Best Professional Nail File 2026: Strong 210 or Marathon 3

Which Professional Nail Choose? Strong 210 40,000 RPM or Marathon 3 45,000 RPM | LuluNails Belgium

Are you looking for a professional nail file for working with gel, Acrygel, fills, removals or extensions?

At LuluNails, two models really stand out:

Strong 210 – 40,000 RPM

and

Marathon 3 – 45,000 RPM

But which one should you choose?

The best nail drill isn’t necessarily the one with the highest revolutions per minute.

For a nail technician, you should also consider:

• stability;

• torque;

• vibrations;

• precision;

• the comfort of the handpiece;

• speed consistency;

• frequency of use;

• the bits used.

In this LuluNails Belgium guide, discover the differences between a 40,000 RPM and 45,000 RPM nail file and how to choose a machine suited to your business.

Quick Answer: Strong 210 or Marathon 3?

Strong 210 – 40,000 RPM

The best choice if you’re looking for a versatile professional sander for:

• building gel;

• Acrygel;

• filling;

• removal;

• regular salon work;

• use with a foot pedal;

• various professional techniques.

Marathon 3 – 45,000 RPM

 Best suited if you’re looking for greater speed reserve for:

• intensive professional work;

• significant material reduction;

• gel;

• Acrygel;

• extensions;

• regular refills;

• frequent removals.

Our advice

40,000 RPM is already more than sufficient for many professional treatments.

The 45,000 RPM of the Marathon 3 provide extra, but the final choice must also take into account comfort, torque and your working style.

What is a ?

A nail file is an electric device fitted with a handpiece that allows you to use different attachments.

Depending on the technique and the bit chosen, it can be used to:

• removing gel;

• trimming Acrygel;

• carrying out a refill;

• correcting the shape;

• removing old colour;

• trimming an extension;

• working on specific areas around the cuticles;

• prepare certain stages of a nail application;

• perform certain professional manicure techniques.

A good nail file mainly saves time whilst ensuring precise work.

What do 40,000 and 45,000 RPM mean?

RPM stands for:

Revolutions Per Minute

or, in French:

revolutions per minute.

A Strong 210 rated at 40,000 RPM can therefore reach up to 40,000 revolutions per minute.

A Marathon 3 ratedat 45,000 RPM can reach up to 45,000 revolutions per minute.

But please note:

the maximum speed is not a speed to be used for all applications.

You must always adjust the speed according to:

• the bit;

• the material;

• the area;

• the amount of product;

• your level of expertise.

Strong 210 40,000 RPM: What is it used for?

The Strong 210 40,000 RPM is particularly well-suited to a wide range of professional applications.

It can be used with:

Builder gel

To reduce the material during a correction or removal.

Fill

To remove the old colour, trim the old apex and prepare a new build.

Acrygel / Polygel

To correct or reduce the artificial material using a suitable tip.

Extensions

To shorten, correct and shape certain builds.

Regular salon work

Its 40,000 RPM already offers a wide range for professional use.

Strong 210 with Foot Pedal: Why is it Practical?

The foot pedal is a useful feature for professionals.

It allows you to control the machine according to its operating mode without having to constantly take your hand off the client.

This can improve:

• comfort;

• the smooth flow of work;

• the organisation of the treatment table;

• the speed at which certain stages are completed.

For someone who works with several clients a day, this sort of detail becomes important.

Marathon 3 45,000 RPM: What is it used for?

The Marathon 3 45,000 RPM offers an even higher maximum speed.

It is particularly well-suited to professional use requiring:

• a good speed reserve;

• consistent application;

• work with builder gel;

• Acrygel;

• refills;

• extensions;

• significant reduction in material usage.

The 45,000 RPM provides greater flexibility when a professional wishes to work with several types ofbits and materials.

However, this does not mean that the machine should always be set to 45,000 revolutions per minute.

Strong 210 vs Marathon 3: Quick Comparison

Feature	Strong 210	Marathon 3
Maximum speed	40,000 RPM	45,000 RPM
Gel Construction	Yes	Yes
Acrygel	Yes	Yes
Refill	Yes	Yes
Removal	Yes	Yes
Salon use	Yes	Yes
Speed reserve	Very high	Even higher
Pedal	Yes, depending on configuration	Depending on model/configuration
Recommended level	Intermediate to professional	Intermediate to professional

40,000 or 45,000 RPM: Is there a big difference?

