FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST Review by Mike Phillips — Gear-Driven Mini Polisher

[Mike Phillips]

FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST Review by Mike Phillips — Gear-Driven Mini Polisher​

The new FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST is a cordless mini polisher with interchangeable adapters for rotary, free-spinning random orbital, and gear-driven orbital polishing. Its 6mm gear-driven adapter provides positive pad rotation for correcting tight, intricate areas where a free-spinning pad can stall.

For this hands-on review, I tested the Mini BEAST on a heavily oxidized 1958 Chevy Apache pickup truck. Below, I explain the controls, adapters, and backing plates, then show how the tool performed during the paint restoration.

What’s Included with the FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST?​

The new FLEX Mini BEAST comes with,

• Mini BEAST Polisher
• Rotary Drive Unit
• 6mm Gear-Driven Drive Unit
• 12mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Drive Unit
• 6mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Drive Unit
• 3mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Drive Unit
• 3-inch Backing Plate
• 2-inch Backing Plate
• 1-inch Backing Plate
• 1-inch Sanding Backing Pad
• Two 24-volt, 2.5-Ah batteries
• 1 each 160 Watt Fast Charger

FLEX Mini BEAST Adapters and Backing Plates​

The Adapters​

6mm Gear-Driven Adapter: Positive Pad Rotation​

The 6mm gear-driven adapter is what earns this tool its Mini BEAST nickname. It mechanically drives both pad rotation and orbital motion, helping maintain the polishing action when working on curves, narrow sections, and other areas where a free-spinning pad can stall.

FLEX Mini BEAST Random Orbital Adapters — Understanding Orbit Stroke Length​

The FLEX Mini BEAST includes 3mm, 6mm, and 12mm free-spinning random orbital adapters. Each combines two pad movements:

• Rotation: The pad spins around its own center.
• Orbital motion: The center of the pad travels around a small circle as the pad spins.

Orbit stroke length describes the diameter—the distance straight across—of that small circle. The abbreviation mm stands for millimeters.

A 3mm adapter produces a small orbit, a 6mm adapter produces a larger orbit, and a 12mm adapter produces the largest of the three.

Think of drawing small circles with a pencil. Changing adapters changes the size of those circles.

In the illustration below, the orange loops represent the different orbit sizes. The measurement arrows beneath each example show the distance across an orbit: 3mm, 6mm, or 12mm.

The 12mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Adapter​

The 6mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Adapter​

The 3mm Free Spinning Random Orbital Adapter​

The Rotary Adapter​

The 2-inch Rotary Extension with Lock-up Pin​

Optional – 2-inch Rotary Extension for Extended Reach​

3-inch, 2-inch, 1-inch Backing Plates and One 1-inch Sanding Pad​

One Backing Plate with Two Thread Types​

In my opinion, this is engineering genius!

The new backing plates feature machined steel mounting inserts instead of an all-plastic mounting design. These steel inserts provide added strength to handle the demands of the 6mm gear-driven adapter.

Here’s the clever part: each insert has two sets of threads, allowing the same backing plate to attach to the different adapter types.

• External right-hand threads screw into the rotary and free-spinning random orbital adapters. Turn the backing plate clockwise to install and counterclockwise to remove.
• Internal left-hand threads screw onto the spindle of the 6mm gear-driven adapter. Turn the backing plate counterclockwise to install and clockwise to remove.

Just remember: clockwise to install on the rotary and free-spinning adapters; counterclockwise to install on the gear-driven adapter.

One backing plate, two mounting options—a clever piece of engineering!

Although it’s a little difficult to see in the photo, the pencil points to the left-hand-threaded mounting spindle. Turn the backing plate counterclockwise to install and clockwise to remove.

The pencil points to the internal right-hand threads in the spindle of one of the free-spinning random orbital adapters. Turn the backing plate clockwise to install and counterclockwise to remove.

FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST Features and Controls​

FLEX Mini BEAST Touch Sensor Speed Control and Speed Lock​

I’ve never seen a speed control quite like this on a polisher!

The FLEX Mini BEAST’s Touch Sensor Speed Controller works with a bare finger or while wearing nitrile gloves. Simply slide your finger up the touch-sensitive track to increase the speed or down to decrease it.

Once you’ve selected your speed, press the Speed Lock button to lock in the setting. This prevents accidental contact with the track from changing the speed while you’re polishing.

The photos below show the FLEX Mini BEAST’s LED speed indicator changing as I slide my finger along the Touch Sensor Speed Controller from the lowest to the highest standard speed setting.

Turbo Mode​

The highest standard setting on the Touch Sensor Speed Controller is 4, which delivers 4,000 RPM. To activate Turbo Mode, lightly tap the number 6 twice. This increases the speed to 6,000 RPM.

See how the section of the LED display is dark between the 4 and 6 speed setting?

Lightly tapping the number 6 twice on the Touch Sensor Speed Controller activates the FLEX Mini BEAST’s Turbo Mode, increasing the speed to 6,000 RPM. The LED indicator beside the number 6 lights up to confirm Turbo Mode is active.

Speed Lock Button​

Press the Speed Lock button to lock in your selected speed on the FLEX Mini BEAST. This prevents accidental contact with the Touch Sensor Speed Controller from changing the speed while you’re polishing.

Built-In Inspection Light​

The Mini BEAST has a built-in inspection light on the head of the polisher to help you inspect the paint as you work.

Press the light button to turn it on. Then briefly press and release the button to cycle through three color temperature settings. Stop pressing when you reach the setting you want.

• 2500 K — Warm yellow light
• 4500 K — Neutral white light
• 6500 K — Cool white light with a slight blue tint

The letter K stands for kelvin, the unit used to describe the light’s color temperature. Lower numbers mean warmer, yellower light. Higher numbers mean cooler, bluer light.

These settings change the color of the light, rather than its brightness.

Features​

1-inch Sanding Pad​

Denibbing means sanding away tiny bumps caused by dust or dirt that landed in fresh paint while it was being sprayed or drying. The Mini BEAST includes a 1-inch sanding pad that accepts peel-and-stick sanding discs for removing dirt nibs and other raised paint imperfections.

FLEX Mini BEAST Paint Correction Test: 1958 Chevy Apache​

For this review, I used an all-original 1958 Chevy Apache pickup truck with DECADES of oxidation. But oxidation wasn’t the only challenge.

Someone had applied Poppy’s Patina, a wipe-on automotive clearcoat designed to preserve the weathered appearance of older vehicles. It’s an amazing product for owners who prefer the patina look over repainting. In this case, however, the person applying it didn’t mix in the catalyst, so the clearcoat never cured correctly.

I ordered the solvent Poppy’s Patina offers for removing its clearcoat. My concern was that the solvent might also remove the truck’s original paint underneath.

Before trying the solvent, I performed a machine-polishing test spot. I found I could remove both the improperly cured clearcoat and the decades of oxidation through polishing.

Based on those results, I chose to leave the solvent on the shelf and remove the Poppy’s Patina as part of the oxidation-removal process.

Polishing Tight Areas a Full-Size Polisher Cannot Easily Reach​

This area on a stepside shorty pickup is difficult for any free spinning, random orbital mini polisher to correct. So I chose this area to demonstrate the Mini BEAST.

Super Challenge — Polishing the Raised Tread Ribs with ZERO Pad Stalling!​

A free-spinning random orbital polisher can polish the TOPS of these ribs. The challenge comes when you tilt the pad to polish the sides: the reduced contact area and working angle can cause pad rotation to stall. With the Mini BEAST’s 6mm gear-driven adapter, the pad keeps rotating and oscillating as I work along these narrow surfaces.

