Rupes LHR 15ES Big Foot Random Orbital Polisher

This is a commercial grade random orbital polisher that is equipped with a very powerful motor. The weight of the unit is quite deceiving. While it initially feels heavy, the real weight puts pressure on the pad. When balanced to keep the pad turning, the unit is light as a feather. The weight coupled with its 15” throw quickly covers a lot of area which translates to less polishing time.

Best polisher in the game. Low vibration, and the ergonomics of the grips go a very long way. Already spent 20+ hours on it and and it went super smoothly on a big job that I had. Highly recommend

Quality as expected. Only have used once so far lol so take this as initial impression. First I have tons of buffers and polishers, rotaries: dewalt 724xp, big dynabrade with tilt head, a dynabrade pneumatic mini, my absolute favorite *rotary* is the flex pe14. I mostly use the rotaries for my boat projects but had a single stage white tundra that needed a rotary. This is my second DA to upgrade my porter cable....my latest truck is actually clear coated. Used previously in dusty landscaping and construction the 1st year, it had substantial swirling along with other defects that needed correcting. I could have done it with the PC and a combination of pads (maybe Microfiber) and or products but my flex has taught me buying a quality polisher produces superior results easier, is more comfortable and saves tons of time. A harbor freight rotary works fine for boats especially the first grunt work but they lack some things that make the dewalt convienent, ...it's just not my preference after the initial heavy cut and buff, the flex is tons more comfortable and lighter for the yearly or twice a year maintenance. This rupes is a very comfortable to use polisher, I've read the 21mm swing Bigfoot can be uncomfortable and I didn't think I really needed that much of a swing for this project and my wifes van I've neglected. This is a very comfortable polisher to use for long periods. Anyways, no doubt this saved a good bit of time over the PC (though I still apply synthetic wax with the pc and use it with a 3" pad for some small areas with an adaptor) and lots more comfortable to hear (though I always wear hearing protection) and use. it got rid of 99.9% of the swirls and defects with what I had on hand (lake country pads, Megs 205 is what I decided to start with then spot correct tougher areas with others). My only minor complain though is the trigger lock takes a bit of getting used to. They *do* recommend you use their pads but since I have a ton of 5.5 pads from various mfrs I just used those. I'm sure the rupes pads are better with the angle but it's not absolutely necessary you can use what you have. I seriously considered the Adams swirl killers they are a great price right now and surely all I needed, in the end for the price difference though, I'd rather have an Italian made tool than a china one. I'm not sure what my buy in price would be for the long throw chinese one...in the end though the difference here to me just wasn't worth the thought and generally try to avoid china stuff when I can. Unfortunately overcast day so couldn't get real money shots.

I have been a professional detailer over many years and I personally never found D/A polishers to be worth my time; instead I've been using a rotary machine. I do have a Porter Cable 8mm throw D/A polisher that I got on sale some time ago, but it seems to do a whole lot of nothing - hence I've not used it much. I'm getting a bit 'longer in the tooth' these days and the rotary can be taxing to use exclusively over hours and hours, so I decided to give the Rupes D/A a try. Having used this machine on several vehicles, I am absolutely impressed with how effective it is at removing significant paint defects without the worry of over-working the paint. If you properly pair your pads and correction chemicals, there is almost no need to use a rotary anymore. The gen III version of this tool claims to transfer 25% more power to the pad, but quite frankly, the nearly $200.00 extra isn't worth it in my opinion - this baby will do the job perfectly and affordably. I know I'll be investing in a 21mm and a mini polisher long before I upgrade to the gen III. The D/A takes a bit of getting used to as far as balance and controlling goes, but if you start slowly and keep your eyes and mind on what you're doing, you'll be fine. Once you master using this D/A, you'll have a professional-level tool to deliver your customers top-level paint corrections. This machine has a super-long power cord - very helpful on the job. This machine has a brief soft-start trigger, which most will find useful. I suggest dialing in low speed for every start-up and ramp-up once your material is spread out on the panel. My only gripe is the included backing plate has a super aggressive loop material, which makes removing pads a bit of a hassle. Make sure to remove your pads periodically or they will almost bond to the loop material and you will rip them - trust me on this. This machine in my opinion is a game-changer.

With no other polisher to compare it with since it's my very first polisher, I'll give it 4 stars. Found it to be a little heavy but otherwise easy to operate.

Very, very good machine. I purchased this recently and am very happy with the functionality. The unit is a little heavy and does take a little effort to use. Don't be fooled by the on-line video's by the pros that make buffing look easy. Even with this great machine, the buffing experience will take a physical toll. The Rupes has plenty of power and is pretty easy to get the hang of. The learning curve is pretty small and you'll probably only have a few cases of the buffer leading you, vs. you leading the buffer. The pads are easy to stick on and take off. The cord is fairly long but you will most likely end up needing a heavy duty extension cord. My previous experience was with the older machines with the wool pads. This Rupes with the foam pads is a much better way to go. After a few months with the 15ES, I think it would have been better to order the mini. This was just for my personal car and I don't detail week-in, week-out. The bigger size 15ES in only really needed once a year or maybe less. Once your car is in good shape, all a person really needs is something small in size to maintain the few and small scratches that occur and maybe a quick polish. I would much rather have the mini to pull out once a month vs. the big sized 15ES that is too heavy to use for simply maintaining my paint. If you're just going to do your personal car, I would recommend the mini.

A lot of money to invest, but this is a machine that delivers. You can understand why so many professionals use Rupes products. I love it. It is easy to handle, has a smooth start up and is easy to use. I was apprehensive when ordering, but even as a weekend warrior , I can tell the difference compared to cheaper alternatives. It is a top level machine.

I don't know what happen to this company. I used to have polishers that would last me 5years plus. Now they don't last even 3 cars. They feel cheap and not how they used to. Feels like cheap Chinese crap but paying top dollar. Thai company is going straight in the gutter. Polisher stopped working after 3 cars. This is my 4th one in 2 years. Absolute garbage product