RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck)

When RUPES first revealed their potentially game changing HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long Neck) at the 2015 SEMA Show, we immediately saw the value in the concept. On countless occasions during machine polishing sessions over the years we've found ourselves thinking, "...if only I could get the pad in there safely" and "...I wish there was a dual action tool that accepted ultra-small pads" and "...I hate this cable; surely it's possible to make a polisher without a cable?". Distilling these thoughts down, what we've really always wanted is a nimble little polisher capable of safely accessing every single nook and cranny on every single vehicle ever made, thus enabling us to extend our quest for perfect paint correction further than ever before. Amazingly, with the HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long Neck), it feels like RUPES have read our minds, and, to ice the proverbial cake, they've even added in a host of technological innovations and features that we didn't know we needed, yet which will change the way we detail forever.

So, what is the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck)? Well, in a nutshell it's a lightweight multi-action tool with a hybrid power supply and three distinct modes of operation. Starting with the former, it's powered by a state of the art Li-ION battery, which can be swapped in seconds for a plug and play mains power cable if desired. Two batteries are supplied with each tool, and fast recharging (for a minimum of 500 cycles) ensures that you'll always have a fresh one ready when the other one runs out. Abundant torque from the high performance energy-saving motor ensures identical performance regardless of which power supply is being used; battery mode allows for complete freedom of movement and use virtually anywhere, while corded mode provides uninterrupted power for extended periods of use. RUPES refer to this dual power supply concept as their iBrid design philosophy, and it's this which is set to lead the future evolution of the company in terms of innovation, flexibility, versatility and sustainability.

Moving on to the three distinct modes of operation; by swapping functional units (the term used by RUPES for spindle attachments) the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) allows you to switch between rotary, 3 mm random orbital and 12 mm random orbital actions in just seconds. In rotary mode you can perform fast paint correction with 40 mm pads attached to a 30 mm backing plate, or else mount a range of bristle brush attachments for cleaning applications. In 3 mm random orbital mode you can perform de-nibbing and spot-sanding duties with 35 mm sanding discs attached to a 30 mm sanding interface plate, or else ultra-high gloss polishing with 40 mm pads attached to a 30 mm backing plate and 70 mm pads attached to a 50 mm backing plate. In 12 mm random orbital mode you can perform ultra-high gloss polishing with 40 mm pads attached to a 30 mm backing plate and 70 mm pads attached to a 50 mm backing plate. The versatility is, quite frankly, mind blowing!

Given the above design philosophy, it should come as no surprise that the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) also incorporates a number of other innovative features to optimise the user experience. These include a lightweight low profile body specifically designed for one handed operation, an ergonomic start/stop lever with rubber-inserts to aid grip, an easily accessible speed control dial with automatic soft start functionality, high visibility battery status LEDs, a recessed spindle lock button and a protective shield to prevent unwanted contact with adjacent surfaces during operation. Furthermore, by developing carefully weighted functional units and associated accessories, RUPES have produced a beautifully balanced machine that is incredibly smooth and vibration-free. This means that the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) can be safely controlled in the tightest of spots and used for lengthy periods without causing hands and fingers to become numb or affected by pins and needles.

The RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) forms part of an innovative system of dual action machines and accessories (collectively termed the RUPES BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System) that has been designed and engineered from the ground up to produce optimal results in minimal time while simultaneously maximising user comfort and safety. In line with this, RUPES recommend that the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) is used exclusively with appropriately-sized accessories and parts from this system. Currently, only one pre-bundled kit featuring the RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) is available, and the contents of this are described in full below. Please note that the machine comes with a one year return to base warranty, but in the event of a fault developing this warranty will only be honoured if the machine has been used exclusively with accessories and parts from the RUPES BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System; non-observance of this requirement automatically terminates the warranty.

RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) - DLX Kit

This kit comprises...

1 x RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck)

2 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid Li-ION Batteries

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid Mains Power Cable

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid Battery Charger

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid Rotary Functional Unit

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid 3 mm Random Orbital Functional Unit

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid 12 mm Random Orbital Functional Unit

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid 30 mm Sanding Interface Plate

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid 30 mm Backing Plate

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid 50 mm Backing Plate

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid Nylon Brush (Hard)

1 x RUPES BigFoot Nano iBrid Horse Hair Brush

10 x RUPES 35 mm Sanding Disc P2000

10 x RUPES 35 mm Sanding Disc P3000

6 x RUPES 40 mm Coarse BigFoot Polishing Pad (Blue)

6 x RUPES 40 mm Fine BigFoot Polishing Pad (Yellow)

4 x RUPES 70 mm Coarse BigFoot Polishing Pad (Blue)

4 x RUPES 70 mm Fine BigFoot Polishing Pad (Yellow)

1 x RUPES Zephir Gloss (Coarse Gel Compound) (150 ml)

1 x RUPES Keramik Gloss (Fine Gel Compound) (150 ml)

1 x RUPES Premium BigFoot Storage Case

1 x RUPES BigFoot Buffing Towels (Pack of 4)