Mini BEAST Paint Correction Results: Before and After​

Let me Jog Your Memory – Before Polishing: Oxidation and Uncured Poppy’s Patina​

Here’s where the paint started out for the after results you see above.

FLEX Mini BEAST — From Heavy Compounding to Swirl-Free Finishing​

This is where the FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST really shines: correcting paint in tight, intricate areas that are difficult to reach with a full-size polisher.

Switch from the rotary adapter for heavy compounding to the 6mm gear-driven adapter for hologram-free, swirl-free finishing—all with the same compact cordless tool.

And with the gear-driven adapter, you get forced pad rotation and orbital oscillation with ZERO PAD STALLING!

FLEX Mini BEAST Compatibility with the FS-140 Flexible Shaft Set​

FLEX will introduce a new and improved flexible shaft for the Mini BEAST. If you already own the original FLEX FS-140 Flexible Shaft Set, it also fits and works with the new polisher, as the photos below demonstrate.

This attachment lets you polish tight, intricate areas—such as around and behind door handles—that are difficult to reach with a conventional buffing pad.

Surgical Precision with the FLEX Mini BEAST in Rotary Mode​

Equip the FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST with the rotary adapter, a 1-inch backing plate, and a 1-inch buffing pad to remove swirls, scratches, oxidation, and water spots with surgical precision—even in narrow areas like the paint surrounding the truck’s window trim.

Correcting the Larger Body Panels with Full-Size FLEX Polishers​

I always do the hardest work first—in this case, polishing the tight, intricate areas with the FLEX Mini BEAST. Once those areas were finished, I moved on to the larger body panels using full-size FLEX polishers.

For the cutting step, I used a FLEX rotary polisher with Lake Country wool pads and Dr. Beasley’s CoreCut compound to remove the oxidation and improperly cured Poppy’s Patina clearcoat.

Next, I refined the paint using the FLEX Supa BEAST with Buff and Shine EdgeGuard foam pads and Dr. Beasley’s NSP 150 polish.

After completing the paint correction, I protected the restored finish with Dr. Beasley’s Nano-Resin 2.0 Ceramic Coating.

Before Photos — Documenting the Paint Before Correction​

I practice what I preach: ALWAYS take great before pictures.

Paired with your after pictures, they show potential customers what you started with and what your skills, techniques, and hard work accomplished. That’s especially important on a cool project like this 1958 Chevy Apache pickup truck, where decades of oxidation, neglect, and abuse set the stage for a dramatic paint restoration.

Once the detailing is finished, you can’t go back and photograph the original condition. Without those pictures, you have only your description of how the vehicle looked before.

Back up your words with great before pictures.

Removing Improperly Applied Poppy’s Patina While Restoring the Original Paint​

See the straight-line streaks in the photos below? Those are from an improperly applied coat of Poppy’s Patina.

Poppy’s Patina is a wipe-on, self-leveling automotive clearcoat designed to preserve the weathered appearance of vintage vehicles while creating a protective finish that’s easier to maintain.

The problem wasn’t the product—it was the application. The person who applied it to this 1958 Chevy Apache pickup truck didn’t mix in the catalyst needed for proper curing. This left a gooey coating over the entire truck, and the owner wanted to know whether I could remove it without damaging the original paint.

I contacted Poppy’s Patina customer service, and they were incredibly friendly and helpful. They had encountered this mistake before and sold me a specialty solvent called Uni-Solv to dissolve the uncured clearcoat. They also explained that the solvent could potentially remove the original paint underneath.

Preserving that original paint was my priority.

When the truck arrived, before trying the Uni-Solv, I performed a Test Spot to see whether machine compounding could remove the uncured Poppy’s Patina.

My thinking was simple: the truck also had decades of oxidation. Based on my experience restoring antique and original paint, I believed compounding might remove both the uncured clearcoat and the oxidation, revealing the rich color and shine beneath.

The Test Spot confirmed it.

