Off-Road Air Compressor Review: Airing out the facts.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- After getting tired of seeing review after review of different products, all claiming their compressor was the best, I decided to collect a wide assortment of air compressors and go in depth on each one and show their specs, air up times, quality, heat signatures and features. Then I dive into the real story on those fancy 10.6, dual piston compressors. We talk about who came first, are they all the same? And is one better then another?
I cover a lot and thus, the video is long, I made some shortcuts listed below for different sections:
Intro: 0-3:58
Deflation/Inflations options with some details: 3:58-5:46
Breaking down compressor internals and things to know 5:46-9:55
Viar 450: 9:55
M18: 11:53
Smittybuilt 278: 14:26
ARB Single: 16:18
ARB Dual: 18:20
Trickflate: 21:27
The Big 3 (Morrflate, Ezflate, Thor): 25:15
After this I go deep on a rabbits trail into depth on the big 3 and answer a lot of questions I see on the forums and on social media based on my research.
Here is also a spread sheet on the raw specs:
Time stamps are airing up 4x, 37" tires from 10-35psi.
Trickflate $125
205 cyl temp. 132 hose temp.
7:11
Viar 450 $350
178 cyl temp
24.47
M18 $180 + battery
131 temp
15:40 (had to do one at a time). Used approx 75% battery
Smittybuilt 2781 $160
175 cyl temp 150 hose
13:31
Arb single $330
294 at hottest point in engine bay
20:10
ARB dual $616
250 cyl temp
8:30
Thors $329 (on sale for 289)
205 cyl temp 175 hose temp. Plastic was cooler then metal
5:55
Ezflate $325
193 cyl temp 165 hose
6:10
MF $325
190 cyl temp 126 hose
6:07 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Purchased the Morrflate compressor and 4 tire kit based on this video and so far it has performed as advertised! Thanks for the sweat equity you put into this video.
I appreciate your delivery of the facts and in-depth research. I know this took you a ton of time to deliver and it was worth me watching in its entirety. Thank you.
I agree! Likewise I watched this in its entirety.
agreed as well! this was awesome! i especially like that you gave us a quck reference guide for people who are looking for the bottom line or an easy reference later
This is hands down the best review I have ever watched on TH-cam! Thank you for taking the time to look into this. PS: As a mechanical engineer who specializes in heat transfer, I was thrilled to see your temperature measurements and Morrflate's design refinements. Morrflate has earned my business, and you have earned a sub!
This is the kind of review I come to TH-cam for. Well done! Love the long format. Thank you!
I purchased the NAPA brand compressor, added a pressure switch and a standard US quick connection, all from Amazon, also added an electrical quick connect so that i can have an outside connection to my battery. With a little work you can take a fairly low price product and build what you want for cheaper then what you can buy so that you can add more toys to your hobby. Next project will be moving from 1 single inflate/deflate connection to an wheel connection setup.
Always coming through with unbiased reviews! I am completely biased. Morrflate FTW!
Thank you can't give you justice.
I enjoyed every minute and learned a lot
Big Love
very useful info. Thank you for your research.
So in depth, my snorkel dusky help. Had to go scuba. Thanks
Have used Morrflate for several years. Good company and good customer service. I started out with the same Smittybilt compressor, only downside is it comes with non SAE connectors and I had to modify mine slightly to fit my hose kit. Tyler has always been responsive. Morrflate is real popular in the Toyota community for quite some time.
Killer review dude. Really good look at all the options - especially the difference between Thor, MORRFlate and EZflate. Well done dude.
Thanks dude. I’d love to collab on something with ya one day
This isn’t just air compressors, many companies including power tool brands have products the sellers want you to think they r&d in house but are in fact designed, built and customized in China.
100%
Great comparison sir! I appreciate you taking the time to do all the research and investigating their claims… as well as the time it took to individually test each one!
Wow! Thank you so much for this video! I’d been trying to decipher the difference between the big 3 and this sorted it out perfectly!
Thanks for this very informative video! I’ve been looking for a compressor to replace one that recently quit on me. I was interested in the Thor’s Lighting but now think Moreflate is definitely worth looking at.
This was a very well done video sir. Thank you so much for going down the rabbit hole, getting the info and sharing your knowledge with all of us.
I just came across your video tonight. Great insight to the compressors. I just had the MORRFlate compressor delivered today. It was on sale for 20% off for Memorial Day. I was shopping for three in your video. I chose the MORRFlate because of their customer service, the steal braided hose, and their coupler.
Nice job man. Very neutral approach and you provided valid options based on what people are looking for (and at what price).
Great review. I learned some good stuff about portable air compressors, especially about not using a dual compressor for one tire. I just bought the Viair 300 but I only have 32” tires on my truck which are baby tires compared to those big ‘ole tires you have.
Very happy with my Milwaukee. I am building an entire overland tool kit. The M18/M12 lineup offers everything I could ask for with its variety of tools.
Yea they did an excellent job with making it fairly powerful and adaptable for such a small, battery powered package
Been waiting for a good cross compressor review.
Dude thank you so much for doing the footwork for all of this. I'm still on the fence as to what air compressor I'm going to go with in the future. I purchased the same exact air compressor that you have on your Bronco but I haven't installed it yet because I think I want something a little more affordable than the ARB single. Which reminds me if you know anybody who wants to buy it lol. Again thank you very much for doing all this dude
Thank you! I really appreciate the in depth comparison of all aspects of the three seemingly similar compressors. Morrflate is clearly the way to go.
if people are looking for a Easy to Store 10.6 CFM dual compressor, EZFlate makes the C.A.S.E. which is the compressor built into a Pelican style case.
it also has a detachable braided steel hose to connect to the digital/dial manifold to feed multiple tires.
I did an install video of the Thor's on my JL and you are correct that there is some failures in quality control and using care to design the components. I was shipped the same hose as your TL and needed to put a zip tie on it so it doesn't rattle when driving.
Awesome!
I have the via air with a air tank mounted on my truck, it is doing great for the last 8 years ,best modification I’ve ever done !!
I use the Smitty built to air up the bronco.
I want to get it mounted somewhere.
great information! I've been comparing things like the DeWalt air inflator with Napa style. I didn't know that you're not supposed to use them on a single tire, but is possible well great info of different models.
The Morrflate is worth it just for the customer support alone. Huge fan of their stuff.
Wow! If all you want to know is who's air compressor is the fastest this probably ain't your vid. This video goes for a DEEP dive into the seedy underworld of air compressors! Tons of great, useful info with an epic journey down a rabbit hole! I can't decide if this video was a late April fools prank or legit but I was intrigued by how deeply he researched this. I can't wait for the Lifetime movie "Pressured to succeed" or "Under Pressure" or.....or.....
Hahaha true. I did put all the times in the description for those that don’t watch the video. I also put time stamps to each compressor! Thanks for the comment:)
amazing in depth info on the products.
Appreciate your efforts!
Thank you for all the info.
What a great review and I ton of info!!! You are awesome!
Great review. I bought the Thor's Lightnin version without the digital controls after talking to them at Super Cel in BV 2 yrs ago. Works great and they are local to me. I did notice that this compressor doesn't like airing one tire as you said. It will do it but doesn't like trying to push that much air through one Schrader valve. I also have the Smittybuilt compressor that I've been using for several years. That one still works fine.
Great video! Lots of work went into this, thank you.
fantastic review quality! You deserve a round of beers!
Appreciate that!
I got the Maddox one from Harbor Freight and that thing RAWKS! Also, WAY cheaper than the competitors. It's worth a look.
Good effort to clarify all the marketing crap mate, well done.
Nicely done review!
Well that was in-depth. Nice job 🤠.
Great Job Caleb🔥
Wonderful information. Thank you.
I love my Milwaukee M18 inflater. Not only does it inflate all 4 of my 34-inch tires on my Toyota Tundra, but sports balls, air mattresses, beach balls, balloons. I also have extra lithium batteries with a rapid charger. And I can also power my 1/2" high torque impact wrench, 1/4" hex impact driver, 1/2" hammer drill, flashlights, circular saw, hackzall, cut off grinder, and many more tools to use around the house and not just offroading 👍
It’s definitely the best battery powered I’ve seen plus it’s versatile like you said! I’m impressed
I have the Morr and their customer service is great.
Great comparison. I had the Viair and was looking at morrflate and ezflate. You answered every question I had and even the ones I haven't thought of. Thank you! Now I just need to find a coupon from an influencer 😂
Wow, Outstanding Review,,,TY
@@roypase8488 much appreciated
Thank you for this.
Nice comparisons!
Excellent video! Just what I was looking for. Do you know what brands make compressors just a little bit smaller? I want one to put behind the seat of my Tacoma.
Thanks! And great work.
The single arb compressor is pretty darn small and a common one I see inside cabs of vehicles. It will be noisy though if you have kids while airing up. TMJ compressors also makes one very similar to ARB.
iirc these single and more so the twin cylinder came out in Australia then NAPA tested the water and sold out in a month or two, then NAPA wasnt sure if or when more units would come, then the chinese manufacturers as always and everso paying attention on whats going on started making them and not sure if NAPA got their first shipment from the same guy but i know there are 2 manufacturers because everyone shop China was pushing the single cylinder which not many into it seeing the twin cylinder ucs the air time in half or so. Then US shops here jump on the gun and doubled the price then and to this day, NAPA kept it the same or even less than the first shipment.