Not necessarily.

The difference exists on paper, but an extra 5,000 RPM is not enough todetermine which machine is better.

A prosthetist must also compare:

• speed stability;

• torque;

• vibrations;

• quality of the handpiece;

• comfort;

• smoothness of the motor;

• ergonomics;

• quality of the bits.

An excellent 40,000 RPM sander may be more pleasantto use than a poor-quality 45,000 RPM machine.

The RPM figure is therefore only one aspect of the comparison.

RPM or Torque: Which Criterion is More Important?

Both are important.

RPM

They primarily indicate the maximum rotational speed.

Torque

Torque is more indicative of the machine’s ability to maintain its force whilst workinga material.

For example, when removing a dense builder’s gel, good torque enables the machine to maintain a stable rotation despiteresistance.

This is why a professional sander should not be chosen solely on the basis of its revolutions per minute.

Why isn’t a 45,000 RPM sander always better?

A higher speed may be desirable, but it is only useful if:

• the machine remains stable;

• the handpiece remains comfortable;

• vibrations remain limited;

• the torque is correct;

• the bit is suitable;

• the technique is mastered.

An extremely fast machine used with the wrong attachment or too much pressure will not produce a better result.

Vibrations: A Very Important Factor

When you work for several hours a day, vibrations can have a significant impact on comfort.

A handpiece that vibrates heavily can make the work:

• less precise;

• more tiring;

• more difficult around the cuticles;

• less comfortable for prolonged use.

For a nail technician, a good machine must therefore offer stable rotation.

Which Handpiece Should You Choose?

The handpiece is the part you hold throughout the treatment.

Pay particular attention to:

The Weight

A handpiece that is too heavy can cause wrist strain.

Shape

It should be comfortable to hold.

Vibrations

Less vibration generally allows for greater precision.

The Tip System

A quick-change tip system makes it easier to switch between:

• removal;

• preparation;

• finishing;

• cuticle work.

Which bit should you use with the Strong 210 or the Marathon 3?

The nail file alone is not enough.

Choosing the right bit is essential.

Carbide bit

Often used for:

• removing builder gel;

• trimming Acrygel;

• removing artificial material;

• working on certain fillings.

Ceramic tip

Can also be used for:

• removal;

• reducing gel;

• correcting artificial material.

Diamond bit

Mainly used for certain more precise steps involving:

• cuticles;

• folds;

• professional preparation.

The grit size and shape must be suited to the treatment.

Red, Blue or Green Ring: What’s the difference?

On many bits, the colour indicates the level of abrasiveness.

Red

Finer grit.

Blue

Medium grit.

Green

Coarser grit.

A green bit designed to quickly sand down synthetic material is not automatically suitable for natural dentine.

Always choose the tip according to the area being worked on.

Which nail file is best for builder gel?

For builder gel, both the Strong 210 and the Marathon 3 are suitable.

The choice depends mainly on how often you use it.

Strong 210 40,000 RPM

A very good option for versatile professional use.

Marathon 3 45,000 RPM

A good choice if you want a greaterspeed reserve for regular or intensive use.

In both cases, the quality of the sanding pad and mastery of the technique remain essential.

Which Sander for Filling?

When filling, you generally need to:

1. remove the paint;

2. reduce theprevious build-up;

3. remove any lifting;

4. correct the old apex;

5. prepare the new regrowth.

A professional sander makes these steps much easier.

Both the Strong 210 and the Marathon 3 allow you to work efficiently on a fill using the right bits.

Which sander for Acrygel?

Acrygel is a particularly stable material before curing.

Once polymerised, it may require significant filing.

For regular use with Acrygel:

Strong 210 – 40,000 RPM

or

Marathon 3 – 45,000 RPM

both of which can be attractive professional solutions.

The Marathon simply offers greater speed capacity.

Which nail file is best for a Russian manicure?

For a Russian manicure, you don’t need to work at 40,000 or 45,000 revolutions per minute all the time.

The priority becomes:

• precision;

• stability;

• low vibration;

• speed control;

• suitable bit.

Areas close to the cuticles require much more care than removing a large amount of builder gel.

Which nail file is best for a beginner?