I was able to remove the uncured coating and oxidation while restoring the appearance of the original paint. Based on those results, I chose to compound and polish the truck rather than chemically strip the coating.

To their credit, the team at Poppy’s Patina was happy to accept the unused Uni-Solv for return. Their customer service was excellent throughout the process.

The visible streaks follow the straight-line wiping motions used to apply the Poppy’s Patina clearcoat, which remained uncured because the catalyst wasn’t added.

See the streaks of uncured Poppy’s Patina?

After Photos — 1958 Chevy Apache Paint Restoration and Ceramic Coating​

Here are the final results! The original paint on this 1958 Chevy Apache pickup truck now has rich color, clarity, and shine after compounding, polishing, and protection with Dr. Beasley’s Nano-Resin 2.0 Ceramic Coating.

I machine polished all the exterior glass to remove years of road film and surface contamination, and machine polished the chrome to bring back its brilliant shine.

The wheels needed attention too. Their original paint was just as oxidized as the body panels, so I used a combination of hand and machine polishing to restore the color and gloss. I also thoroughly cleaned the whitewall tires to bring back their bright white appearance.

The owner ordered new polished stainless steel hubcaps, but they hadn’t arrived when I finished the project. He plans to bring the truck back once they’re installed so I can photograph the finishing touch!

Polishers, Pads and Products Used for This 1958 Chevy Apache Paint Restoration​

A complete detailing write-up takes more than doing the work. I stop throughout the project to photograph the process, then sort, resize, and prepare the pictures afterward. I resize my photos to 1280 × 720 pixels for consistent presentation across my articles and social media.

Then comes writing the article and explaining what I did, how I did it, and why. It’s time-consuming work that draws on both detailing experience and the ability to explain the process through words and pictures.

Even with all that documentation, one question always comes up:

“What did you use?”

That’s why, at the end of a project, I gather the polishers, adapters, pads, and products for a group photo—including all the dirty pads I went through!

The photos below show the equipment and products behind this transformation, from the FLEX Mini BEAST used in tight areas to the full-size polishers used on the larger panels. Together with the explanations throughout this article, they document what went into restoring this truck’s original paint.

And if you still have questions, I always include my phone number and email address so you can contact me personally.

Corecut – Compound
NSP 150 – Polish
NSP 45 – Ultra Fine Cut Polish
Nano-Resin 2.0 Ceramic Coating

Wool Dust Bunnies — Breaking In New Wool Buffing Pads​

New wool buffing pads shed loose fibers as you break them in, both during compounding and when cleaning them with a pad spur.

If you’ve never cut HARD with a rotary polisher and a wool pad, you might be surprised by how much wool collects around your work area. I gathered a handful of these wool dust bunnies for the photo.

No rabbits were harmed in the restoration of this truck.

Want to learn how to put a rotary polisher and wool pad to work? Join one of our 2-day hands-on car detailing classes in Stuart, Florida, offered in February, May, and September.

The FIRST tool you learn to use on the FIRST morning is the rotary polisher.

No chairs. ZERO sitting.

You’ll train on real cars with real paint defects, including cool classics in seriously neglected condition. From heavy compounding to final polishing, you’ll do the work yourself and see the results of your new skills.

Come ready to work. We’ll supply the cars—and probably a few wool dust bunnies.

A Happy Owner Heads Home in His Shiny 1958 Chevy Apache​

The owner was thrilled when he saw his truck’s transformation—and seeing his reaction made all the hard work worthwhile.

With the original paint’s rich color and shine restored, this cool classic was ready for its next cruise. He drove home knowing his 1958 Chevy Apache looked GREAT!

The ceramic coating will also make routine cleaning easier, helping him maintain that freshly polished appearance for many miles of enjoyment.

My FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST Review After Prototype Testing​

Detailers have been asking for a smaller version of the original FLEX BEAST for years. With the new FLEX FX3361 Mini Polisher, that request has finally become a reality.

