Air compressor buying choices

[Aadi]

On 11/2/2024 at 10:09 PM, Stuart G said:

Hi Everyone,  I'm a Newbie; new to Dubai, new to 4*4, new to deserts, new to the club as of 10 minutes ago...  in fact I don't think you could get more newbie than me      I'm buying kit on the Essential Off-Road Gear list so I can sign up for drives.  The list is not specific about a compressor and reviewing this thread it is a tad confusing.  Looking online lots have scary online reviews about dying after a month or two.  Anybody care to suggest something that would be suitable for me?  Many thanks!

I got a ViAir compressor (ViAir 440p) about 4 years ago, I have used it regularly ever since and IMO the quality is one of the best I’ve ever seen when it comes to compressors, works every time, and fills up my 315’s quite quickly. Would recommend.

Edited November 4, 2024 by Aadi
Added info

[Stuart G]

Thanks @Frederic for the links, I will dig into the Compressor Review.  I've bought all the Newbie kit in the Essential Off-Road Gear list except the compressor (which I'll now do) and the flag (as I've not worked out how to attach it yet!). 
Also thanks @Aadi I'll check into the ViAir440p.

Hoping to be on the sand on the next Newbie drive!

[Marek]

+1 on quality of ViAir. Rock solid. Seems to be the right price performance, where you don't want to go for dragon mart stuff, but you're not ready yet to drop 2k AED on a n ARB dual piston. It got me some unexpected few burns though before I learnt what not to touch, as it gets hot as hell around the radiator. And this stock hose is just pita to use: quick release lock must be spotless to engage (and it never is) and the 90-degree valve connector is horrible to lock on the wheel's stems, but luckily I don't need to use it now.  My only complain is that I procured 300P model, which - for Pajero's 28" wheels was OK (under 10 mins all 4), but on my current setup it takes around 15 minutes to fill up all four wheels. I built it in, so with quad hose setup it's not really a problem - just fire it up and proceed with socializing with the group (or make a coffee this time) until it's done.

[Aadi]

7 minutes ago, Marek said:

+1 on quality of ViAir. Rock solid. Seems to be the right price performance, where you don't want to go for dragon mart stuff, but you're not ready yet to drop 2k AED on a n ARB dual piston. It got me some unexpected few burns though before I learnt what not to touch, as it gets hot as hell around the radiator. And this stock hose is just pita to use: quick release lock must be spotless to engage (and it never is) and the 90-degree valve connector is horrible to lock on the wheel's stems, but luckily I don't need to use it now.  My only complain is that I procured 300P model, which - for Pajero's 28" wheels was OK (under 10 mins all 4), but on my current setup it takes around 15 minutes to fill up all four wheels. I built it in, so with quad hose setup it's not really a problem - just fire it up and proceed with socializing with the group (or make a coffee this time) until it's done.

I learnt about how hot the compressor got in certain areas the hard way aswell 😂

I sprayed some WD-40 in the valve connector and it works very well, it was quite hard to use before but now it’s smooth as butter.

[Frederic]

2 hours ago, Marek said:

+1 on quality of ViAir. Rock solid. Seems to be the right price performance, where you don't want to go for dragon mart stuff, but you're not ready yet to drop 2k AED on a n ARB dual piston. It got me some unexpected few burns though before I learnt what not to touch, as it gets hot as hell around the radiator. And this stock hose is just pita to use: quick release lock must be spotless to engage (and it never is) and the 90-degree valve connector is horrible to lock on the wheel's stems, but luckily I don't need to use it now.  My only complain is that I procured 300P model, which - for Pajero's 28" wheels was OK (under 10 mins all 4), but on my current setup it takes around 15 minutes to fill up all four wheels. I built it in, so with quad hose setup it's not really a problem - just fire it up and proceed with socializing with the group (or make a coffee this time) until it's done.

Get the 440P. Fantastic compressor. I have the bushranger Super Max (basically same unit).