So what’s the “next level up”?

[_walter_]

Looks like there’s the $300-500 segment, the $700-$1k which are kinda the same but better branding. So what’s a next level solid non-china compressor?

Before you say ec-3000 I just returned mine due to a few different issues and won’t be getting another before I am not fond of the design of all the tubing sitting so close together

 

[pan60]

i just ponied up for a Alkin.

 

[Ranchibi]

A used Bauer Oceanus or Jr......Joe B of AirTanksforSale has had one in use for so many years it's not funny....

 

[bdzjlz]

Alkin W31 if you really want to make a one time investment

 

[Humdinger]

The unfortunate reality is that a durable, reliable, relatively fast filling compressor is no longer profitable to manufacture in the United States at a price within reach of most air rifle owners. The manufacturing cost, liability exposure, and labor cost are all too high. What most casual users don't realize is making dry 4500 psi air places tremendous strain on the components of an minimalist design compressor.

Chinese import compressors dominate the low end of the price scale because they have cheap labor, no liability concerns on exports, and the metallurgy is marginal at best. Quality control is very sketchy. For every user that gets a few months of trouble free usage there is another who doesn't. These compressors are disposable items due to the difficulty of getting parts. Factory repair is not an option. Manufacturers in China copy foreign designs with no regard for patent rights. Bauer and Coltri have copycat compressors made in China. They are sold on Aliexpress, Amazon and eBay.

There is no cheap option to buy a reliable, durable high pressure compressor. The best option is to shop online for a used name brand compressor that has been serviced or rebuilt. They are available if a buyer is patient and vigilant. Craigslist in S. Florida, AGN classifieds, and Ebay are all good online options. Don't buy a used compressor from an overseas vendor regardless of the brand. A D.O.A. Bauer from India or Malaysia is a nightmare regardless of the purchase price.

 

[bigHUN]

I have a YH third year already about 65 hrs in it, rebuilt it 2-3 times, and a backup Yh I started salvaging for parts.
I have also two large 14 liter firemans used scba, and one new 9L from aliexpress.
It was a convenience doing my own refills, but when my compressor expires next time I will go with scuba shop fills.

 

[Pfddi]

I went EC-3000 and it's back for warranty work with 11 hours on it. I have a Coltri MCH3 that so far is working well. If this one craps out I will wish that I bought the Alkin in the first place!

 

[EdinGa]

Exactly why I've been hand pumping for over 20 years. I realize it isn't for everyone, but it takes a few minutes and a couple of o rings and I'm filling guns again. Maybe I'll be able to afford a quality compressor before I get to the point I need one.

 

[gendoc]

thats right !
i plan on a tier-1 compressor when i retire, if there is such a thing.......

 

[beerthief]

i am going nitrogen as soon as i can, $$$$ for a compressor can fill my guns for a long long time with nice dry nitrogen .

locally available .

 

[EdinGa]

i am going nitrogen as soon as i can, $$$$ for a compressor can fill my guns for a long long time with nice dry nitrogen .

locally available .

Hmmm... My brother is a manager for a major welding supply company. Maybe I need to talk to him about a set up.

 

[_walter_]

I went EC-3000 and it's back for warranty work with 11 hours on it. I have a Coltri MCH3 that so far is working well. If this one craps out I will wish that I bought the Alkin in the first place!

Just shipped mine back today, man that sucker is heavy. Think I will keep buying $300 Chinese compressors and replace them when they break

 

[JungleShooter]

Down South (far down South), we don't have the ABC you have available in the US (Alkin, Bauer, & Co).

What we DO have available are CC's (China Compressors).
No, they are NOT CCC — CHEAP China Compressors!!

These CC are sold with a 40% price mark-up by people and by businesses preying on the few airgunners in the country.


However, our President* made a semi-miraculous deal with an import business to get us the choice of 4 models without the 40% mark-up (basically US Amazon prices).

*No, not the Peruvian President that sits in prison, and not the one before him that shot himself in the head. No, the President of our airgun club!



My fun funds are rather limited, even for just a China compressor — so I did what some of you might be able to do to get those high quality compressors in the US:
➠
➠ A hunting buddy and I split the cost of the compressor!!
One has a 9L tank in the house, the other a small tank and the compressor.
And we rotate whoever needs the compressor most at the moment.

Repair costs are shared equally, no matter in whose house it broke down.
If one wants out, we sell the compressor and split the sales price, or one buys out the other.


Matthias

 

[Asher]

The unfortunate reality is that a durable, reliable, relatively fast filling compressor is no longer profitable to manufacture in the United States at a pice within reach of a hobbyist user. The manufacturing cost, liablilty exposure, and labor cost make an affordable compressor impractical to manufacture in the U.S. What most hobbyists don't consider is producing dry 4500 psi air places tremendous strain on the components of a cheap compressor.

Chinese import compressors dominate the low end of the price scale because they have cheap labor, have no liability exposure on exports, and the metallurgy is maginal at best. Quality control is hit or miss. For every user that gets a few months of trouble free usage there is another who doesn't. These compressors are disposable because of the difficulty of getting parts, factory repair labor is non-existent, and companies in China copy foreign brands with no regard for patent infringements. There are well known high end brand copycats made in China and sold on Aliexpress, Amazon and eBay.

Sadly, there is no cheap shortcut to buy a reliable, durable high pressure compressor. The best advice I've been given is to look for a used name brand compressor that has been serviced before resale.

You ain't kidding about the marginal metallurgy

 

[RFORESTR]

The unfortunate reality is that a durable, reliable, relatively fast filling compressor is no longer profitable to manufacture in the United States at a pice within reach of a hobbyist user. The manufacturing cost, liablilty exposure, and labor cost make an affordable compressor impractical to manufacture in the U.S. What most hobbyists don't consider is producing dry 4500 psi air places tremendous strain on the components of a cheap compressor.

Chinese import compressors dominate the low end of the price scale because they have cheap labor, have no liability exposure on exports, and the metallurgy is maginal at best. Quality control is hit or miss. For every user that gets a few months of trouble free usage there is another who doesn't. These compressors are disposable because of the difficulty of getting parts, factory repair labor is non-existent, and companies in China copy foreign brands with no regard for patent infringements. There are well known high end brand copycats made in China and sold on Aliexpress, Amazon and eBay.

Sadly, there is no cheap shortcut to buy a reliable, durable high pressure compressor. The best advice I've been given is to look for a used name brand compressor that has been serviced before resale.

I am with you! I spent many weeks researching and talking to air gun dealers and looking at reviews and it always seemed as though the Daystate and Omegas had great reviews for the most part but eventually there was a string of not so good reviews. I am not mechanical and did not want to stress out the potential safety issues and additional repair costs so I bit the bullet and just ordered the 220 v version of the Alkin W31V after discussions with the Alkin sales guy who said only get the 110v version if you are ordering the gas model.