I call it the Mini BEAST, and the feature that earns it that name is the 6mm gear-driven adapter. It delivers forced pad rotation and orbital oscillation with ZERO PAD STALLING!

The Mini BEAST also offers rotary and free-spinning random orbital operation. You can switch between these movements using interchangeable adapters, making this one compact tool useful for paint correction, polishing, finishing, and machine sanding.

I’ve been testing a prototype since the summer of 2024. Here’s what stands out after putting it to work.

From the PXE-80 to the Mini BEAST​

The original FLEX PXE-80 impressed me with its versatility, compact size, and light weight. Introduced in 2019, it combined rotary and free-spinning random orbital operation in a cordless mini polisher.

The rotary adapter made it useful for precision polishing in tight and intricate areas. The optional FLEX FS-140 Flexible Shaft Set expanded those capabilities even further, allowing you to reach places a conventional buffing pad simply cannot fit.

The limitation was the free-spinning random orbital movement. As with other free-spinning polishers, maintaining pad rotation could be challenging, especially on curves, in tight areas, or when the pad became saturated with product.

Fast-forward to 2026, and FLEX has added the feature I’ve wanted most: gear-driven orbital movement in a mini polisher.

Why I Call It the Mini BEAST​

I’ve been using the FLEX XC 3401 VRG, better known as the BEAST, since 2009. I even wrote a how-to book dedicated to using it.

One of the reasons I like the original BEAST is simple: its gear-driven movement keeps the pad rotating and oscillating as I work.

For years, people have asked for that same capability in a smaller tool. But fitting a gear-driven orbital mechanism into a compact mini polisher presented an engineering challenge.

In the summer of 2024, a FLEX representative brought me a prototype of the new FX3361. He told me FLEX already had approximately one million dollars invested in the prototype.

That gives you an idea of the development involved in bringing this tool to market.

The good news? FLEX did it!

The new tool is identified as the FX3361 in the United States and the PXCE 18-EC in international markets. Throughout this review, I’ll call it the Mini BEAST.

The Problem with Free-Spinning Pad Rotation​

A free-spinning random orbital polisher produces two movements: orbital oscillation and pad rotation.

The motor drives the orbital movement, but the backing plate rotates freely on a bearing-supported spindle. That free rotation can slow down or stop under certain working conditions, even while the driven orbital motion continues.

Tilting the pad, applying excessive pressure, working over curves, or using a pad saturated with product can make it harder to maintain rotation.

When this happens, you spend time adjusting your technique, repositioning the tool, or changing pads to get the rotation back.

That’s the pad-stalling problem.

The Solution Is the 6mm Gear-Driven Adapter​

Attach the 6mm gear-driven adapter, and both pad rotation and orbital oscillation are mechanically driven.

You no longer have to constantly adjust the tool just to keep the pad rotating as you work over curves and contours.

In my testing, this is the feature that makes the Mini BEAST stand out. I can concentrate on guiding the pad and correcting the paint instead of watching for stalled rotation.

Forced pad rotation. Orbital oscillation. ZERO PAD STALLING!

Less Time Fighting Pad Stall​

When I’m correcting paint, I want the time I spend behind the polisher to produce results.

With a free-spinning tool, losing pad rotation can reduce correction efficiency. You may still have orbital movement, but you’re no longer getting the combined action you intended.

The 6mm gear-driven adapter removes that interruption from the process. It lets me keep working efficiently as the shape of the panel changes.

For anyone who has struggled to maintain rotation with a mini random orbital polisher, this is a big deal.

Putting the Prototype to Work​

FLEX made it clear that the tool I received was a prototype—an experimental polisher intended to prove the design before production.

Knowing that, I put it to work on real detailing projects.

Throughout my testing, the prototype has never failed me, regardless of which adapter I was using or what I was polishing.

That’s my experience with this particular prototype, and it has given me confidence in the design.

