Digging up the China compressor makers...

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Daxx

Daxx

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Jul 2, 2015
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I've been looking around at available 4500 psi compressors and I've noticed some similarity between the units in the USA and the ones I stumble across on China importer sites. For example, look at these two... There are some slight differences, but I think it's the same compressor.

Would it be worth a shot getting one at half price??

4500 psi China Special $1400:


4500 psi Daystate $3000:


 
Well, you know the first is (we think) made somewhere in China, can you get parts? How many hours does the manufacture recommend before a rebuild? Warranty? Pay shipping back to China? Back to Texas? "Some" of the Chinese compressors recommend a full rebuild at 100 hours, which is crazy.
With just a bit of research you can find who actually makes the "Daystate" unit. Parts seem to be available ( I don't have one so????) which seems a good thing.

But someone here needs to give us a real world report so I say , buy the cheap one and give us the real low down!

John
 
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"spysir"With just a bit of research you can find who actually makes the "Daystate" unit.
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You're a better researcher than me! I can't find it.

And not all the suppliers will sell you a unit. For example, I found the Omega and Alpha-90 manufacture/supplier and they told me they already have a USA distributor and one must go through them, no direct sales.

OMEGA
 
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I agree with FukoChan. If you want to save money go with a Shoebox Max. Proven design, easy to service, US made and excellent support from the manufacturer. Heck it even uses a high quality Dayton motor. Why risk it? I know some people want a faster compressor but I think you really have to do a lot of shooting to justify an $1800. + compressor. My Shoebox keeps up with me just fine. The first time I charged my Tiger Shark tank it took 8 hrs but topping it off from 3,500 to 4,500 only takes an hour and a half or so. I can be patient for the price difference. I can tell you that I have had my fill of cheap Chinese tools. Gotten burned more often than not. Anyway just my .02¢
 
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What's wrong with the Omega 4500 Air compressor from AOA? That is the one i plan on purchasing shortly, it has been around of over a year, has good review on youtube, and you can service it your self. Very easy to use, it takes care of everything to include cool down and shut off on you set the levels, it is self bleeding and cost about the price of a shoe box $1795.00. What are you're thoughts???
 
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Hello All,
I ordered the the Omega 4500 Air Compressor after much time reading reviews and making comparisons. I'm not a heavy PCP shooter, but when I purchased my .408 Big Bore I realized I had to select my air compressor and decided to go with the Omega. It has worked just fine for me . . . It's almost a "start it and forget it" system. It shuts off at a selected PSI, is not noisy at all and has been just a great fit for me. Once I got over the cost, I have never looked back.



FredSG
 
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I have a shelden and it has proven to be a great compressor. I can fill both my guppy and tiger shark from 3000-4500psi in about 12-15 minutes for both tanks. I still think the bauer is the best with no equals but it is very expensive. I think shoebox max or freedom 8 are awesome compressors with amazing support and parts availability, but the fill times was a large turn off for me. I did take a very long hard look at the 110volt chinese compressors, but passed because these haven't been around long enough to know what parts availability will be and truely how long these will last? Many might be fine with it, but I refuse to fill my tanks with unfiltered/dryed air. The additional cost of adding a true hpa filter/dryer to either a shoebox or chinese is what sealed the deal for me.

Besides costs, estimated hours before service should be a #1 priority when looking at a compressor. So, fill speeds can be important for more than just how long it takes to fill a tank!! This is still an unknown with the 110volt chinese units. The Daystate is rebranded and the actual manufacturer recommends rebuilds at 100hours I believe. Jim Shelden said that the military compressors that he uses should be good for well over 1000hours. He had a personal unit that went for around 2500hrs before needing rebuilt. Bauer is 1000-1500 hours if memory serves me correct. In almost 4 months, I have just broke the 2hr mark on runtime. The oil needs changed every 40 hours and dryer media every 30 hours. I had estimated 10 hours a year of run time. I doubt I am going to hit 10 hours based on current use. But, even at 10 hours a year, This thing should easily outlast me. Now, If my fills took 1hr I would have over 12 hours on my compressor already. Just something to think about when looking at compressors. The initial cost is one thing, but maintenance is another. Just like buying a new car, alot of variables to consider. The savings of buying a cheaper compressor might end up costing more in the long run.

As stated above, alot of the increased cost of the larger compressors is the filters and dryers. The true grade E breathing filters are around $600 and that is just an estimate. I know that the good filter/dryers that aren't even breathing certified are $400 or more. Compressors like the bauer have both filters. Not sure about the daystate, but i believe it also has a regular dryer/filter(which is sufficient for airguns) and a grade E breathing filter, but I could be wrong? Neither the shoebox or the 110volt chinese have any type of output filter. I payed a grand total shipped to my door of $1700 for my shelden with a high quality output filter dryer and a known high quality compressor with a rated service life of well over 1000hrs. Sorry if this sounds like a shelden sales pitch, but it not. He doesn't even offer the same unit I have any longer. I just want to give perspective buyers some ideas of what to look for and what your money is buying you. My compressor was a large purchase for me and I researched for about a year before purchasing. Spending these amounts of money are a major investment for the majority of us. I had alot of trouble finding solid info on some of the compressors I looked at. Hopefully in the coming years these omegas and other chinese units are still being made and supported. With a quality filter, omega and similar are very appealing and I would have bought one if there was more actual user info and a good number of users with reported hours of service before the need for rebuilds and service.
 
