Random Orbital Sanders
Festool ETS 125 REQ-Plus vs Metabo SXE 3150
Side-by-side comparison — specs, price, and expert verdict
Festool ETS 125 REQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander
Festool · ETS 125 REQ-Plus
★ Editor's Choice$350
See offers →
Specs Comparison
- Power
- 250W
- 310W
- Pad Diameter
- 5 in / 125 mm
- 6 in / 150 mm
- Orbit Diameter
- 2 mm
- 3 mm
- Speed
- 6,000–12,000 OPM
- 4,000–12,000 OPM
- Variable Speed
- ✓
- ✓
- Weight
- 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg
- 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg
- Dust Extraction
- Integrated Festool system (27mm port)
- Textile dust bag + vacuum port
- Pad Attachment
- Hook & loop (StickFix)
- Hook & loop
- Cordless
- ✗
- ✗
- Case Included
- ✓
- ✗
- Price
- $350
- —
Which Should You Buy?
Festool ETS 125 REQ-Plus
The Rolls-Royce of orbital sanders. At just 1.2 kg, it's the lightest in this comparison by a significant margin. The 2mm orbit produces an ultra-fine scratch pattern, Festool's dust extraction is unmatched, and the Systainer case integrates with the entire Festool ecosystem. You pay a premium, but the finish quality and ergonomics justify it for professionals.
Pros
- + Extremely light at only 1.2 kg — ideal for extended use
- + Exceptional dust extraction — near-zero dust
- + 2mm orbit for ultra-fine finish quality
- + Systainer case integrates with Festool system
Cons
- − Significant price premium
- − 250W motor relatively modest — limited stock removal capacity
- − 125mm pad limits coverage on large surfaces
- − Full potential requires Festool ecosystem (extractors, abrasives)
Metabo SXE 3150
The budget-friendly 150mm option. At just 1.6 kg with a 150mm pad, the Metabo SXE 3150 offers large-surface sanding at the lowest price in this comparison. The 3mm orbit is a good compromise between removal rate and finish quality. Variable speed and included dust bag make it ready to use.
Pros
- + Attractive price for a 150mm sander
- + Light at 1.6 kg for a 150mm model
- + Variable speed 4,000–12,000 OPM
- + Quiet operation at 80 dB
Cons
- − 310W motor relatively modest — limited heavy stock removal
- − Textile dust bag is basic
- − No case included in base model
- − 3mm orbit is a middle ground — not the finest finish