The Three Adapters I Use Most​

Although the Mini BEAST offers several movement options, these are the three adapters I reach for most often:

• The rotary adapter for precision polishing.
• The 6mm gear-driven adapter for paint correction.
• The 6mm free-spinning random orbital adapter for machine sanding.

I occasionally use the 12mm free-spinning adapter when the job calls for it. For most of my work, however, the rotary and gear-driven adapters handle the polishing, while the 6mm free-spinning adapter handles the sanding.

Surgical Precision with the Rotary Adapter​

The rotary adapter turns the Mini BEAST into a compact rotary polisher for working around intricate shapes and in tight spaces.

The 2-inch extension provides additional reach and clearance where the body of the tool would otherwise get in the way.

This is especially useful around trim, grille openings, mirror housings, and other areas where a larger polisher is difficult to position.

In my testing, the tool has plenty of power to run 3-inch buffing pads without feeling underpowered.

Fast Paint Correction with the 6mm Gear-Driven Adapter​

For me, this is the coolest feature of the tool.

The 6mm gear-driven adapter lets me work over curved panels, narrow sections, and intricate shapes while maintaining both pad rotation and orbital oscillation.

That means more time correcting paint and less time trying to overcome pad stall.

It’s the capability that makes this tool a smaller counterpart to the original BEAST.

Why I Like the 6mm Free-Spinning Adapter for Sanding​

While I rarely choose the free-spinning adapters for paint correction, I do use the 6mm random orbital adapter for machine sanding.

There’s a story behind that adapter.

When the original PXE-80 arrived, I immediately tested it and then contacted Chris Metcalf at FLEX.

I explained that, for the sanding work I wanted to do, the 3mm adapter’s stroke felt too small. I wasn’t getting the sanding-disc action I wanted.

The 12mm adapter presented a different challenge. Its larger stroke made it easier for the sanding disc to travel onto an adjacent edge or raised body line. Sanding those areas can increase the risk of sanding through the paint or buffing through when removing the sanding marks.

I asked Chris to see whether the FLEX engineers could make a random orbital adapter with a stroke somewhere between 5mm and 8mm.

About a month later, FLEX sent me a prototype 6mm random orbital adapter.

I used it to sand the custom paint on a 1969 GTO, and it worked just as I had hoped. I sent Chris my feedback, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

A few months later, the 6mm adapter became available as an optional accessory.

With the new Mini BEAST, the 6mm free-spinning random orbital adapter is included, along with the 3mm and 12mm adapters.

A Handy Cordless Mini Sander​

If you work in an auto body shop or sand custom paint jobs, you already know how useful a compact 3-inch sander can be.

Before the PXE-80, I hadn’t found a cordless option that worked as well for the sanding I wanted to do.

The PXE-80 became a useful mini sander, and the new Mini BEAST carries that versatility forward.

Because it’s cordless, there’s no stiff pneumatic hose or electrical cord to manage as you work around narrow panels and intricate areas.

The original PXE-80 uses FLEX’s 12-volt battery system. The U.S. Mini BEAST uses the FLEX 24-volt system, giving you access to compatible batteries in multiple capacities.

Reaching Tight Areas with a Flexible Shaft​

The optional FLEX FS-140 Flexible Shaft Set expands the tool’s reach into areas a conventional buffing pad cannot access.

One end connects to the polisher through the quick-change mounting system. The other end has a slim handpiece that accepts small cone-shaped and cylindrical foam polishing accessories.

This allows you to polish in recesses, around intricate trim, and in other confined areas while guiding the handpiece instead of maneuvering the entire polisher.

The existing flexible shaft fits the new tool. FLEX has also advised me that an updated version is planned, with its release date still to be determined at the time of this review.

Touch Sensor Speed Control​

The touch sensor speed control is another feature that stands out.

I’ve used other tools with electronic speed controls that felt a little wonky. This one took only a few uses to get comfortable with.