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Scott, there is alot to consider and it is a shame that more people don't do reviews and add to what we already know. Alot more compressors of all brands have been sold versus the very small amount of first hand accounts and experiences that can be found online. It makes it very tough for a perspective buyer to make an educated purchase!!
 
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I had conversation with Van Jacobi a few weeks ago (previous owner of Airhog) and he stated that without a proper dryer he has seen many tanks not pass their first five year inspection. Meaning the tank is defective due to water damage. You can no longer get the tank filled without a hydrotest! Even if you fill yourself it would be wise for safty reasons to have your tank hrydrotested! This moisture can surely gets passed to your gun. He stated that even in the dry air of the southwest we still have to be concern with moisture as the air is compressed.
I have considered buying a cheaper compressor but uncertain where to get an effective dryer. A dessicant is not considered an effective dryer. Any suggestions?
AJ you have made a GREAT point about the run times of the cheaper compressors. The "cheap" ones run at CFH vs a bauer/Kidd at CFM. The cheaper ones will run at least an hour compared to 5-10 min for a bauer/kidd. Thanks for all the info!
Edit note: Tried to give you, AJ, a + for your post but got " Spread the +'s around". I give a positive to anyone think shares a great point! I must have given you too many +'s. Keep up the good info!
 
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Who says dessicant dryers are not effective? I have one on my Shoebox and it works great. I regenerate the dessicant beads every time I use the compressor. The ones I have turn from blue to pink when they get wet and that happens all the time. I don't let them get all the way pink. I know there are "molecular seive" dryers that are even more effective but they are very expensive. I know you don't like him but Joe B. sells his Alpha filter. How much money do I need to spend to air up my $300. used Marauder? Sheesh! $700. tank, $700. compressor, now I need a $400.-$500. water filter! Something is wrong with this picture! Honey I found a good deal on a used air gun. Its only $300. HAHA! I'm not complaining really!
They don't call it the "dark side" for nothing huh?
 
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30cal
You definitely have a valid point even for a new Marauder. If the financial risk is low there really is no problem going with the Shoebox and a dessicant. I certainly like the simplicity and ease of repair of the Shoebox. If it's easy to repair you can deal with the slower fill time. I am not sure I want to take a chance getting moisture in my Cricket, so I am still going to the paintball center. My concern is pure speculation. I have my concerns even going to the paintball center. Probably the only way to know is to open the tank and air reservoir up to know for sure. If you read Manny's post he states he found no moisture in his reservoir with using a hand pump and many had concerns there. I have heard good reviews on Joe B's Alpha filters and I will have to trust other's opinion to know if it is on par with the filters on the Kidd or Bauer compressor. I would like to know the correct specs for a filter needed to keep moisture out of our tanks and guns. Is there a standard filter? 
There is alot to take into consideration in purchasing a compressor and I would agree it would be silly to buy a $3500 compressor to fill a $300-600 gun. We have to make choices based on our own individual situation. Only time will tell if moisture will be an issue with the lower cost compressors. It will probably take several years for the problem to develop. I think we would all agree moisture is of concern. It sure would be nice if there was a "standard" for the PCP user to be sure our guns will be free of moisture.
 I have to admit like many others, it is difficult to justify spending $3000+ for a compressor. I will not look forward to telling my wife I spent 3 grand on some thing that fills up my "toys".
Thanks for your imput 30cal, you have made some great points.
 
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"cricket177"I have had the Omega for about 15 months and I still think it is the best home user best bang for the buck compressor even with the Daystate out after some recent revelations. If the compressor you are considering doesn't have at least an hour meter, auto pressure shutoff, and auto moisture removal, and you are paying more than the Omega SC price - run. Additional speed is irrelevant for most users because it adds little value to the home user and sometimes a negative because it is likely too fast if you want to fill guns directly. The Omega SC has more than enough capacity for several folks and anything else is overkill. Maintenance and access is easy and parts and support readily available. It is truly portable with 110V and very clean for running indoors (some being mentioned are real grease leakers and belong in a dirt floored shed). Don't waste money on an expensive compressor and filter system for air breathing systems. It is another complete waste of money for PCP utilization. I shoot a lot and used less than 25 hours compressor time in over a year so if the unit goes even 100 hours ( I know of several beyond 100 hours with the Omega SC) before any maintenance is required that is probably 5 years for a typical home user. Why pay for anything more?

A friend owns a paintball shop and uses a Bauer JR II. He has lots of issues in commercial volume use with that lower model so don't compare it with some of the more robust Bauer models that are often compared and it is also considerably more expensive.

The Omega works great combined with the Diablo dryer (high pressure side) and is still under $2k. My previous compressor was a Shoebox.

Mine has had perfect reliability. The best Chinese products have come of age and rival local quality these days. I am also into Radio Control and one of the most popular transmitters now out is Chinese which was unthinkable only a few years ago.

