First compressor purchase

Jump to latest Follow Reply
C

Craiger12

Member
Dec 25, 2024
21
7
I'm about to take the plunge into the world of PCPs and looking into my first compressor purchase. This unit would primarily just be used for directly filling rifles. I think I have settled on the XMI Bullshark, but would like this compressor to be able to handle filling bottled rifles and possibly small tanks in the future, but not sure if this will ever become a need. I'm currently leaning toward the GX CS3-I, but also considering just going with the CS1-I to save some money. I have read many recommendation for the CS4 units, but I do not plan on needing the power and do not want to step up into that price range.

It's difficult to determine what the advantages of the CS3-I would be over the CS1-I for the increased price. I believe either would suffice for just filling rifles directly. Would either of these options work for filling smaller bottles up to maybe 3L if I eventually get deeper into the hobby?
 
Craiger12 said:
I'm about to take the plunge into the world of PCPs and looking into my first compressor purchase. This unit would primarily just be used for directly filling rifles. I think I have settled on the XMI Bullshark, but would like this compressor to be able to handle filling bottled rifles and possibly small tanks in the future, but not sure if this will ever become a need. I'm currently leaning toward the GX CS3-I, but also considering just going with the CS1-I to save some money. I have read many recommendation for the CS4 units, but I do not plan on needing the power and do not want to step up into that price range.

It's difficult to determine what the advantages of the CS3-I would be over the CS1-I for the increased price. I believe either would suffice for just filling rifles directly. Would either of these options work for filling smaller bottles up to maybe 3L if I eventually get deeper into the hobby?
Click to expand...

I personally have the gx cs3-1 , it's a great compressor. I recently converted my zelos to bottle (500cc) and it fills it from empty in 15 mins. What's nice is the automatic shut off. Plus the fact that it's portable. For a 3 litre bottle you'll have to fill it in increments, usually 15 mins on and 5-10 mins cool down with the fan on and compressor off and then start again. Good luck and I hope this helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Singleshot
Upvote 0
Rick64 said:
I personally have the gx cs3-1 , it's a great compressor. I recently converted my zelos to bottle (500cc) and it fills it from empty in 15 mins. What's nice is the automatic shut off. Plus the fact that it's portable. For a 3 litre bottle you'll have to fill it in increments, usually 15 mins on and 5-10 mins cool down with the fan on and compressor off and then start again. Good luck and I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Definitely helpful. Thank you.
 
Upvote 0
Craiger12 said:
I'm about to take the plunge into the world of PCPs and looking into my first compressor purchase. This unit would primarily just be used for directly filling rifles. I think I have settled on the XMI Bullshark, but would like this compressor to be able to handle filling bottled rifles and possibly small tanks in the future, but not sure if this will ever become a need. I'm currently leaning toward the GX CS3-I, but also considering just going with the CS1-I to save some money. I have read many recommendation for the CS4 units, but I do not plan on needing the power and do not want to step up into that price range.

It's difficult to determine what the advantages of the CS3-I would be over the CS1-I for the increased price. I believe either would suffice for just filling rifles directly. Would either of these options work for filling smaller bottles up to maybe 3L if I eventually get deeper into the hobby?
Click to expand...
Personally , having read all the threads (or most of them) i would go with a more expensive unit CS3-1 or CS4 . Reason being that at first you would be putting less strain on the unit as it is a stronger build . Plus when you decide to purchase more, you will have a unit the will work in the new situation . Not over working / taxing the lesser unit
Remember your guns are useless without air .
 
  • Like
Reactions: WoodWelder
Upvote 0
I have the JTS unit and I only use it to fill guns only.....Never large tanks. Heat caused by long run times is what destroys these units.

By looking at the CS3 or CS4 my guess is these are the makers of the JTS brand, same all around except the color.
I have zero regrets with my purchase however, knowing what I know now, I would have saved the "JTS tax".
 
Upvote 0
Gerry52 said:
Filtration is essential no matter WHICH compressor one ends up with! Compressing gasses creates HEAT (Adiabatic heating) which in turn will condense moisture. Can't fight PHYSICS & win.
Click to expand...
Heat creates water? So if you compress dry air, water will materialize? Since water is H20 and pure air has very little H gas. Even if a chemical reaction would occur only minuscule amount of air would be created limited by the lack of H.
 
Upvote 0
The GX CS-3 and GS-4 models have filtration, be it internal or external. I live in Florida and just use a small cotton filter on m CS-4 and have had zero issues with moisture. Checking the filter after filling several guns or my 90ci tank, there is no moisture in the filter at all. GX Pumps has a good reputation and makes a solid compressor. If you buy direct, they offer 10% off with code GC10OFF.

gxpumpofficial.com

GX Pump PCP Air Compressor | GX CS4 Air Gun Compressors 2023

GX CS4 Portable PCP Air Compressor, 350W Powerful Motor,Max 5800Psi/40Mpa, Water and Fans Cooling, 5 Hours Continous Work, 12V Auto Stop，for PCP Air Rifle Paintball
gxpumpofficial.com gxpumpofficial.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: JaceSpace1369
Upvote 0
BlackICE said:
Heat creates water? So if you compress dry air, water will materialize? Since water is H20 and pure air has very little H gas. Even if a chemical reaction would occur only minuscule amount of air would be created limited by the lack of H.
Click to expand...
Heat doesn't "create" water but it will cause whatever moisture is contained in ambient air to condense on/in cooler surfaces. Those who live in drier climates will deal with LESS of it but what IS there can still condense. Don't know where Hydrogen comes into it. Doesn't really apply.
 
Upvote 0
Heat actually does not cause water vapor to condense out, although it looks like it does in a time delayed view of things . . .

The amount of water vapor that can be carried in an air charge is a function of temperature and pressure. As the pressure goes up, less water vapor can be carried, so the vapor condenses out when compressed. However, as air temperature goes up, more water vapor can be carried in the air charge - at least until it cools down at some later point in time.

The act of compression raises the temperature of the air charge, and powered compressors raise it much higher than hand pumps (because the stream of compressed air is basically continuous, where in hand pumps - done properly - there are pauses between compression of several seconds that allow the smaller compressed air charge to rapidly cool down in the base of the pump). This temporarily hotter air charge will carry more water vapor out of the compressor and into the reservoir, and when it cools back down to ambient the condensation will occur. Emphasis on "will" . . . .

So it is not the heat that drives the condensation, but the pressurization. However, the hotter the air charge gets, the more vapor is carried through and thus more water condenses out - giving the impression that it is the heat that is driving the condensation. It is not - it is merely enabling the condensation to occur later outside of the compressor.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Humdinger and Camaro454
Upvote 0
Firewalker said:
Depends on your air water saturation levels (humidity and dew point). In Minnesota, 2 tampon filters kee the water out if I empty the accumulators often.
Click to expand...
You should use a good filtering system to prevent moisture from getting into your rifle and messing up the internals, causing more costly repairs.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu