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Just a quick feeler...

I have the option of making the Kestrel DAS 6 DA (Dual Action) polisher available locally and would appreciate some feedback from you guys, both with and without machines, on this.

Some details on the unit:

[Image: DAS6.jpg]

The new and improved Kestrel DAS-6 Dual Action Polisher offers all the features of the more expensive machines at an affordable price.

The machine comes supplied with a 240v plug, is fully CE marked and has the peace of mind of a 1 year manufacturers warranty. Improvements include a heavy duty 3.1 meter cable and a D-Handle.

Dual action polishers are very popular with car enthusiasts and professionals a like as they are low risk but give much better results than polishing by hand. With a powerful 500w motor it is possible to removes scratches and swirl marks when used in conjunction with a machine polish. It is also a perfect for applying glazes, sealants and waxes.

Specifications:

* Orbit Size: 8mm
* Backing Plate Thread Size: 5/16" (same as Porter Cable & G220)
* Variable 6 Speed Dial: 2,500 to 6,500rpm
* Removable side handle (left or right side of machine)
* Weight - 2.2kg (approx)
* Supplied with a Velcro Backing Plate Size: 125mm ( 5” )
* Fits 5", 6" and 6.5" polishing pads

Key Features:

* 240v
* 3.1 Meter Heavy Duty Cable
* D-Handle and Side Handle
* Aluminium Gear Housing Cover
* CNC Finished Gears
* Electricity Feedback Circuit
* 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

If I were to make these units available they would retail for around R1450 for the basic machine. Ideally I would like to package the unit as a kit with some polishes and pads, but this can be finalised at a later stage. The unit also carries a 1 year manufacturer's warranty so no hassles there...

Alternatively I can bring in a limited number as a group buy @ similar prices for those who are interested Bluebiggrin


Your thoughts?
I was looking at getting one of these before i got the rotary...Awesome machine for the price and when put head 2 head up against the G220! (Their almost identical are they not?) Thinking

If i had to choose, i'd go for the Kestral... A saving of a couple hundred Rand over the G220 and i could use that extra cash to buy pads/polishes and the like.

Would the Kestral have to be shipped 'overseas' to honour the warranty should it break down?
(18-11-2009 09:38 PM)onyx Wrote: [ -> ]I was looking at getting one of these before i got the rotary...Awesome machine for the price and when put head 2 head up against the G220! (Their almost identical are they not?) Thinking

If i had to choose, i'd go for the Kestral... A saving of a couple hundred Rand over the G220 and i could use that extra cash to buy pads/polishes and the like.

Would the Kestral have to be shipped 'overseas' to honour the warranty should it break down?

Sounds like bloody good value !

I might even get one of these as a emergency spare just in case ....

Sounds almost identical to the G220 ?
Made in the same factory? Seperated at birth?
Anyone want to buy me a christmas present, il accept one of these. Thanx
Well I think you've just pulled the rabbit out the hat! Wow finally an affordable entry level DA its been lacking for way too long. If this existed here I would have bought it instead of my G220.
Hey, Carn, I thought it was only Siya and Mr.body rub samba that consumed their detailing liquid's... You pointed the following out three(3) times Bluebiggrin

"1 year manufacturer's warranty "...

Seriouslly, The machine spec's look complete. I would recomment it to any one that doesn't already have one. Get one end, send it around the country to the various ppl on this board and we can test it and report! Just a thought.
Thanks for the feedback guys Thumb

@ Onyx, the warranty would be honored locally. As with any appliance, and depending on the defect, it would either be repaired or replaced.

@ Sven, it offer great value for money IMHO. In terms of quality I have spoken with numerous UK suppliers who retail these specific machines and all have reported minimal (<1%) failure rates. In terms of the actual specs compared to the current G220 I think they are almost identical bar the 500w motor (G220=550w iirc)

@ Calypso. I have heard from 2 independant guys now that there is a single factory producing all of these DA machines (excl G220). They are branded as Kestrel, Kraus and a few other obscure brands. Apparently the guy who started this place used to work for PC in the US, but again it's only unconfirmed heresay at best.

I have had the opportunity to test one of these machines extensively (unbranded but the same 500w machine) and was well pleased with the quality, performance, etc. Siya and Woodie have seen the actual machine in the flesh and can comment on the build quality/initial impressions Thumb

@ Kido, indeed. Whilst the G220 has come down significantly in price, any saving is money that can be spent on other items to complement the machine (polishes and pads, etc). As I mentioned I would more than likely bundle the machine with some polishes and pads, etc.

@ Rich, Bluebiggrin

I had to make sure to get the point across as the warranty will obviously be the main concern for anyone interested in purchasing these units Thumb


Here are some pics of a demo unit I had a few months back...
[Image: da_1.jpg]

[Image: da_2.jpg]
yeah G220 has come down in price...I suspect its due to the new G220 Version 2 thats coming out
All this talk of DA is making me want to polish cars at a rate of knots

LOL @ Rich - Mr.body rub samba
BUWHAHAHHAHA
(19-11-2009 06:40 PM)Carn Wrote: [ -> ]I have had the opportunity to test one of these machines extensively (unbranded but the same 500w machine) and was well pleased with the quality, performance, etc. Siya and Woodie have seen the actual machine in the flesh and can comment on the build quality/initial impressions Thumb

I have unfortunately not had the opportunity to use the machine, but from just handling it, it seems a good quality machine. The rear section (from the switch onwards) is smaller in diameter than the G220, which I found quite nice as it's affords better grip. It also seemed a bit lighter than the G220.

(19-11-2009 08:25 PM)Kido Wrote: [ -> ]yeah G220 has come down in price...I suspect its due to the new G220 Version 2 thats coming out

I initially thought that the price drop was the benefit of a lower exchange rate being passed on, but there is very little difference in the R/$ price now compared to when the machine originally arrived. I also think it's an attempt to move stock before the new version arrives sometime Q1/Q2 next year.
(20-11-2009 07:11 AM)Woodie6250 Wrote: [ -> ]I have unfortunately not had the opportunity to use the machine, but from just handling it, it seems a good quality machine. The rear section (from the switch onwards) is smaller in diameter than the G220, which I found quite nice as it's affords better grip. It also seemed a bit lighter than the G220.

I'll make arrangements to have it at hand on the 5th if possible Thumb
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