This thread is one of many in the archives on this very same subject. It is also certain there will be more of the same in the future. Below please find a list of truths that apply:
1} Air is free until you squeeze it.
2} High Pressure Air (HPA} is the most expensive element within the PCP hobby, much more than the guns.
3} Using other people's compressors is expensive and inconvenient.
4} Hand pumps are way to tedious to be practical.
5} Portable compressors are impractical, frail and much slower to recharge a gun than a bottle as well as power not usually present at ranges.
6} The only air that is available to recharge a gun from a bottle is the air above the gun's regulator's pressure, not its total volume.
7} Carbon Fiber bottles ARE aluminum bottles just wrapped in CF.
8} To support 8 hrs. at a range takes 12 liters of HPA at 250 Bar.
9} CF bottles are much easier (lighter} to carry than other HPA bottle types.
10} 4500 PSI (300 Bar} is NOT necessary. This pressure causes unnecessary stress on the gun with only a small increase in available shots.
11} Cheap Chinese compressors although affordable, are frail, have a poor resale value and are a very poor investment.
12} Professional industrial compressors are infinitely more reliable. They maintain their value and are often sell for more than their original cost new.
13} A PCP shooter will eventually need and acquire a compressor, several HPA bottles, several whips, spare fittings and adapters, air water seperators as well as valves, gauges, meters and what not. Only then is PCP shooting inexpensive!
