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Equipment Tests > 12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison
12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison
The twin cylinder ABR Sidewinder is well priced and blows third outright for the tyre inflation tests, has a high flow rate and is the only unit with a well concealed/protected air filter.
The only Australian-built unit, the ARB Compressor, while physically small through its clever internal design, is of high quality both in the body and accessories material and construction. It's obvious it's been manufactured to suit Australian use, especially with its unique lab-tested sintered bronze air filter element (which is washable) that will keep out the finest dust particles. The entire body is water tight (testament to it being able to run under water with the air filter extended). Priced well and being in the top end of the tyre inflation test, along with impressive lab results makes this unit my number one pick for value for money for a compressor that'll do what it claims, as well as offering unique, ingeniously designed components. Having an inbuilt pressure cut-off switch for running an air tank, plus the high-tech, heat-resistant hose and hard case (the lid actually switches the compressor off when closed as a safety feature) makes it the one to beat.
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The only thing we can't test here is long term reliability, but having seen the internals of some cheaper priced units alongside the quality ARB and Thomas units, I'm not sure I'd trust the El Cheapo to get me out of trouble - even if it was only a once-a-year-use compressor.
Once you've chosen your air compressor, don't forget to use it. It's no good not adjusting your tyre pressures to suit the occasion. It's no good pulling out that air bed and sending yourself dizzy by giving it mouth-to-mouth, and it's definitely no point having a you-beaut air compressor if you leave it at home - take it with you every trip away and you'll be amazed at how often it'll get used with inflation... regardless of the value of our Aussie dollar.
Warn Air Power SPC
Claimed 100psi max pressure. Claimed 50% duty cycle for one hour. Soft bag. Large air cleaner is vulnerable in soft bag. Claimed 42.5 l/min at 0 psi.
Warn Air Power SPI
Claimed continuous duty cycle, integrated intercooler, claimed maximum 100psi, with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, Blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50 Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 80 amps. Built in 1.3-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 283L/min at 0psi.
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The only Australian-built unit, the ARB Compressor, while physically small through its clever internal design, is of high quality both in the body and accessories material and construction. It's obvious it's been manufactured to suit Australian use, especially with its unique lab-tested sintered bronze air filter element (which is washable) that will keep out the finest dust particles. The entire body is water tight (testament to it being able to run under water with the air filter extended). Priced well and being in the top end of the tyre inflation test, along with impressive lab results makes this unit my number one pick for value for money for a compressor that'll do what it claims, as well as offering unique, ingeniously designed components. Having an inbuilt pressure cut-off switch for running an air tank, plus the high-tech, heat-resistant hose and hard case (the lid actually switches the compressor off when closed as a safety feature) makes it the one to beat.
read on below advertisement
The only thing we can't test here is long term reliability, but having seen the internals of some cheaper priced units alongside the quality ARB and Thomas units, I'm not sure I'd trust the El Cheapo to get me out of trouble - even if it was only a once-a-year-use compressor.
Once you've chosen your air compressor, don't forget to use it. It's no good not adjusting your tyre pressures to suit the occasion. It's no good pulling out that air bed and sending yourself dizzy by giving it mouth-to-mouth, and it's definitely no point having a you-beaut air compressor if you leave it at home - take it with you every trip away and you'll be amazed at how often it'll get used with inflation... regardless of the value of our Aussie dollar.
Warn Air Power SPC
Claimed 100psi max pressure. Claimed 50% duty cycle for one hour. Soft bag. Large air cleaner is vulnerable in soft bag. Claimed 42.5 l/min at 0 psi.
Warn Air Power SPI
Claimed continuous duty cycle, integrated intercooler, claimed maximum 100psi, with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, Blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50 Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 80 amps. Built in 1.3-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 283L/min at 0psi.
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