Compressor shoot out

[bmwpower]

Ryan,
I've been looking for some time, but never came across a site that ran a compressor shoot out comparing a bunch of different compressors.

If we could pull this off, I think it would be a huge draw to the site, not to mention potential manufacturer perks. The question is, do we have enough backing to get manufacturers to send us compressors for a couple months?

We'd basically have to:
- Design a strategy
- Come up with a test plan
- Request the compressors from the companies (I'm thinking 60 gallon, 5hp models...tbd)
- Have the compressor(s) sent to some one or some people on the board for testing according to the test plan so we get comparable results.
- List the best to the worst...

Sure, everyone has their favorite brand of compressor, but unless you have hard facts and real live accounts of how the product works, everything else is subjective.

How many times has someone asked "what's the best compressor...." only to have gotten a bunch of different responses from different people? This shoot out might put these questions to rest.

If this works out, we could scale the process to other tools as well.

Just a thought...what does everyone else think? Would you be willing to test a compressor for a couple months? Ryan....would you be willing to back the process?

[SuperKid]

This sounds like a great idea! Although getting them companies to fork over a compressor may be difficult.

[bmwpower]

This sounds like a great idea! Although getting them companies to fork over a compressor may be difficult.

True, but stuff like this goes on all the time. Evaluation units are something you'll find in most fields. We do this all the time at work.

[krooser]

With all due respect, this ain't Consumer Reports.....whatever THEY recommend is usually the last choice for me.

I think many of us worry WAY too much about the most minute details and get paralized when it comes to buying tools, equipment, flooring, etc. Just get a couple of models down and pull the trigger!

My compressor is one of those that almost no one has ever heard of but it does a great job and has been trouble free for six+ years.

Same goes for my epoxy floor coating...a total industrial product with no advertising to consumers...worked perfectly.

Sorry for rambling.....

[bmwpower]

Krooser,
Your theory of just "pull the trigger" may work for you, but how did you come to the conclusion to buy the compressor you did? Surely you had to use some sort of judgment when deciding what to buy. This is the kind of thing this test could provide.

Maybe it's me, but I like to get the most for my money. If that means researching compressors for months, that's what I do. Then I pull the trigger. I just thought this whole exercise might save some peoples' time.

[kartracer55]

I dont have alot of cash to throw around at 16. I cant take risks on high dollar items like you guy with full time jobs can, so i need to know that what I am buying is gunna hold up and do what I need it too

[OldCarGuy]

Like Kroozer, I feel that consumer reports and ratings are more often than not totally off the mark. And one has to do their own research to purchase the best products that meets their needs and requirements.

I don’t think that many manufactures will ship their products to any small mostly unknown organization for evaluation. Though we might try asking members that own a particular product to put their units to a standard test procedure and report back with their results for comparisons. Basically what we’re doing now; but with a set standard guidelines for each product.

[SuperKid]

... Though we might try asking members that own a particular product to put their units to a standard test procedure and report back with their results for comparisons. Basically what we’re doing now; but with a set standard guidelines for each product.

This sounds like a good idea, but when you think about it, there are just too many variables. One compressor may be 6 months old, another may be 6 years old. Or one compressor may have been taken car of, and another may have been abused.

But, I think if we can't get BMW's idea to work, this may be a reasonable alternative.

[Luckydevil]

Before you contact any of the companies you gotta have a nice and professional plan with all the details laid out. I wouldn't put it past some of them to give us a ringer though...

We'll end up finding a custom made JE piston in one of the overbored Husky units. :lol_hitti

[Jeepguy]

I work for a company that might be interested C.H.Reed inc. out of hanover PA, we stock mostly industrial 30hp and up but we do have a retail line dedicated to mostly higher end body shops, garages and home owners. let me know if you guys are serious about this.

[bmwpower]

I work for a company that might be interested C.H.Reed inc. out of hanover PA, we stock mostly industrial 30hp and up but we do have a retail line dedicated to mostly higher end body shops, garages and home owners. let me know if you guys are serious about this.

Cool! So what brands do you sell?

[RAYJAY]

there web page

http://www.chreed.com/compressed_air.htm

[Jeepguy]

yeah the above address is our webpage. We like all compressor companies minus sears, home depot, etc.... are really landlocked with almost all of our brands because of territory but we do sell a rather wide variety that are not really known by joe homeowner. Champion is our retail line, as well as some quincy recips and a couple of ALUP units. other than those we are an industrial warehouse. we have a couple of 5 hps and 6.5's and 7.5's but mostly 3 stage pumps, 3 phase power, and rotary screws up to 200hp in stock. I wouls suggest the Champion Advantage 2 stage 5hp if this comparison were to happen, its at the bottom of the highline price list at $2,095. but has all the bells and whistles. you can check the specs at our website.

[bmwpower]

Well, if we do move forward with this, we still have a lot of preparation for the test plan. I still haven't heard from Ryan if it's okay to move forward. We'd definitely need the help from the members for preparation, testing, etc. Also, some technical people to develop a testing procedure that will scale across the models chosen.

I'm thinking we shoot for a lower end model (sub $1500) and an upper end model ($2000+). What do you think? Or maybe break it down by CFM categories.

[Jeepguy]

The only reliable test would be CFM or lack there of I as well as most of you know that CFM is what matters in most situations. you might also want to look into direct drive, belt driven, oiless, and splash lubrication as categories. Maybe even single stage and two stage. these types of tests are performed a lot just not for the average wrencher more for industry and manufacturing

[Ryan]

Sounds super cool... What can I do to help?

[bmwpower]

Sounds super cool... What can I do to help?

Great! First off, we need to frame things out a little more. Ryan, we'd need you to write the vendors/manufacturers to ask if they're interested in participating, but only after we frame things out.

If anyone is interested in participating in some way, let us know.

[Jeepguy]

Okay guys, I dont have this comparison test digital but i can fax it to one of you guys to look over as a spin off for a good testing platform. PM me with a fax or email your fax to me at travishoffman@chreed.com

[bmwpower]

pm sent....