I agree they are all Napa knockoffs. The problem with Napa is they're never in stock (at least when I was looking) so I paid double and just got it done. It's still worth it compared to "name brand" compressors that are slow af
@@supacheef1 i waited as well and just about when i was about buy from other sellers the Napa came out and sure went out of my way to pick it up lol! btw if upgraded the soft cloth to HB BAUER module box and for $29 best case with a ton of room that u can put ur air hose and accessories but not too bulky.
How about using larger valve stems instead of Schraders?
Good thought. It’s just not for me to permanently modify my wheel and spend that much money for airing up and down. I have no plans to do it but if I can find a friend that has em I’ll try em out
Question on the not using the dual style on a single tire. How about E load tires? When not towing, I run my rear tires at 60psi. When towing, I run them at 80psi. With the cfm rating decreasing as pressure increases, would it still be inappropriate for me to use on a single tire from 60-80psi?
Do you know if the dual compressors, like Thors lighting, are oil-less or is there a fill plug to add oil? If oil-less can they be operated in any position? i.e., can they be mounted upside down, sideways, or on their end?
They are oil-less and can be used from different positions.
Wow!! This is way more info that anyone thought they ever needed but actually needs. You really did your homework on this one. Those duals are nice but not having the ability to fill one tire is lame. I thought they changed that. I think I remember reaching them out to one of them on the socials and they said it's ok to fill 1 tire but I don't remember who it was. Sometimes you really only need to fill 1 tire that's yours or others. I wonder who the mysterious "Mr. Lang" is! 😜 So if it was your $$ which one would you buy between those last 3?
Yea, they did say to me in person that filling one tire is ok on occasion as long as it’s not over 2 minutes. But making a habit can cause wear and tear on the compressor. Ezflate has their single tire mode so maybe them?This mode however only claims to change the algorithm for checking pressure more often to avoid overfilling. In actual tests on my compressor however, I did not see any difference in pressure checks. Each compressor conducted 3 pressure checks. Single or multi mode.
My money would go to Morrflate, big proponents of education, give back to the wheeling community in huge ways up here by the Rubicon. Best value as they put the most into their compressor for the same price. Ezflate is a close second and Thor is last. Ezflate is awesome people too.
@@popo_patty great info...thank you and I agree.
@@NigelNaughtonMr. Lane might be making a second appearance in a month or so too so stay tuned ;)
Thanks for the expose of the different compressors (or more appropriately, the "same" compressors); there should be more videos like this (i.e. Automatic Tire Deflator 10-30 psi...which are more like Octuplets...and replicating like rabbits) . In your research, where does the Tozalazz 4x4 compressor fit into this group? Visually, it almost seem like the Tozalazz was the first born of all these quintuplets 🙂
Outstanding! Info
Either things have changed since this review or you got a different model but my thors compressor has all aluminum fins and are 9 count at that. The hose isn’t steel braided but it does have the anodized fittings like the pic shows. I also got it on Amazon yesterday for $179.
Hmmm interesting. I purchased this just a couple weeks before the video aired so not long ago. I’ve had mixed feedback since on some people getting the hose pictured and some getting the base hose. I attribute this to quality control on Thors part in not checking each product before it ships and QC being almost non existent at the factory for the Thor stuff. It’s possible that they are cheating Thor by only shipping some units with the aluminum heat sinks. Or Thor has followed in MF and EZ’s shoes since the video
Napa has a Laborday sale, just ordered my MTWM10215C for $117 shipped after taxes. I've previously used a Viar 88P in combination of a Ryobi 18v inflator. Thats getting old. I'll do a pressure switch and braided hose/coupler. Wheeling with a budget.
@@UnkyJofus yea Napa finally got some big shipments in. I’ve got a few other compressors since this video and am going to do some follow up stuff soon
Just one question on all of them. Can they be stored on their side? I am looking at the MorrFlate. Also just ordered the DECK system for my 2024 ZR2. Definitely wont fit upright. Any issue storing it on its side? I am not familiar with the internal working. To be clear, I wouldn't run it that way. Just to store it during adventures.
I'm so disappointed. I thought you'd get all them on a dyno 😅 I'm amazed at what you discover. Looks like a Chinese company have screwed them up 🤐 Great detailed video Kaleb 👏
Oh and there is sooooo much more with Mr. Lane too. I have something new brewing already lol
I just bought the SAMOUT Dual cylinder 12.3cfm looks exactly the same
Yup, there are soooo many white label versions. I could only afford so much of the same😅
Check out the bulldog v450,it blows these things out of the water. Expensive but worth it.
