So I have a new high capacity 25 cal gun & need to upgrade from my current 3450 psi scuba tanks to something “more”. Can either buy 90+ cu/ft 4500 psi carbon fiber tank & fill a local dive (no real issue) or opt for moderately priced compressor. Tank is probably $700 & compressor is in ballpark. So I see on this forum that compressor topics come up around 5 to 1 over tank topics? No issues using tank except paying $700 for a bottle (it’s just a wrapped form can’t cost nearly that to make) or chances with a compressor & wait to fill my gun? Opinions please. Daddy needs more air! Thanks
New fiber 4500 tank or compressor?
- Thread starter Okie2
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why not go both? problem solved. If have to pick only one, i would go with compressor. Infinite supply of air anytime you need it.
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Get a compressor AND an inexpensive, out of date CF tank. Save money in the long run. If you've any questions about an "expired" CF tank PM me. Been working with them for almost 30 years.
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You can buy an excellent 6.8 liter Omega carbon fiber tank with valve for $550 from AofA and get more fills than any scuba tank. Just be sure your dive shop fills to 4500 psi before buying the tank. Your statement that a tank as a wrapped form shouldn't cost $700 neglects to state that the valve, gauge, fill hose, and quick connect is included and is $200 of the cost. Sometimes a good deal on a used carbon fiber tank set shows up on the AGN classifieds.
Unfortunately, many $700 and under compressors don't survive long enough to justify their cost. The Hill EC-3000 is not cheap at $999 but is the lowest price compressor I would consider if I were buying under your conditions. I recommend a carbon fiber tank set over a compressor if you have a good retail source which charges $10 or less per fill, is a reasonable distance, and gives 4500 psi fills.
Unfortunately, many $700 and under compressors don't survive long enough to justify their cost. The Hill EC-3000 is not cheap at $999 but is the lowest price compressor I would consider if I were buying under your conditions. I recommend a carbon fiber tank set over a compressor if you have a good retail source which charges $10 or less per fill, is a reasonable distance, and gives 4500 psi fills.
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I agree with @Humdinger. Especially the 2nd part. I actually just gave him a + accuracy for his comments there.
How much are you going to shoot along with where are you going to shoot are both questions that you might consider weighing into your decision. Of course, buying both would be the best thing to do but, perhaps not right now. If you're going to shoot a LOT then, you'll want to have your own air supply before very long (compressor). If you're going to travel to shoot then, you'll want to bring a supply with you (bottle) or portable compressor. As stated above, there are additional costs to a tank, related to the filling system to go from tank to rifle. Many compressors already have a foster fitting on the end of the fill hose so, that cost is eliminated.
Used bottles are a great way to save a little $ up front. I'd recommend going for one that's got about 5+ years left on it, to start out with. If buying new, I'd recommend the Omega Patriot. I've used many different styles of bottle valves and the patriot system is one of the best I've used. I wouldn't let the 5yr hydro testing deter you too much. It should only cost you about $40 to get done.
Good luck with whichever route you decide to take and, Happy Shooting!
Tom
How much are you going to shoot along with where are you going to shoot are both questions that you might consider weighing into your decision. Of course, buying both would be the best thing to do but, perhaps not right now. If you're going to shoot a LOT then, you'll want to have your own air supply before very long (compressor). If you're going to travel to shoot then, you'll want to bring a supply with you (bottle) or portable compressor. As stated above, there are additional costs to a tank, related to the filling system to go from tank to rifle. Many compressors already have a foster fitting on the end of the fill hose so, that cost is eliminated.
Used bottles are a great way to save a little $ up front. I'd recommend going for one that's got about 5+ years left on it, to start out with. If buying new, I'd recommend the Omega Patriot. I've used many different styles of bottle valves and the patriot system is one of the best I've used. I wouldn't let the 5yr hydro testing deter you too much. It should only cost you about $40 to get done.
Good luck with whichever route you decide to take and, Happy Shooting!
Tom
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Consider where you will fill the gun. If you shoot at home an plug in pump works great. If your shooting range does not have access to electric outlets, a 110v pump won't help you.
I second the "get both" ideas. A tank will fill the gun fast anywhere and anytime. A pump gives bottomless air but it in not as quick (usually) and is tied to power plug and cooling system (water). At home I direct fill from the pump, in the field I fill off a SCBA tank.
