Reliable compressor & customer service

I have had several compressors, but the one I prefer, and will run from AC power and from a vehicle battery, is my GX CS3.

I also have a clone GX CS1 as backup, which will also run from AC and the vehicle battery.

Service is quite easy and parts from GX or Target Forge. Target Forge also has very good repair videos on YouTube.

The JTS comp1 is made by GX, although it has a slightly different cooling system from the GX branded models. My only other comment between the two is that the JTS models seem to have loctite in some places that they probably shouldn't, whereas my GX CS3 did not. The comp1's cooling will surpass the Rovair, which is helpful for filling bottles.

I haven't dealt with air venturi for the ROVAIR, but from looking at Pyramyd air's site they currently have better parts availability than the GX compressors. I consider it to be a positive when you can just buy the parts without having to jump through hoops. Generally, Air venturi/ Pyramyd Air have reasonable technical support, however they can get backed up.

The main source that I've found for GX parts is target forge, but there can be very long lead times on things like gearboxes. The importer of GX compressors on amazon isn't particularly knowledgeable about airguns or compressor mechanics.
I have contacted JTS with some technical questions on two occasions and never heard back. They may not answer international inquiries, it's hard to say.

On the GX/ JTS units, you'll occasionally need to clean out the valve on the bottom end of the cylinder (detailed in this video JTS service). Longer term, you'll need to re-lubricate the piston head and gearbox, which Target forge has videos covering.

Maintenance will be dependent on which compressor you decide to purchase. I suggest looking at the GX CS-3I since all is contained within the case and it has an auto shut-off gauge. My experience is that maintenance is on the consumer, sometimes a company may be willing to send replacement parts but the process is time consuming and tedious: filming &/ or taking pictures of what is wrong, sending emails back and forth, etc.. Parts are readily available for the GX line of compressors and overall reviews are good to great. I currently have a JST (clone of the GX CS-3), GX CS-3I, and GX CS4-1, each is running strong even with many years of service on the JTS. Maintenance is easy if you are mechanically inclined and support comes from this community and the Internet with lots of 'how to' videos.

Critterfixer said:

Hello everyone, new here & to airguns. I recently purchased a used FX Dynamic Sniper 357 & have done a little reading on here which is giving me analysis paralysis.
I was trying to decide between the JTS1 and the similarly priced ROVAIR 4500. But I see guys talking about a GX brand as well?
So for a new guy that doesn't shoot a ton and has only one rifle (so far) how do I decide?
I know i want the option to charge off the truck battery.
Who provides great customer service and a reliable compressor?

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My advice is go big and buy the nicest one you can afford, or just stick to buying and replacing the 180 or 200 dollar Amazon orange Shoebox clones. They're all going to be Chinese unless you break out the big money.

Critterfixer said:

Wow! I can go big i guess! I have too many hobbies
Alkin W31 Mariner 3.7 Vertical Compressor | UTAH AIRGUNS https://share.google/AoyQrDvDAHB4xr0zR

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You would definitely be popular at the range.

Critterfixer said:

Hello everyone, new here & to airguns. I recently purchased a used FX Dynamic Sniper 357 & have done a little reading on here which is giving me analysis paralysis.
I was trying to decide between the JTS1 and the similarly priced ROVAIR 4500. But I see guys talking about a GX brand as well?
So for a new guy that doesn't shoot a ton and has only one rifle (so far) how do I decide?
I know i want the option to charge off the truck battery.
Who provides great customer service and a reliable compressor?

Click to expand...

Welcome to Airgun Nation. Being air independent is awesome. Compressors are getting impressive lately and a lot of choices are out there.

I purchased the GX-C4 from Amazon with a $60 2 year replacement warranty. I had a Trail charger that I managed to burn up after two years of abuse.

I like having a portable compressor with auto shut off and external power supply.

I usually fill my tank up two or three times a month from 240 BAR to 300 BAR. Three shooters can stay entertained for about four hours from one tank.

