How would this compare with a dewalt dwp849x 7-inch/9-inch variable speed polisher . it’s the cheaper of the two options so i need some advice

Better is a matter of opinion, so, this is difficult to answer. Not entirely sure what you are trying to accomplish. Are you intending upon becoming a professional detailer? Are you intending to detail your car and friends/relatives, i.e. concerned amateur. How often do you want to use this? I detailed 3 cars and once detailed, I keep them cleaned and polished and sealed. I will never let my cars get to the situation where a polisher is needed. So, I don't intend to use it unless someone else wants their car detailed. I don't intend upon becoming a professional, if I did, I would get a Flex 3401 VRG direct drive DA which means a great combination of a DA and rotary but it is costs more than the 7424XP and the DWP849x together. (currently Flex is made in Germany but owned by a Chinese company). Both Porter-Cable and DeWalt are owned by Stanley, Black & Decker and both are made in Mexico. If country of origin matters, and since both are made in Mexico there is no difference. The DWP849x has soft start and the tigger is variable speed up to the speed you select, and you can lock the trigger into the full on position (where it will run at the speed you've selected). I've had the chance to use the DWP940x and for my application, I'd rather not spend $200 and 7"/9" is not required. If you want to use "normal" sized pads, you'll need to gat an additional backing plate, like a 5" or 6" Larger pads are available but leaves you with less choices and are typically more expensive. If you go with DWP849x, I'd recommend a smaller backing plate (I believe the "rating" of 7"/9" just means you can use larger backing plates and pads) with either a 5" or 6" backing plate (roughly $8-$20). You could damage your car if you use a smaller pad than the backing plate. A pad should always be larger than the backing plate, but obviously not too large a difference (like 3" backing plate with a 7" pad). The Porter Cable does not come with a backing plate, but I bought some pads and there was a special offer (from the place that I bought it) that the backing plate was "free" if you bought 3 pads. To me (and only me) the extra $80 for the DWP849x, I'd rather have the 7424XP and spend the money on pads/backing plates and products (polish, sealant/wax, decontaminates, clay bar, etc.); keeping in mind that you'd still have to buy those anyway. If you are a true beginner, the lower cost 7424XP would be a great starting point. The DWP849x weighs just over 3 lbs. and the 7424XP is nearly 6 lbs. But the weight of the 7424XP means that I used the weight of the polisher to apply the pressure instead of applying pressure by hand.

Does the polisher come with a backing plate? Can I just use it out of the box?

There is no backing plate with this, I just received my 7424XP and had to pick the plate up from Home Depot before I could use it. The only thing included is a polishing pad.

What is the smallest/largest pads you could use with this?

For what it comes with, a 6" pad. You could also install either a 5" backing plate or possibly a 3" plate as well and use the appropriate pads (3-5.5" pads respectively). I would not use anything outside that range for polishing paint. There MIGHT be carpet and upholstery brush attachments for this unit (which is what I use it for exclusively) that are 6.5". I'm not sure, but for paint, see above.

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Description

✨ Polish Like a Pro, Shine Like You Mean It! ✨

BUILT TO LAST - Full ball-and-roller bearing construction guarantees durability under heavy industrial workloads.
SWIRL FREE PERFECTION - Random orbit technology delivers swirl-free sanding and polishing, making your car shine like new.
PRECISION SPEED CONTROL - Electronic variable-speed dial lets you dial in 2,500 to 6,800 OPM for flawless finishes every time.
POWER THROUGH EVERY DETAIL - Robust 4.5 Amp motor ensures consistent, high-overload protection for professional-grade polishing.
ERGONOMIC COMFORT CONTROL - Two-position removable side handle and lightweight 5.5 lbs design reduce fatigue during extended use.

The PORTER-CABLE 7424XP is a 6-inch orbital car polisher featuring a powerful 4.5 Amp motor and an electronic variable-speed dial ranging from 2,500 to 6,800 OPM. Designed for swirl-free sanding and polishing, it includes a proprietary counter balance for smooth operation and a two-position removable side handle for enhanced comfort and control. Lightweight yet durable, this polisher is engineered for professional automotive and marine finishing tasks.

Specifications

Specific uses for product	Automotive
Speed	3400 RPM
Item weight	2.61 kg
Amperage	4.5 Amps
Voltage	120 Volts
Maximum power	5.4E+2 Watts
Global Trade Identification Number	00885911086394
UPC	885911086394 735090490553 821079171336 039404074249 043952198302 043934390588 043906590671 717927536740 785497210971 788809702652 758353369953 717927536887
Manufacturer	PORTER-CABLE
Part number	7424XP
Item Weight	2.61 Kilograms
Product Dimensions	35.56 x 16.51 x 15.24 cm; 2.61 kg
Item model number	7424XP
Size	full size
Color	Gray
Style	Polisher Only
Finish	Brushed
Pattern	Solid
Shape	Rectangular
Item Package Quantity	1
Switch Style	redesigned
Special Features	variable-speed
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No

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