I second the "get both" ideas. A tank will fill the gun fast anywhere and anytime. A pump gives bottomless air but it in not as quick (usually) and is tied to power plug and cooling system (water). At home I direct fill from the pump, in the field I fill off a SCBA tank.
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I used a hand pump in the beginning and then bought a small tank. Shortly after that I started filling at the paintball shot cuz I am old and the pumping was messing my arms up. The 3500psi they filled me to was fine until the Impact came along. Then I bought a Yong Heng probly my best investment in filling these things. I was shooting allot now and running out of air with my small 90ci tank. So then I bought a large 97 cu ft US made tank and now I never run out of air and can shoot for most of the day.
So what I am saying is, the same as some others, sooner or later it is very likely you will be wanting both the tank and the compressor.
http://www.airtanksforsale.com/
So what I am saying is, the same as some others, sooner or later it is very likely you will be wanting both the tank and the compressor.
http://www.airtanksforsale.com/
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I use a bottle, clean dry air and pretty much zero maintenance. 10 bucks for a 4500 fill. It would take a long time to for a good compressor to pay for itself.
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Having been thru this (and I've tried three different ways) I believe Mike is 100% correct with NO reasonable debate AS LONG AS you can get your tank filled to 4500 for $10 with out it being a hassle . You can define hassle
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If you have multiple guns you shoot a lot and they can fill to 250+ bar then the compressor seems like worth considering. You'll go through a 95+ cu feet tank quicker when filling above 200 bar. Someone here who has more experience may be able to get an idea how quick larger tanks run out on higher pressure guns. I have the Great White - AirTanksForSale.com (I am not affiliated with them at all) and have not used any others like it.
For guns going to 200 bar, I'm for the big tank all day long. I typically fill my high pressure guns to 200 bar then fill the remainder with a pump to keep from getting tank refills so often. Therefore I can see why some people might be aiming for the compressor or where some people might say both as well.
For guns going to 200 bar, I'm for the big tank all day long. I typically fill my high pressure guns to 200 bar then fill the remainder with a pump to keep from getting tank refills so often. Therefore I can see why some people might be aiming for the compressor or where some people might say both as well.
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I went or the compressor first, works great as long as I'm shooting at home, endless air. I ordered a tank today, 98cu, 4500psi carbon fiber the portability of it.$10.00 for a refill, realy? ,what about operating cost o the vehilice , time spent verse plug it in, set pressure, walk away, go about your business. IMO no brainer.
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Yup 10 bucks. The dive shop is 8 miles away. It's located in a strip mall I pass on my normal trips to the grocery store. In and out within 10 minutes.
What about your electricity, maintenance on your compressor. Depending on what compressor you have dictates how long it will last.
Using a bottle, at least for me, is the easiest and most efficient way to go.
Okie2 if you buy a compressor make sure you read thru that section on this furum. Try to pick one that has the fewest problems.
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Mike,
There's no doubt about it if you're looking at it from a financial standpoint. My fills were free, from my FD, with clean dry and breathable air, any time I wanted. I also had 2 locations I could go to to fill, anytime, day or night. Free and convenient. Northing has changed, I can still fill at these locations any time I want. Even with all those benefits... I'm still incredibly happy that I bought my own stand alone compressor. It's a high quality Omega Turbo and cost me ~$2000. That's a lot of money to justify, especially when I can do it all for nothing.
There's a large value to having the convenience of HP air, at your own residence, any time you want. The HP air that my Omega puts out is not breathable and hasn't gone through multiple stages of filtering like the FD's compressor produces. But, it's clean enough for my air rifles and available any time I want. I don't even think about filling for free through my FD's anymore. Everyone's situation is different though. For me the value of having the air at my fingertips hold a tremendous value.
Happy Shooting!
Tom
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Thanks guys for all ur experiences! I broke down & ordered the Hatsan Spark with 110/12 adapter & a extra filter. Added a 4 year warranty. Will just use to top off my gun & will have my big 3450 psi tank (120 cu/ft) too.
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If you're asking me, I work there. I'm currently a member of 2 fire stations. One career, one volunteer. I'm also the guy that trains everyone else on how to use the HP compressor systems at both stations.
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