Slide your finger along the control to adjust the speed. Once you get used to it, making adjustments feels natural.

It Works with Nitrile Gloves​

Many enthusiasts and professional detailers wear nitrile gloves while working. FLEX accounted for this: the touch sensor speed control works while you’re wearing them. You can adjust the speed without stopping to remove a glove.

Turbo Mode and the Number 6​

When I first received the prototype, I did what plenty of people do: I skipped the instructions and took it for a test drive. I slid my finger along the speed control to what I thought was the highest setting and started polishing. At first, I didn’t think the tool had the performance I was hoping for.

Then I read the directions.

At the top of the touch sensor speed control is the number 6. Lightly tap the 6 twice and you will activate the Turbo Mode, raising the maximum no-load speed from 4,000 to 6,000 RPM.

BOOM! That’s the ticket!

With Turbo Mode activated, the tool delivered the performance I had been looking for. And because you’re reading this review—or watching the accompanying video—you now know about Turbo Mode before your first test drive.

Super Smooth and Super Quiet​

The Mini BEAST uses a belt-driven system to transfer power from the motor to the drive assembly. The gear-driven orbital adapter still uses gearing to produce its forced movement, but the belt-driven power transmission helps reduce operating noise and vibration.

In use, my prototype feels exceptionally smooth. I haven’t felt noticeable vibration, and it may be the quietest polisher I’ve ever used. That smooth, quiet operation makes it pleasant to work with, especially during longer detailing sessions.

Two 2.5-Ah Batteries and a 160-Watt Fast Charger​

One concern I hear about cordless polishers is whether they have enough power—and whether the batteries will last long enough to get useful work done.

In my experience, the Mini BEAST’s compact 24-volt, 2.5-Ah lithium-ion batteries provide plenty of power for the work I’ve described in this review.

The kit includes two batteries and a 160-watt Fast Charger.

When one battery runs down, swap in the charged battery and put the depleted one on the charger. A full recharge takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on temperature and battery condition.

During my typical use, the battery on the charger has been ready before I’ve depleted the battery in the tool. Your results will depend on the adapter, speed, pressure, and how continuously you work.

If you want an additional reserve, purchasing a third battery is a simple option.

Denibbing with the 1-Inch Sanding Pad​

Denibbing means sanding away tiny bumps caused by dust or dirt that landed in fresh paint while it was being sprayed or drying.

This is commonly done in an auto body shop after a vehicle—or part of a vehicle—has been repainted.

The included 1-inch adhesive sanding pad accepts peel-and-stick denibbing discs for working on these small defects.

Many detailers may never need this attachment, but it’s useful if you work in a body shop or offer this type of paint-finishing service.

My Final Thoughts​

I’ve wanted a compact gear-driven orbital polisher for years, and I know plenty of other detailers have wanted one too.

At last, we have it.

The Mini BEAST combines rotary, free-spinning random orbital, and gear-driven orbital operation in one compact cordless tool.

For me, the deciding feature is the 6mm gear-driven adapter.

If you’ve been frustrated by pad stalling while correcting paint with a mini random orbital polisher, you’re going to appreciate the ability to keep the pad rotating and oscillating as you work.

Add the sanding options, touch sensor speed control, Turbo Mode, smooth operation, and 24-volt battery system, and this becomes a very versatile tool.

But the feature that earns it the name Mini BEAST is simple:

Gear-driven paint correction with ZERO PAD STALLING!

FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST Frequently Asked Questions​

What is the FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST?​

The FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST is a cordless mini polisher with interchangeable adapters for rotary, free-spinning random orbital, and gear-driven orbital operation. It is designed for polishing smaller sections and intricate areas that are difficult to reach with a full-size polisher.

Does the FLEX Mini BEAST have a gear-driven adapter?​

Yes. The Mini BEAST includes a 6mm gear-driven orbital adapter that mechanically drives pad rotation and orbital motion. I used it to correct narrow areas and raised tread ribs on this 1958 Chevy Apache.

