| Best for |
Tight spaces, spot repair, edges and intricate panels |
All-around paint correction and finishing |
Fast correction of large vehicle panels |
Heavy correction by experienced detailers |
| Recommended user |
Enthusiasts and professionals |
Beginners through professionals |
Experienced enthusiasts and professionals |
Experienced and professional users |
| Machine type |
Cordless dual action polisher |
Corded random orbital/dual action polisher |
Corded dual action polisher |
Corded direct-drive rotary polisher |
| Orbit or action |
12mm dual action orbit |
15mm random orbital action |
21mm dual action orbit |
Direct rotary action |
| Backing plate |
3-inch |
5-inch / 125mm |
6-inch / 150mm |
6-inch |
| Power |
12-volt cordless |
900 watts |
900 watts |
1,200 watts |
| Speed |
Variable-speed cordless operation |
1,700–5,200 RPM |
1,700–4,500 RPM |
600–3,000 RPM |
| Correction level |
Spot correction and detailed polishing |
Light to heavy correction, depending on pad and compound |
Moderate to heavy correction over large surfaces |
Heavy cutting, oxidation removal and advanced correction |
| Ideal areas |
Pillars, bumpers, mirrors, spoilers, edges and complex contours
|
Doors, hoods, fenders, roofs and curved panels
|
Hoods, roofs, doors, trucks, SUVs and other large panels
|
Severely oxidized paint, sanding-mark removal and demanding jobs
|
| Ease of use |
Easy to control in small areas |
Forgiving, balanced and highly versatile |
Forgiving but less suited to narrow areas |
Requires greater technique and heat control |
| Key advantage |
Cordless precision where larger polishers cannot reach |
Best all-around balance of coverage and control |
Covers more surface area with each pass |
Maximum cutting ability and direct pad rotation |
| Kit highlights |
Tool, 2.5Ah battery, 5Ah battery and 120V charger
|
5-inch backing plate, extra brushes, microfiber cutting pad and
three foam pads
|
Extra brushes, microfiber cutting pad and three foam pads
|
6-inch backing plate, lambswool pad and three foam pads
|