Dual action polisher: choose the machine and the complete kit

A dual action polisher is a polishing machine whose pad spins and moves in a small orbit at the same time. Buy one for one service first, such as a one-step polish on sound clear coat.

Of the two models compared here, choose the Griot's Garage G9 for a first paid kit. The RUPES BigFoot LHR15 Mark V costs about 3 times as much. Both manuals limit you to the maker's own accessories, so price the pads with the machine.

Detail Compass has not tested either machine. The figures below come from the manufacturers' manuals and product pages, checked October 29, 2026. Technique, test spots, and stop points stay in the one-step polish guide.

Two machines from their manuals

Read the manual before the product page. The manual sets the plate size, the approved pads, the power demand, and the warranty terms.

Sources: the G9 manual, the RUPES USA manual, and the G9 and LHR15 Mark V listings. Prices change. Record the price and the date you see it.

A 15 mm orbit is a larger movement than a 9 mm orbit. Neither manual gives a measured correction speed, so the orbit figure cannot rank the machines. Choose on fit, accessories, power, and cost.

Both machines come with a backing plate and without pads. The G9 is the first-kit choice here because its machine costs $345.01 less. Its written defect coverage also runs longer.

The tradeoff is current. The G9 lists 8.5 amps, more than twice the LHR15's 4 amps. On a shared circuit or a small generator, run the power check below first. The LHR15 also suits an operator who already owns RUPES pads.

Ask RUPES USA whether the 5-year extension on the RUPES product page applies to US purchases. Confirm the seller is an authorized RUPES USA distributor. Record both answers.

The G9 manual gives two top speeds: 6,400 opm in the spec table and 4,800 opm in the dial section. Rate every pad for at least 6,400 opm. Ask Griot's which figure is correct and record the answer.

Plate and pad sizes

The backing plate is the disc that holds the pad on the machine. Its size and the pad's face size are separate numbers. Record both.

The RUPES USA manual lists 150 mm foam pads for the LHR15's 125 mm plate. The pad face is 25 mm wider than the plate. A shopping filter set to 125 mm can show the wrong pads.

Griot's sells BOSS Perfecting Foam Pads for light blemishes and hazing in 5.5 inch and 6.5 inch sets. The BOSS G15 and G21 manual lists the 6.5 inch pad (B130F6) in its 6 inch backing plate column.

The G9 manual says the G9 is designed for 5 inch or 6 inch pad systems. It adds, “Use of any other size is not recommended.” It names BOSS pads but does not print the size chart.

Ask Griot's to approve B130F6 on the G9's 6 inch plate. Record the answer and its date.

Both manuals restrict accessories. The G9 manual says to use only Griot's-approved accessories. The RUPES USA manual says the warranty ends if non-original parts are used. Budget the maker's pads, or accept that risk in writing.

Before installing or changing a pad, turn the machine off and unplug it. Both manuals require that step. Each pad and plate must be rated for at least the tool's maximum speed.

Check any other machine

Any dual action polisher can go through the same record. Fill every line from the maker's manual or a written answer from the maker.

• Exact model number and market version, such as 120 V for the US.
• Orbit, backing plate size, and the pad face size the manual lists.
• Whether the box includes a backing plate.
• Approved accessories, and any warranty condition tied to them.
• Nameplate amps and the manual's extension cord table.
• Warranty length, what it excludes, and where repairs go.

Conflicting fields are a fail until the maker answers. For example, the FLEX US page for the XFE 7-15 150 lists 710 watts in its ampere field. Ask the maker for the amp rating, then rerun the power check.

Kit lines the machine does not cover

The machine is one line on the purchase record. A one-step polish service also needs these lines:

• Compatible pads: the G9 manual calls for at least 2 pads per process on a vehicle.
• Polish and the protection product you will apply after polishing.
• Microfiber towels, masking tape for trim, and pad-cleaning supplies.
• Inspection lighting.
• Eye protection, a dust mask or respirator, and hearing protection, as both tool manuals list, plus anything the product labels name.
• An extension cord that meets the manual's table.
• A practice panel and training time.

Griot's lists the G9 Orbital 2-Step BOSS Kit at $199.99, which is $20 more than the machine alone. The page says the kit adds BOSS creams and pads and shows a $84.96 saving. It does not itemize the contents or pad sizes.

Ask Griot's for the packing list. Mark each kit line owned or still needed, then compare that total with buying the parts separately.

Worked example: setup cash for each machine (hypothetical)

Machine and G9 pad prices are list prices checked October 29, 2026. Every other amount is hypothetical. The example assumes washing equipment is already owned and a $600 cash limit (hypothetical).

• G9 path: $179.99 + $59.98 + $50 + $60 + $100 + $30 = $479.97.
• LHR15 path: $525 + $60 + $50 + $60 + $100 + $60 = $855.00.
• G9 margin: $600 - $479.97 = $120.03. The cash check passes.
• LHR15 margin: $600 - $855.00 = -$255.00. The cash check fails.

The G9 purchase check stays open until Griot's approves the 6.5 inch pads on the G9. The LHR15 path fails the cash check by $255. Use the G9 path, or delay until cash reaches $855 plus your reserve.

Do not drop pads or protective equipment to force a pass.

Replace each hypothetical line with a dated quote. Then enter the full kit cost in the equipment payback calculator with your own add-on price.

Power and cord check

The G9 manual lists 8.5 amps. The RUPES USA manual lists 4 amps at 120 V. Add every tool that shares the same circuit or generator.

Both manuals size extension cords by length and amps. The G9 table lists 16 AWG up to 100 feet and 14 AWG at 150 feet. The G9 manual says never to use two extension cords together.

For tools up to 6 amps, the RUPES table lists 18 AWG at 25 feet. It lists 16 AWG at 50 or 100 feet and 14 AWG at 150 feet. If you join cords, RUPES says each cord must meet that gauge.

For a mobile job, run the generator power checks. The polisher's amps alone cannot size the whole power supply.

Purchase check

A polisher purchase passes when every line below passes on the same day.

• Pass: the maker approves the plate and each pad, the kit fits your cash limit, and the cord meets the manual.
• Fail: any approval is missing, the total exceeds the limit, or the amps are unknown. Get the missing answer or a lower quote, then rerun the check.

Download the blank polisher kit check and fill it with your model, quotes, and dates. After practice gives you real job times, price the service with the paint correction cost tool.

About Elena Mercer

Elena brings nine years of detailing experience to guides on equipment, pricing, and starting a business.

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