Woah! That’s impressive. Just looked it up, for that price though, that couple minutes of savings better be worth it! I kinda want one now haha
ARB grossly overprices everything but their bumpers imo
I came across your video thanks to the YT algorithms after I was searching for compressors online. Very throrough video! Whilst searching, I came across one on amazon called SMAOUT and it looks identical to those you talked about, except it is yellow, and it claims 12.3 CFM. Have you seen this one? It's also less expensive at about $239.
So the Samout is the white label (base) version that many companies sell. It’s very similar or the same to All Top and Thors Lightening. I’m not sure why it’s so much cheaper though. As far as the 12.3 CFM output, not sure how they got there but I would trust Ezflate, Thor and MF ratings as they are actual companies that work with the manufacturer vs Samout that just mass purchases and resells after the other companies put in the leg work.
Even if it is actually 12.3, that’s such an insignificant difference and reading the reviews online, people are reporting the same times as the big 3. That is a good price but it’s probably because they have minimal overhead as they don’t do any research, engineering or employ staff. They just seem to resell batches they get
I carry my Skil 12v air compressor. Done.
would a 50 percent duty cycle be 30 mins on and 30 mins off? not 15 mins off?
Seems like these 3 are the Baofeng of air compressors.
I love baofeng ❤
What is the spelling of the company who makes these? You said "Cartstelle"? I can't seem to find it on the internet. Also, did you happen to ask Thor's Lightening why their valve was different than advertised? I wonder if they would send you the correct one (as advertised) if you asked?
www.carstel.com/ here is a link to their site. It’s a quality control thing is my best guess. I’m sure I can get it swapped out but I’m not keeping the compressor anyway. It was part of the process for checking quality control. I’m also not very impressed with Thor as a company from what I’ve discovered during my video studying (which didn’t all go into the video as it wasn’t relevant). Then even more stuff came to light after the video from stuff people sent me after watching my video that further made me no longer want to do business with them.
Did you consider CO2 tanks at all? I've been a Power Tank (Not affiliated nor a sponsor for them) user for almost 10 years now and have never looked back on the need to use the compressor to air up.(Keep one as a spare for myself and others). Running 35's and airing back up @ 20 psi, takes about 40 seconds. If I keep an eye on the remaining weight of the tank I can fill @20 tires on a single 10 lbs. tank. It's been a great bit of kit over the years.
I’m planning on a follow up with them. I originally planned on having one in the video but it fell through
I use 10lbs CO2 tank too. The problem is I don't keep track of my tire refills and there isn't a guage for CO2. 🤷🏽♂️A compressor is lighter, more convenient, and less expensive than carrying a second bottle for me. Other than that, a CO2 is the way to go.
@@PittiesAndMore The "weight" issue of the tank can be a problem. I can get fairly close to guesstimating how much gas is left in the tank by lifting it, and so far I've never run out but once I'm back home, I'll plop it on my shipping scale and confirm. If there is "enough" left I'll take it out one last time before heading to the gas passer and refill it. And as noted before, I do keep a backup compressor in the load out.
dont be worried about filling up one tire alone with twin cylinders. when you buy them from any seller it just comes with one hook up anyways so 90% of people are using them that way...and all the parts are made in china.. maybe assembled in us at best.
Are you saying "Carstell"? I can't find any info on that name.
www.carstel.com/
i have a 1ton truck and trailer that i take sand camping. Would you recommend any of these to reflate 8 stock size tires to 80ish PSI?
You’ll definitely want something fast and with a strong duty cycle. I’d recommend the Morrflate 10-6 compressor or something similar with a 4-way air system. You should be able to get all 8 aired up in 10-15 minutes with that setup. A single Compressor would take forever.
@@popo_patty ty!!
Here I am with my $25 amazon compressor
@@sleepyghost4297 which one? I just tried a $30 Amazon compressor and it stopped working after two tires…:(
And you fail to have the Puma. Best bang for the buck for a continuance duty 12v...
They are still Chinese brands, only difference is the auto feature. It’s funny how they think they made the actual products. Amazon has the same repeat tools but different brand on Amazon
Just carry the Kamala Harris . Full of air and has a very good reputation of blowing
Ghost door
Bitchin! Thanks!
You should put out affiliate links. I'd use it in return for the info you've provide.
I appreciate it. I’ve decided not to use affiliate links in order to preserve a level of “unbiased”. The comments, likes, subscriptions and shares generate some TH-cam income however which helps!
You don’t mention that the Thor’s cylinders are not the same size
Well that’s news to me and something that didn’t come up talking with either company nor did I find it researching. How do you know? It has the same CFM output and all 3 name brand duals have basically the same time for airup.
I guess it’s the camera angle, to me the one on that left looks larger. Great job, I wish I had seen this before ordering the Thor
Maximum compressors have bullshit kind of pistons and 0 rings