If you’re just starting out, don’t base your choice solely on:

40,000 or 45,000 RPM.

Above all, check whether you can:

• easily adjust the speed;

• hold the handpiece comfortably;

• work without significant vibrations;

• change the bits easily;

• control the pressure precisely.

A beginner must first learn how to use the machine properly.

Which sander for a professional?

If you’re working with several clients a day, look for:

✓ a stable motor;

✓ good torque;

✓ adjustable speed;

✓ low vibration;

✓ ergonomic &ergonomic handle;

✓ left/right rotation;

✓ foot control if required;

✓ compatibility with various attachments;

✓ machine designed for regular use.

In this context, the Strong 210 and Marathon 3 are far more suitable than a small sander intended solely for occasional use.

Which Sander for Applying Nail Caps or Tips?

When applying nail caps or tips, the sander can be used at several stages.

In particular, it can help to:

• correct certain transitions;

• trim down a build;

• rework the builder gel;

• carry out a fill;

• removing old material during maintenance.

The cap primarily creates the length.

The Build-up Gel then creates the structure.

The sander is used to correct and maintain this structure when necessary.

Sander and Adhesive Application: What Role Do They Play?

During adhesive application with capsules, the sander is not used simply to bond the capsule.

It is mainly used during the preparation and maintenance stages, depending on the technique chosen.

It can be used to:

• prepare certain areas with a suitable attachment;

• correct the transition;

• work on the structure built on top;

• carry out removal;

• carry out filling.

The adhesive or fixing system remains a separate step.

Can a sander be used to prepare a cap before bonding?

Depending on the cap system used, certain surfaces may require specific preparation.

It is important to follow the instructions for the veneer and the bonding agent.

Avoid removing too much material unnecessarily.

Excessive preparation can weaken the cap.

Strong 210 or Marathon 3 for capsule application?

Both machines are perfectly suited to activities including:

• capsule application;

• Gel construction;

• fill-ins;

• removals;

• corrections.

The main difference lies primarily in the maximum speed:

Strong 210: 40,000 RPM

Marathon 3: 45,000 RPM

When applying tips, youneed to use the maximum speed.

Should you use 40,000 RPM to remove gel?

No.

The figure shown on the machine represents the maximum available speed.

The actual speed must always be adjusted:

• to the bit;

• to the grit size;

• to the nozzle;

• to the grit;

• to the area;

• to your experience.

Never use a speed simply because it is available.

Why does a nail file get hot- does it heat up the nail?

The sensation of heat is often linked to friction.

It can be exacerbated by:

• excessive pressure;

• prolonged work in the same spot;

• incorrect angle;

• worn bit;

• an unsuitable bit;

• movement that is too slow.

The principle is simple:

let the bit do the work instead of pressing down hard.

Why Shouldn’t You Press Too Hard?

Excessive pressure can:

• generate heat;

• reduce control;

• tire your hand;

• unnecessarily speed up the removal process;

• increase the risk of damaging the area being worked on.

A good professional nail file should allow material to be removed with greater controlcontrol.

Strong 210 or Marathon 3: Which model is best for a salon?

For salon use, both models are suitable.

Choose the Strong 210 if:

• you want 40,000 RPM;

• you want a versatile professional machine;

• you use a foot pedal;

• you work with gel, Acrygel and fill-ins.

Choose Marathon 3 if:

• you want up to 45,000 RPM;

• you’re looking for greater speed reserve;

• you carry out a lot of removals;

• your workload is heavy;

• you regularly work with different types of synthetic materials.

The best choice really depends on your workload.

Table: Strong 210 or Marathon 3?

Requirements	Strong 210 40,000 RPM	Marathon 3 45,000 RPM
Trained beginner	Yes	Yes
Professional salon	Excellent	Excellent
Gel construction	Excellent	Excellent
Acrygel	Excellent	Excellent
Refills	Excellent	Excellent
Removal	Excellent	Excellent
Capsules / Tips	Yes	Yes
Russian manicure	Yes	Yes
Speed reserve	Very high	Maximum
Regular use	Yes	Yes
Intensive use	Yes	Very suitable

10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Sander

Before you buy, check:

☐ maximum speed;

☐ torque;

☐ stability;

☐ vibrations;

☐ weight of the handpiece;

☐ variable speed control;

☐ left/right rotation;

☐ foot control;

☐ compatibility with bits;

☐ frequency of use.