The RUPES HR81ML BigFoot Nano iBrid (Long-Neck) is a multi-action power tool with three distinct modes of operation; rotary, 3 mm random orbital and 12 mm random orbital (random orbital equates to the term dual action, which is more widely used when describing random orbital machines). Users should note that rotary polishing is a specialist paint rectification process that requires a significant amount of hands on training to properly master and should not be attempted until sufficient experience has been gained through practice on scrap panels. Furthermore, because it usually involves a relatively high degree of paint removal, it should only ever be undertaken in conjunction with a properly calibrated paint thickness gauge. For these reasons, we suggest that anyone wishing to learn how to use the rotary polishing mode of this tool properly seeks professional training in the first instance, as there is a limit to what can be learnt by reading online and, in our opinion, rotary polishing falls well beyond it. In contrast, dual action polishing is a relatively straightforward process, and safe enough for enthusiasts to teach themselves. However, there are various important practical points to consider that are too numerous and involved to go into in detail about here. Therefore, if you require more detailed information about dual action polishing please take the time to read both the instructions supplied with your kit and our illustrated guides linked in the menu above.

Recommended method for correcting soft paint using the BigFoot system:

To correct obvious swirl marks and other common paint defects, start out with RUPES Keramik Gloss (Fine Gel Compound) on a RUPES Fine BigFoot Polishing Pad (Yellow). Working at a low to moderate machine speed, with moderate arm speed and light to moderate pressure, should enable you able to correct a large proportion of the defects in just 1-2 attempts per 18" x 18" area. If your paint is in bad condition and you subsequently find that more correction is needed, switch to RUPES Quarz Gloss (Medium Gel Compound) on a RUPES Medium BigFoot Polishing Pad (Green) - this product and pad combination offers much more cutting power, but should be used sparingly, as the rate of paint removal increases significantly. When you are happy with the level of correction, follow up with RUPES Keramik Gloss (Fine Gel Compound) on a RUPES Fine BigFoot Polishing Pad (Yellow) again, in order to maximise surface gloss. If you really want to go to town, you may wish to perform an additional final jewelling step with RUPES Diamond Gloss (Ultra Fine Gel Compound) on a RUPES Ultra Fine Polishing Pad (White) prior to applying your favourite sealant or wax.

Recommended method for correcting intermediate paint using the BigFoot system:

To correct obvious swirl marks and other common paint defects, start out with RUPES Quarz Gloss (Medium Gel Compound) on a RUPES Medium BigFoot Polishing Pad (Green). Working at a moderate machine speed, with low to moderate arm speed and light to moderate pressure, should enable you able to correct a large proportion of the defects in just 1-2 attempts per 18" x 18" area. If your paint is in bad condition and you subsequently find that more correction is needed, switch to RUPES Zephir Gloss (Coarse Gel Compound) on a RUPES Coarse BigFoot Polishing Pad (Blue) - this product and pad combination offers much more cutting power, but should be used sparingly, as the rate of paint removal increases significantly. When you are happy with the level of correction, follow up with RUPES Keramik Gloss (Fine Gel Compound) on a RUPES Fine BigFoot Polishing Pad (Yellow), in order to maximise surface gloss. If you really want to go to town, you may wish to perform an additional final jewelling step with RUPES Diamond Gloss (Ultra Fine Gel Compound) on a RUPES Ultra Fine Polishing Pad (White) prior to applying your favourite sealant or wax.

Recommended method for correcting hard paint using the BigFoot system:

To correct obvious swirl marks and other common paint defects, start out with RUPES Zephir Gloss (Coarse Gel Compound) on a RUPES Coarse BigFoot Polishing Pad (Blue). Working at a moderate to high machine speed, with low arm speed and light to moderate pressure, should enable you able to correct a large proportion of the defects in just 1-2 attempts per 18" x 18" area (note that this polish and pad combination may need to be used repeatedly to fully correct deeper defects on ultra hard paint types). When you are happy with the level of correction, follow up with RUPES Keramik Gloss (Fine Gel Compound) on a RUPES Fine BigFoot Polishing Pad (Yellow), in order to maximise surface gloss. If you really want to go to town, you may wish to perform an additional final jewelling step with RUPES Diamond Gloss (Ultra Fine Gel Compound) on a RUPES Ultra Fine Polishing Pad (White) prior to applying your favourite sealant or wax.

General usage notes for machine polishing pads:

(i) always ensure that you centre each pad properly on the backing plate (this can take several attempts to get right, but is vital if the machine is to remain perfectly balanced during use); (ii) always use an appropriate sized backing plate for the pad you are using (the pad should always protrude past the edge of the backing plate, never the other way around); (iii) always ensure that spent polish residue on the face of the pad is brushed off regularly during use using a PB Utility Brush (failure to follow this advice can lead to micromarring of the finish, so don't be lazy!); (iv) after use, soak each pad in a bucket of Lake Country Snappy Pad Cleaner solution for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly under fresh running water and allow to dry naturally, and; (v) while not in use, store in a dry, dust-free environment (lidded plastic storage boxes are ideal in this respect).