Griot’s Garage G15/G21 vs Rupes LHR15/LHR21 Mark III
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This is very much a Ford vs Chevy kind of scenario. Both machines are very formidable long throw polishers. They will both get the same job done. Which one is better is really a matter of personal preference.
Though, all hope is not lost in the quest to find the right one. There are a few details about each polisher that may help sway your decision.
Let’s look at a comparison of the two.
The G15/G21 vs BigFoot LHR15/LHR21 MK III: The Comparison
As you can see, both polishers are 15mm long throw orbital polishers. They were both designed as part of a system that includes their own brand pads and polishes. They both have a max speed north of 5000 orbits per minutes. They both have ergonomics similar to that of a rotary or angle grinder with the long body, pistol grip, trigger switch, and trigger lock.
So what then are the details that may make one better than the other?
The BOSS G15/G21 vs BigFoot LHR15/LHR21 MK III: The Differences
To sum up the differences:
The G15/G21 polishers:
- Run cheaper than the equivalent Rupes BigFoot Mark III
- Have a lifetime warranty compared to the Rupes 1 year
- Motor has more power (1100w vs 500w)
- Hand holds are covered in double shot rubber to improve grip and reduce vibration transfer
- Come with a washer for the washer mod (moves the backing plate away from the shroud so that it spins faster with less resistance)
- Are designed in the USA and manufactured in China
The Rupes BigFoot MK III polishers:
- Are .5lb heavier than the G15/G21 polishers
- Have a longer cord
- Are designed in Italy and made in the USA
- Have a more prominent rubber tool rest molded into the top of the polisher
- Have replacement parts available such as bearings
As you can see, there are some differences in the finer details that could sway you. For some the country of manufacturer (China vs USA) could be a big deal. For others the weight (5.3lbs vs 5.7lbs) could be a big deal. So on and so forth…
If you’re still having trouble deciding lets break it down.
Is the Griot’s Garage The Boss G15/G21 right for you?
Choose the Griot’s Garage The Boss if:
- You have a budget under $250-$400
- You prefer a lifetime warranty over a 1 year warranty
- You can live with the polisher being designed in America but made in China
- You want a polisher with a little bit more power
- You like red more than black
Is the Rupes BigFoot LHR15/LHR21 Mark III right for you?
Choose the Rupes BigFoot Mark III if:
- You have a budget of over $400
- You prefer a tool made in Italy than China
- You want a polisher with a rubber tool rest for setting it down upside down
- You like black more than red
- You can live with a lower power rating
- You can live with the 1 year warranty
See what I mean? On the surface it seems like an Apples to Apples comparison but there are some important differences that many people may care about.
When I made my choice I picked the Griot’s Garage G15. Though the polisher is made in China it was very thoughtfully designed with good Japanese bearings, includes replaceable brushes, and has a no-BS lifetime warranty against defects. Griot’s Garage is known for standing behind their warranty and failures of their tools aren’t common.
I also prefer the ergonomics of G15’s rubber coated hand holds and grips. They both cut well but the G15 cost much less. I don’t use the long-throw as much as I do my short-throw, which was already a G9, so I didn’t see the need to spend the extra money for any peace of mind or the ability to replace individual parts. I think for the value, it was a fair compromise for myself.