What backing-plate sizes come with the Mini BEAST?​

The kit includes 1-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch backing plates, plus a separate 1-inch sanding backing pad for tasks such as denibbing.

What did I test the Mini BEAST on?​

I tested it during the restoration of a heavily oxidized 1958 Chevy Apache pickup truck, including tight sections around the cab and the raised ribs on the running boards.

FLEX Mini BEAST Availability and SEMA Introductory Pricing​

The new FLEX FX3361 Mini BEAST is expected to become available in 2027, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $595.99.

Following its planned reveal at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 3, 2026, Autogeek will offer a SEMA show special price of $549.99—a savings of $46.00 off MSRP.

You don’t have to attend SEMA to get the special price. The offer will also be available through Autogeek.com.

According to Autogeek, it has an exclusive U.S. launch arrangement, making it the first U.S. distributor to stock and sell the Mini BEAST ahead of other retailers.

Order Your FLEX Mini BEAST from Autogeek!

Check the product listing for current pricing, expected shipping dates, and preorder details.

Which Type of Car Polisher Is Right for You?​

Not sure whether to choose a rotary, free-spinning random orbital, or gear-driven orbital polisher? Our Polisher Guide and PDF Checklist will help you cut through the confusion and choose the right type for your detailing needs.

Find the Right Polisher for You — Explore Our Polisher Guide

About the Author​

Mike Phillips has been teaching car detailing since 1987. His career includes training and education roles with Meguiar’s, Autogeek, 3D Products International, and Dr. Beasley’s, where he currently serves as Chief Education Officer and Trainer.

If you’ve watched My Classic Car with Dennis Gage, you may recognize Mike as a frequent guest detailing expert, demonstrating tools, pads, products, and techniques.

He also co-hosted Competition Ready with Adrienne “AJ” Janic on the Velocity Channel and hosted Autogeek’s What’s in the Garage.

Mike is the author of five car detailing books and one boat detailing book:

• The Art of Polishing Paint
• The Art of Detailing
• Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine
• The RUPES BigFoot Paint Polishing System
• Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual Action Orbital Polisher
• How To Detail Boats with Marine 31

Another book is in the works, with publication planned for spring 2027.

His guest detailing appearances also include:

• Chasing Classic Cars with Wayne Carini
• Two Guys Garage with Bryan Fuller
• Truck U with Bruno Massel and Matt Steele
• Motorhead Garage with Sam Memolo and Dave Bowman

Mike has written more than 1,000 articles on automotive and marine detailing. He served as Director of Training for Autogeek from 2009 to 2021 and later as Global Director of Training for 3D International.

Throughout his online career, Mike has made his email address and cell phone number available to fellow detailing, car, and boat enthusiasts who have questions or need help with their projects.

Would You Like to Learn How to Machine Polish Like a Pro​

Learning to use a rotary polisher on a 1973 Plymouth Cuda – 1 of 7 cool training cars for the September 2026 class.

Would you like to take your detailing skills to a higher level?

Do you learn better by doing than by sitting in a chair watching a PowerPoint presentation?

At Dr. Beasley’s Training Center in sunny Stuart, Florida, we teach hands-on car detailing classes.

No chairs. ZERO sitting.

You’ll work on real cars, use different types of polishers, and practice the techniques yourself.

Visit the Dr. Beasley’s Blog to see photo-documented class write-ups, the cars students train on, and just how hands-on these classes are.

For upcoming dates, locations, topics, and prices, see:

Upcoming Detailing Classes – Prices – Info – Topics – Locations

And if you ever have any questions, always feel free to reach out to me personally via text, phone call or email.

I hope to see you in a future detailing class!

Sincerely,

Mike Phillips
Chief Education Officer for Dr. Beasley’s
Mike@drbeasleys.com
Cell: 760-515-0444

 

[Mike Phillips]

Bump!