porter-Cable 7424XP is a variable speed polisher but it can be also used for sanding. It is equipped with a 4.5 amp motor and a 6-inch polishing pad. It weighs only 5-1/2 pounds which makes it easy to hold it for longer periods of time.
The 7424XP has six speeds and up to 6,800 RPMs. It accepts 5/16 to 24 spindle thread accessories. It is backed by a three-year warranty that covers any defects and a one-year free service contract.
This polisher has a random orbit and a swirl-free polishing feature. The removable two-position handle makes it easy to store.
The speed setting was designed as a wheel and is pretty easy to control. It is practically impossible to burn through the car paint because it simultaneously orbits in small circles as it rotates the pad instead of just spinning at high speed and creating friction and heat.
The body of the 7424XP is designed with a full ball and roller bearing construction which ensures durability under industrial workloads.
The throw on the Porter Cable DA polisher is the distance that the pad travels during one complete rotation of the polisher. The throw is typically between 4 and 6 inches.
The Cons of Porter-Cable 7424XP Polisher by actual users
- Can be tricky to control at low speeds. Like all polishers, this one too can be quite tricky to be controlled at low speeds. But, this is expected!
- Comes with a cheap foam pad. When you purchase this product, you will need to get a high-quality polishing pad. The one that comes with the product is cheap and I wouldn’t use it.
- The noise production could be lower.
What Is a Random Orbital Polisher?
A random orbital polisher is a polishing tool that uses a random, circular motion to produce a high-quality finish on surfaces. It is commonly used to polish cars, boats, and other vehicles. Many people also use random orbital polishers to buff out scratches and swirl marks on their paintwork. This type of polisher is often referred to as a “dual action” or “DA” polisher.
Random orbital polishers are very safe to use and will not damage your paintwork if used correctly. They are also much easier to control than traditional rotary polishers, making them ideal for beginners. If you are new to using a polisher, we recommend starting with a lower speed setting and gradually increasing the speed until you are comfortable with the tool.
What Causes Swirls When Buffing?
Swirls are usually caused by improper buffing technique, using a dirty or damaged buffer pad, or using the wrong type of polish or compound for the paint finish. Sometimes swirls can also be caused by an inexperienced detailer using too much pressure when buffing. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to accidentally create swirls while trying to remove them.
To avoid creating swirls, always use a clean, soft microfiber towel
or cloth to buff your paint. Be sure to use gentle, circular motions and avoid applying too much pressure. If you’re unsure about how to properly buff your paint, consult a professional detailer or car care specialist.
There are a few ways to remove swirls when buffing. One way is to use a rotary buffer with a polishing pad. Another way is to use an orbital buffer with a polishing compound. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your paint.
