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!
Key Takeaway
- While the Porter Cable 7424XP is a reliable and well-built variable speed polisher with a 4.5 amp motor, the Griot’s Garage G-9 has been reviewed as more comfortable to use, noticeably stronger, and better for spinning larger pads, making it a preferred choice for many users.
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 pretty easy to store. The electrical cord is 10 feet 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 touchpoint. 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 control 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.
FAQs
Q: What are the differences between the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP?
A: The Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP are both dual action orbital polishers, but they have some differences in terms of power, ergonomics, and price.
Q: Is the Griot’s Garage G-9 more powerful than the Porter Cable 7424XP?
A: Yes, the Griot’s Garage G-9 is generally considered to be more powerful than the Porter Cable 7424XP. It has a higher wattage motor, which allows it to generate more cutting power and provide faster paint correction.
Q: Are the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP equally safe for beginners?
A: Yes, both polishers are safe for beginners to use. They are designed to be user-friendly, with ergonomic handles and variable speed controls that allow users to adjust the intensity of the polishing action.
Q: Can the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP be used for both polishing and waxing?
A: Yes, both polishers can be used for polishing and waxing. They are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of detailing applications, from removing scratches and swirl marks to applying protective wax coatings.
Q: What is the price difference between the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP?
A: The Griot’s Garage G-9 is generally priced higher than the Porter Cable 7424XP. The exact price difference may vary depending on promotions and sales, but in general, the G-9 is considered to be a more premium and higher-end option.
Q: Are there any notable ergonomic differences between the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP?
A: Yes, there are some ergonomic differences between the two polishers. The Griot’s Garage G-9 has a rubberized grip and a more ergonomic handle design, which provides better comfort and control during extended polishing sessions.
Q: Can the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP be used with different types of pads?
A: Yes, both polishers can be used with a variety of pads. They have standard attachment systems that allow users to easily change pads, making it possible to use different types of pads for different polishing or waxing tasks.
Q: Can the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP be used with heavy-cut compounds?
A: Yes, both polishers can be used with heavy-cut compounds, although the Griot’s Garage G-9 may provide better results due to its more powerful motor. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and use appropriate techniques when working with heavy-cut compounds.
Q: Do the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP come with any warranty?
A: Yes, both polishers come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The exact terms and duration of the warranty may vary, so it is advisable to check the product documentation or contact the manufacturer for specific details.
Q: Which polisher is better suited for professional detailers?
A: Both the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP can be used by professional detailers, but the Griot’s Garage G-9 is generally preferred by professional detailers due to its higher power and more advanced features.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, when comparing the Griot’s Garage G-9 and the Porter Cable 7424XP polishers, various sources indicate a preference for the Griot’s Garage G-9.
The G-9 is lauded as a stronger machine, capable of spinning larger pads, which the Porter Cable 7424XP struggles with.
