Dual-action polishers by job

Short answer

Three dual-action polishers whose makers state the power source: FLEX's FC3321-Z, a 120 V corded 15 mm long-throw machine;^[1] Makita's XOP02Z, a cordless 18V LXT short-throw machine that switches between forced rotation and free spin;^[2] and FLEX's FX3321-Z, a cordless 15 mm machine on FLEX's 24V platform.^[3] Choose by the job and by the power you already have, not by the throw number alone.

How we chose

Each pick is a dual-action machine with a stated 120 V supply or a named battery platform from the tool's own maker, sold on Amazon under the brand's storefront. We do not test products; the specs below are the makers' own. We did not include rotaries here (see rotary vs dual-action), and we do not list a 21 mm or a mini polisher yet.

Matching the machine to the job

Job	Machine type	Pick
Whole-car polishing at home, near an outlet	15 mm free-spinning long throw, corded	FLEX FC3321-Z
Harder paint or stalling on curves; you own Makita 18V LXT	Short throw with switchable forced rotation, cordless	Makita XOP02Z
Whole-car polishing without a cord; you own FLEX 24V	15 mm long throw, cordless	FLEX FX3321-Z

Long throw versus short throw. A 15 mm free-spinning machine is forgiving: if friction stops the pad, RUPES explains, the motion simply becomes orbital.^[4] A gear-driven machine keeps the pad rotating, which RUPES describes as more aggressive and generally more vibrating.^[5] Makita's XOP02Z offers both, at a 7/32-inch (about 5.6 mm) orbit with a 5-inch pad, 0-6,800 OPM and 0-780 RPM.^[2] The throw guide explains the numbers.

Corded versus cordless. A corded machine runs without a battery system. A cordless tool sold tool only needs the maker's own packs and charger: Makita says its batteries are compatible only within each platform.^[6] See corded vs cordless.

What each listing and maker page says

• FLEX FC3321-Z. FLEX lists it as a 120 V brushless random orbital polisher with a 15 mm orbit, supplied with 5-inch (FT333) and 6-inch (FT334) backing plates and rated for pads up to 6 inches.^[1] The Amazon listing's power-source field says battery powered, which is wrong for this corded tool; go by FLEX's page. FLEX's page text states no plug type or safety mark, so check the rating label when it arrives.^[1]
• Makita XOP02Z. Makita specifies an 18V LXT brushless polisher sold tool only, weighing 7.9 lbs with a battery fitted.^[2] Makita supplies it with 5-inch (197923-2) and 6-inch (197929-0) plates and no battery or charger.^[2] Makita's US "Shop Online" page links to Makita's Amazon brand store, but that does not make every Amazon offer Makita's.^[7]
• FLEX FX3321-Z. FLEX lists it on its 24V platform with a 15 mm orbit and a 6-inch maximum backing pad, tool only.^[3] FLEX's own page gives different plate part numbers for the tool-only and kit versions, so confirm which plates are in the box.^[3]

Before you buy

1. Check the seller. On Amazon, buy when "Ships from / Sold by" shows Amazon.com or the brand. An Amazon Brand Store shows the brand is enrolled, not who sells a given offer.^[8]
2. Cordless: budget for the system. Both cordless picks ship without a battery or charger. Buy genuine packs and the maker's charger; see genuine vs aftermarket batteries.
3. Plan your pads. Match the pad to the plate using your tool maker's rule; see pad and backing-plate compatibility.

What we have not verified

We have no independent data on how fast any of these machines corrects paint, how much they vibrate, or how long a pack lasts in the cordless ones. We did not find a North American safety mark in the text of FLEX's pages, and we read the Amazon sellers from outside the US, so the seller you see may differ.