Has been trouble free with a vibration timer and some distilled water. Get the moisture trap and Bob's your uncle.

Youtube is your friend!

Good Luck!

Critterfixer said:

Hello everyone, new here & to airguns. I recently purchased a used FX Dynamic Sniper 357 & have done a little reading on here which is giving me analysis paralysis.
I was trying to decide between the JTS1 and the similarly priced ROVAIR 4500. But I see guys talking about a GX brand as well?
So for a new guy that doesn't shoot a ton and has only one rifle (so far) how do I decide?
I know i want the option to charge off the truck battery.
Who provides great customer service and a reliable compressor?

Click to expand...

Welcome to the best A G N

Don't own one but read a lot and have read good things about the GX brand . Going to buy one myself .

Critterfixer said:

Also I'm hearing about a Gx cs4i and just cs4. Which model do you guys use? I'm down the water separator rabbit hole with Target Forge video at the present moment.

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The "I" stand for inverter, which is built in to that model. So you can run it from AC or DC. Some people prefer the separate inverter though, in case it has an issue. Me? I would get the "I".

Critterfixer said:

Thx, I see it has a built in oil/ water filter when reading the description on Amazon. What is the moisture trap?

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When you compress air the water comes out like squeezing a wet sponge. We don't want this water in our guns. The oil/water separator keeps the air going into our guns dry and the moisture trap is at the bottom of the filter and it's where that water collects. At the end of the filling process you open the bleed screw at the bottom of the filter to drain the collected water out. There is also a bleed screw on the compressor to drain the water from it.

Never owned a Shoebox, they were on the way out when I went full throttle in this hobby. The GX CS4 seems to have basically taken the place of the Shoebox other than not having to use a shop compressor with it.

Avator said:

Never owned a Shoebox, they were on the way out when I went full throttle in this hobby. The GX CS4 seems to have basically taken the place of the Shoebox other than not having to use a shop compressor with it.

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Chinese scotch yoke knockoff killed the Shoebox I think, and the yongnheng type.

Well, more correctly china killed the shoebox and cheap airgun hobbyists that don't see beyond price tag most of the time.

rdtricks said:

Maintenance will be dependent on which compressor you decide to purchase. I suggest looking at the GX CS-3I since all is contained within the case and it has an auto shut-off gauge. My experience is that maintenance is on the consumer, sometimes a company may be willing to send replacement parts but the process is time consuming and tedious: filming &/ or taking pictures of what is wrong, sending emails back and forth, etc.. Parts are readily available for the GX line of compressors and overall reviews are good to great. I currently have a JST (clone of the GX CS-3), GX CS-3I, and GX CS4-1, each is running strong even with many years of service on the JTS. Maintenance is easy if you are mechanically inclined and support comes from this community and the Internet with lots of 'how to' videos.

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+ 1 The CS3 has an auto shut-off gauge and an adjustable pressure relief valve.

I see that as a significant advantage. My CS3's pressure cut-off lead wire became unplugged, which meant that the pressure cut-off ceased functioning. Since I set the relief valve pressure around 3600-3700 PSI, there was no risk to my guns. My Yong Hengs, and CS1 clone lacked this feature. IIRC, my New Warrior had the pressure relief valve, but that is a feature that is high on my list.

The GX line probably has the best support from all the online videos and their response to questions/emails. Some may take a day to get back, but you'll have the support if ever needed.

The CS3 line of compressors is ideal for filling guns, and have a lot of features, and easy to maintain. If you have a cs3-i, the inverter is easy to replace if needed someday.

I personally would go with the cs3-i if you're going to just fill guns or a cs4-i if you will ever being going to a bottle. Of course you could go with either and save a some money by not having the internal inverter.

Which ever you choose just be sure to add a good water separator. I recommend the GX Pro Drian filter system. It's around $130.
You'll also want to keep track of runtime so you can do the scheduled maintenance. I use this one for under $20.