Sorry, but your reply is abit off base to say the least! The Bauer JR II is NOT a commercial unit and should be compared to all the compressors being talked about. Since we are discussing hobby compressors not commercial units. So, since your buddy is trying to use a compressor that was never intended for commercial use, that is a good example?? If saying all bauers are junk based on one user, than every airgun sold is junk!! Since all brands have some sort of issue or atleast one user has a problem than i guess they are all junk?

I am glad that you are having good luck with your omega. But, making statements as you have are ridiculous and unfounded!! Your compressor fits your needs and that is great, but stating that fast filling compressors are useless?? Come on, really?? Proper filters are a waste?? This is far from useful and false to say the least. Giving us an indepth review would have been great, but I suppose being negative and not contributing anything positive is a productive thing to do?? I never bad mouthed the chinese compressors, just stated the facts and the lack of good reviews and solid info isn't going to help sell compressor with alot of unknowns. The fact is no one knows how long these are going to run before they need alot more than a few o-rings. And, when the compressor needs a true rebuild, will there be good product support 4-5 years down the road? Its great if the compressor is trouble free for 4-5 years, but if no parts are available when it needs rebuilt than that would be a major issue!! I spoke with an importer for these compressors and asked about support in the future. I was told that there will be no garauntees how long these will be made and how long parts will be available. That is a major reason I took a pass. I hope that the support and parts are there for owners in the future. These units are cool and have alot of great features that could serve airgunners very well. It is just a simple fact that they are yet to be a proven compressor.




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"30cal"Who says dessicant dryers are not effective? I have one on my Shoebox and it works great. I regenerate the dessicant beads every time I use the compressor. The ones I have turn from blue to pink when they get wet and that happens all the time. I don't let them get all the way pink. I know there are "molecular seive" dryers that are even more effective but they are very expensive. I know you don't like him but Joe B. sells his Alpha filter. How much money do I need to spend to air up my $300. used Marauder? Sheesh! $700. tank, $700. compressor, now I need a $400.-$500. water filter! Something is wrong with this picture! Honey I found a good deal on a used air gun. Its only $300. HAHA! I'm not complaining really!
They don't call it the "dark side" for nothing huh?

I believe that what NMshooter said about desiccant is true, but not entirely. I don't believe that desiccant would be very effective if used with a compressor that is putting out CFM's of air. I don't think that the desiccant would have enough time to absorb the moisture like sieve will. So, in a compressor that is putting out CFH's of air, desiccant has ample time to remove the moisture. This is just my theory. I know that shoebox owners have been using desiccant dryers with great success, so it does work. I would like to hear from users of AOA's Diablo sieve dryer!! It is less than half the price of a proven sieve dryer, so I am curious how well it works. It is priced very well for sure.


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I am not of the throw away society!. I keep my cars 10 years at least because I maintain them! I am rebuilding a Falcon pistol which is over 10 years old and I have no intention of getting rid of it. I still believe (that's my opinion) that we, the end user, are trying to determine what the standard is for these compressors. It should be the manufactures and distributors setting the standard. I am talking about what the appropriate filter to use that removes the moisture before it goes into our tanks and guns. 
I have no idea what is necessary to keep the moisture out of my equipment. My experience is base on other's opinion. My brother who is an experienced engineer in pneumatics has expressed his concern about the housing of the Diablo. He doesn't think it is strong enought to handle the pressure. You most likely purchased this with your Omega. Joe B would concur with this opinion. My Friend, Van Jacobi, doesn't think a dessicant can remove enough moisture out of the air. He has had to explained to quite a few customers why their 5 year old tank is now ruined. But, where are the FACTS, all I have is opinion.
So……. I am trying to get to the TRUTH of the matter for my situation, which is "what does it take to keep my equipment free of moisture" provided I want to keep my guns longer than 5 years. Cricket177, if your position for your equipment is for 5 years, I think you are justified in doing exactly what you are doing. I have no problem with that, just not for me. I grew up rather poor so I tend to, maybe overkill, take care of my "stuff".
Is there any studies with using Dessicants with high pressure air? Is the filters on the Bauer/Kidd overkill? How do we know that the Diablo or what Joe B sells works (and is safe). If this were a "Dental concern", I would go to the journals and see the research. The fact is, all we have now are opinions. My Dad used to had a phrase about that. 
I would encourage us to bring documentation to this thread to support these opinions. I for one, would like to know that these lower priced compressors, work, can be repaired, and don't ruin my equipment. These compressors are so new. I do think we need to hold the distributors accountable and make sure they are selling units that they will back up. And that is repairability, safety for the user, and safe for our equipment! Maybe I am making a big deal of this but this hobby gets real expensive and with kids in college and I need to be able to justify these expenses. I personally tend to buy the best value not necessarily the most expensive thing. I personally want things to last. I realize that may not be for everyone. 
 
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Yes, I can set my shutoff for what ever pressure I want. And, I can and have filled guns with my compressor. There is also no need for me to have auto drains as I can on average fill tanks 3-4 times before needing to drain the sieve dryer. Auto drains would be a total waste of money for me. FWIW, my compressor doesn't leak any oils or grease either.
 
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