I finally got to use the Cyclo buffer. For those of you that don't know, the Cyclo is a dual head random orbital. Each head overlaps in the middle to perfectly mimic the movement of hand application.

My first impression was that it was going to be very heavy and I was wrong. It is slightly heavier than the PC. It is much louder than the PC and has no speed control. Unlike the PC, the unit itself does not have the violent vibrations and shaking. I was able to work hours without having my arms hurt. I think I would have been numb by that time with the PC.

Each head on the Cyclo is about 4in. When you have the unit on a vehicle, it is very calm and smooth. You cannot burn through the paint and the unit nor the pads heat up. The dual small heads work great on all surfaces.

Now for the performance-
This machine is somewhere in the middle of a rotary and a PC. I used Meguiars 83 and 80 throughout the day. I had little time to work with the 83 before I had to wipe and reapply much like using it on a rotary. The cut power seems to be somewhere in the middle- cuts more than the PC on 5-6 and less than the rotary. What would take 2 passes with a rotary would take 5-6 with the Cyclo. I will estimate that you can complete a job 25-30% faster with the Cyclo over the PC.

So, my final opinion- I'm buying one!

Here's a pic:

 

Did you consider the new UDM (Ultimate Detailing Machine) offered by the Autopia store?

I'm interested to see which would be a better "step-up" from a PC. I might be in the upgrading market in the future, but I just don't think that the soft Honda paint needs the power of a rotary. So maybe either the UDM or a cyclo down the road .

 

I have the Cyclo and UDM. So far Cyclo>UDM.

I wish the Cyclo had a speed switch but it is a great machine. I bump the power switch off sometimes. It is hard to get into some tight areas on the S that the UDM and PC don't have a problem with. The twin pads seem to keep vibration down. I think the weight is not too heavy and not too light...just right for me. Polishing power is much better than the PC, i'm not sure about it vs. the UDM.

My UDM vibrates quite a bit and I know they are working on some fixes for that and the swtich. I bump the machine off sometimes. It feels like more than the advertised 20% power increase over the PC. My PC and Cyclo are bullet proof. Time will tell if the UDM is.

I'd like to compare the two when the issues with the UDM get worked out.

 

Yea, my only complaint with my UDM sofar is the vibration. It's not unbearable, but it does make your arms numb after using for 5-10 minutes straight. Which they had a date for the upgrades. Anyone know?

Hope they produce a lot... cause I can see the upgrades selling out almost immediately.

 

That's one point I forgot to mention- the location of the on/off SUCKS! I flipped it so many times on accident.