Never choose a tool based solely on the number of RPM.

Nail Sander and Vacuum: Why Use Them Together?

Filing gel or acrygel generates dust.

A professional nail file can therefore be used in conjunctionwith a nail dust extractor.

Whilst working:

• place your hand over the suction opening;

• work with your nail file;

• let the vacuum collect some of the dust produced.

This set-up is particularly useful for filling and removing material.

Sander, Vacuum Cleaner and Desk Lamp: The Professional Workstation

A modern workbench can be set up with:

Sander

For working on and reducing the material.

Vacuum cleaner

To capture some of the dust.

Desk lamp

To provide precise lighting for the work area.

UV/LED lamp

To cure compatible Gel, Builder Gel, Rubber Base and compatible semi-permanent nail varnish.

Each device therefore has a different function.

Which products should you use with your LuluNails sander?

At LuluNails, you can complement your nail file with:

• diamond bits;

• carbide bits;

• ceramic bits;

• nail vacuum;

• Builder Gel;

• Builder Gel;

• Acrygel / Polygel;

• Capsules & Tips;

• Semi-Permanent Nail Polish ;

• files;

• UV/LED lamps;

• preparation products.

This allows you to set up a fully equipped professional workstation.

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Strong 210, Marathon 3 & Professional Nail Files

What is the speed of the LuluNails Strong 210?

The Strong 210 has a maximum speed of 40,000 revolutions per minute.

What is the speed of the LuluNails Marathon 3?

The Marathon 3 has a maximum speed of 45,000 revolutions per minute.

Strong 210 or Marathon 3: which is the fastest?

The Marathon 3 has the higher maximum speed at 45,000 RPM, compared to 40,000 RPM for the Strong 210.

Is 40,000 RPM sufficient for a professional?

Yes. A good 40,000 RPM polisher is more than suitable &for many professional services involving gel, acrygel, filling and removal.

Is 45,000 RPM better than 40,000 RPM?

Not necessarily. Vibration, torque, ergonomics and the quality of the handpiece are also very important.

Which nail file should I choose for builder’s gel?

Both the Strong 210 and the Marathon 3 are suitable for construction gel when used with the appropriate bits.

Which nail file should I choose for Acrygel?

Both models are suitable for professional use with Acrygel. The Marathon 3 simply offers a higher speed range

Which nail file is best for the glue-on method with tips?

Both models can &be used during certain stages of preparation, correction, maintenance and removal of nail extensions with tips.

Which sander should I use for filling?

The Strong 210 and Marathon 3 are particularly suitable for filling, provided that suitable bits are used and the technique is mastered.

Can you use the maximum speed on cuticles?

No. The speed must be adjusted to suit the area, the bit and the technique. A delicate area requires greater control.

Which bit should be used to remove gel?

Carbide and ceramic bits designed for artificial materials are commonly used by professionals.

Which bit should you use near the cuticles?

Diamond bits designed &this area can be used in certain professional techniques.

Why does the nail file get hot?

The heat may be due to excessive pressure, an unsuitable bit or working on the same area for too long.

Does the Strong 210 come with a foot pedal?

The Strong 210 model offeredby LuluNails is available with a foot pedal depending on the specific configuration.

Where can I buy a professional nail file in Belgium?

LuluNails offers Strong 210 and Marathon 3 professional nail files, as well as various nail care bits and accessories in Belgium.

Strong 210 or Marathon 3: Our Conclusion

If you’re looking for a versatile professional nail file, the Strong 210, with its 40,000 RPM, already offers plenty of speed to spare for:

• Gel Construction;

• Acrygel;

• filling;

• removal;

• salon work.

If you wish to take things even further with 45,000 RPM, the Marathon 3 offers an additional speed reserve that is particularly useful for intensive professional use.

But remember this above all:

Strong 210 = 40,000 RPM

Marathon 3 = 45,000 RPM

and

the best sanderisn’t simply the one that spins the fastest.

Torque, comfort, vibrations, the handpiece and the right bits are just as important.

Discover the Strong 210 and Marathon 3 professional nail files at LuluNails Belgium, as well as the bits, dust collectors and accessories you need for your nail applications, refills and removals.

LuluNails – Professional nail equipment, for nail technicians and salons in Belgium.