The same but different…compressors

[Blackpaw]

At this time I am amusing myself by looking at different portable compressor options. Currently, I have to rebuild my PCP support materials. I a 1.1 L Best Fitting buddy bottle still and need a larger tank for day to day use, however, I want a portable compressor for road trips and over-landing which can fill the buddy bottle. I love heading out for hours and like the buddy bottle option to refill in the field. The one portable compressor that attracted my attention which says it can fill my buddy bottle is the Omega Trail Charger. Omega is a solid brand, so it seems and so I figure for $860 bucks you could count on it not to leave you hanging in the field. However….

The Omega Trail Charger looks identical in design (outside) to compressors that are more in the $500 range. If I remember 2nd grade math that is $360 difference which looks like the same compressor. The specs look similar with some variation, but $360 bucks is $360 bucks. A comment, I saw @Wisconsonairgunners video on the Airmarksman compressor available through @utahairguns (I am sure they won’t sell crap), yet it isn’t the most robust kid on the block), so out of selection.

What am I missing? Yes I do and don’t see see similarities in design, but still. Is it $360 difference in design?!

 

[Saltlake58]

Look up the GX compressor on the Compressor forum. You might contact the people that have it directly and see what they say. Appears the GX does not come with the 120 v plug adapter, that's extra. Not sure if the Omega comes with the 120v power pack, That might be $50 to $100 of the price.

You are right though, I really don't see any difference

Edit:

By the way, if you read the descriptions:

Omega from AoA: fill a 190cc cylinder from 1800psi to 3300psi is a swift 2:30 minutes. The Trail Charger filled a 480cc carbon bottle from 1800psi to 3500psi in a mere 8:30 minutes

GX CS3 Amazon Description: Fill a 190cc tank from 1800psi to 3300psi is a swift 2:30 minutes; Filled a 480cc carbon bottle from 1800psi to 3500psi is in a mere 8:30 minutes

Even the same grammatical errors (Filled a 480cc Carbon fiber bottle, should be Fill a 480 carbon fiber bottle).

Something tells me the guts are the same. . . . . . .

 

[Deleted member 25487]

My Omega trail charger is water & fan cooled and came with the 120V adapter

 

[Saltlake58]

Water vs Air cooling would make a difference. How large is the water reservoir and does it work on 100 degree days (I've had way too many of those this summer).

 

[Deleted member 25487]

I live in southern AZ.. I use the trail charger for topping off bottles and guns in my garage. I do my tank bulk filling with my Alkin 31..Not sure without looking it up on the size of the water reservoir but it also has fan cooling. I have no complaints so far. And would buy another. It’s been a good little compressor going on two years of topping things off to 4500 psi. Never ran it more then say 30 minutes at a time without a 5-10 min cool down in between and 15 min or so cool down before shutting things down.

 

[lunchbox]

I have been running the trail charger over this past summer. When I received it, the main power switch would only stay on every 10-20 throws (it’s basically acts like a circuit breaker in your house). I was able to call AOA and their repair guy sent me out a replacement right away. Easy fix, had to pull the outer case, thought I had a pic of the inside but can’t seem to find it. Not sure if you would get the same kind of service and/or parts with the Amazon one.

It is pretty quiet and fills decently fast. I only use it to fill bottles on guns so nothing overly large. There is a decent sized radiator on the inside and the compressor came almost full with water so not sure on the capacity but my guess would be 8 to 16 oz.

Looking at the two they are definitely different, some of the main components on the front and top are in completely different locations, such as the bleed valve, power switch and fan location. After having mine apart and looking how things are mounted I would think they are different. Now granted I couldn’t check the two side by side and there maybe some crossover of comments. Maybe the Amazon is a copycat of the Omega?

The only other thing I would say is be careful if you remove the bleed screw all the way (no other reason why except for curiosity). There is two balls behind it one that is metal and a smaller one that was plastic. Very easy to loose.

 

[LMNOP]

The portable and low-end inexpensive compressors, regardless of label or reseller, are always made out of Chinesium. Nothing wrong with Made in China but be weary of those who do not clearly state the country of origin. Many are paying 200% markup on Chinesium goods with a different name.

I am more trusting of those resellers who clearly state the country of origin rather than ignoring it completely by placing their company logo on it implying it is not rare Chinesium goods.

 

[10mikemike]

You get water cooling, 120 VDC input, a grease pot, and US support with the Omega branded Chineseum vs. the GX brand Chineseum. For an extra $360 I'd rather get the Omega branded Chineseum.