Air Venturi, daystate t1 or wait for Hatsan Lightning?

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jaydoski

jaydoski

Member
Jun 16, 2016
127
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CA, United States
Hey everybody, I have finally decided to look at compressors, as seems there are a lot more choices out now. I do have a few places to fill up my SCBA (Joe B Great white) to 4500 but they're inconvenient to go drive 30 minutes, drop it off, then go back later to have to go pick it up again.

I was originally looking at the Air Venturi compressor since it's pretty cheap and seems easy to use. I've never used any compressor before let alone one that produces 4500 psi so I don't know much about it. I'm sure the people that got it are happy with it but I feel like if I spend $1300 anyways I might as well just spend a little more and get a Daystate 110v unit.

Then of course Hatsan announced they have their Hatsan Lightning compressor coming out this year, which I don't know much about either but I'm sure if very comparable to the Air Venturi one.

Which would you guys go with? I mean obviously the Daystate t1 costs more and is not made in China but everyone seems to like their AV units. I don't shoot regularly (I don't shoot in my yard) but I do like to go shooting on weekends when I can. I don't mind waiting for the Hatsan when they do finally come out but I'm not even sure of its merits over the AV if there even are any. Daystate t1 seems like the best unit but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra dough. Who's to say if I'm already gonna cough up $2k for the t1, why not just go with the 4 stage t2 unit for $3k? Would the t2 unit even be worth it over the t1? Like I said I don't shoot THAT frequently but the fact that the t1 could take 20-30 minutes and probably a couple bleed offs during fill (means I would have to babysit the tank when topping off, another inconvenience) vs the t2 that would probably take ten minutes or less (no bleed off, no babysitting). Also assuming since the operating time is gonna be a lot less with the t2 unit that it would last longer, since it has less wear on parts.

What say you, compressor experts?

 
I would also look at the Alpha Carette compressor that Joe B sells. Not sure about adding in the Alpha Filter, since the AC already comes with a PMV, and you can get a good filter/dryer for under $100 on AliExpress. Yes, its slower than the AV, Tuxing, or Hatsan, but it runs at 1/4 the speed of those (similar) compressors. So, $1399 plus $100 and for approx. $1500 you have one that will last a very long time. It has the auto drain function, so no baby sitting your compressor. 

​FYI, I don't have one. I have the two cylinder Tuxing, but of the four (AV, AC, Tuxing, Hatsan), I'd say the AC is the most quiet, most reliable, runs coolest, and easiest to maintain in that price range...

Downside is that compared to the other three, its slow... Direct from the ExpertHPA web site concerning the AC compressor:
"It is a stand-alone water cooled unit that will top off our 71 Cu Ft (410 Cu In) Tiger Shark tank from 3000 PSI to 4500 PSI in ONLY 1.5 Hours"
​I can tell you that my two cylinder Tuxing takes less than 20 minutes for the same task...

http://www.airtanksforsale.com/alpha90/
 
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I have the Daystar T2 after moving up from the Omega. Omega was a great compressor, worked well for over 100+ hours when it started to get tired. The thing that made the Omega such a great compressor is Tod at AOA. He is their compressor guy and a great guy to work with. When my Omega started getting tired he had me send just the compressor head back to him and he made it brand new for something like 100 bucks. I would rate compressors by service available. I shoot a-lot and the Omega that took 30 min to fill my 74 cu ft tank was great until I started attratcing friends and brothers and became the supplier of air. So, treated myself to the Daystar T2. It has everything and does everything automatic except purge itself. On that point it simply doesn't run long enough to need purged. Fill time for my 74 cu ft tank is just over 4 min. It's about a year old and has about 2 1/2 hours on it. I'll never wear it out. And service and parts are not a problem should the need arise. A top end compressor is going to provide you faster fill times, better reliability and the lack of having to do a rebuild somewhere down the line. Unless you put it in a commercial application and pile the hours on. The other thing is when it does come time to sell, it will bring a higher resale. That's just my opinion. Good luck Sylvan
 
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I own a Carette compressor and love it. Alpha-Carette is a sales promotion from the importer to sell their own add on filter housing instead of the factory filter that Carette designed for their compressor. The empty bracket with the hole in it on the left side of the Carette is where the manufacturer's filter and PMV are supposed to be mounted. It only becomes an Alpha Carette when someone buys the Alpha filter housing. It is a well designed compressor. I would choose it hands down over an Air Venturi or forthcoming Hatsan compressor which does have a few nice upgrades over the Air Venturi.

To answer to your question, AofA's website has a demo model Daystate T1 for $1899. It is the best value of your 3 choices so you should go for that deal. A Daystate is actually made by Coltri. Coltri is a true dive compressor manufacturer in Italy that has an excellent reputation. You will need to buy an aftermarket air filter which you can get for $79 shipped and will work perfectly with the Daystate.. The Daystate is only a few hundred dollars more than either a Carette, Air Venturi, or Hatsan and it's a true dive compressor minus a few convenience features like the $3200 Daystate T2 includes. It fills at the same speed as the Air Venturi but it doesn't smell of burning oil, it's quieter, and it has 3 stages so is not working nearly as hard as the Air Venturi to achieve it's fill speed. All you ever do is make oil changes since it's air cooled. The Daystate is hands down the best value, especially if you can pick up the one that's on their website for $1899. I like the Carette second but if I was in the position you are I'd go for the T1.
 
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Thx for all the replies and input guys. After reading the thread and doing a bunch of research, I am now certain I don't want the AV unit anymore, and am looking at either a Daystate T1, T2 or maybe just going the Airetex route. I really was intending just to go with a t1 since it's 110v (I do have 220v outlets in my garage) and can be bought for only $1900 at AoA, but then I start to think, if I'm already spending pretty much $2k, what's to say not to just pony up another $1100 or so to get their T2 unit? It is 4 stages so it will work less hard, less run time so longer time inbetween rebuilds and I won't have to babysit the tanks being topped off to bleed it every ten minutes (I'm mostly just gonna top off a Great White 550 cu. in tank from 3k to 4500 psi, so I imagine I would have to at least bleed it once during the top off). Not to mention it has an auto shut off.

Then after kinda leaning towards a T2, I then saw the Airetex stuff. It's pretty much priced similarly to the t2, but it looks way sturdier and beefier, and from what I've read on their website, rebuilds are recommended at 2k hours as opposed to 500 hours of the Daystate. Bad thing is, the unit is huge and weighs about twice the weight. I don't see weight as that big of an issue though because I don't see myself lugging it around anywhere. If i needed portable air I doubt I would need more than a large SCBA tank of air anyways, so it will just pretty much sit in one spot, but I guess that is one benefit to the T1 or T2, is that it's portable (T1 more so since it can run off a 110v outlet). 

I'm a recreational weekend shooter (not even every weekend at that) so I kinda feel the T1 might be enough for my needs, but do you guys think the cost is worth buying something nicer like the t2 or the Airetex? I mean it would be nice to know that the unit will last longer (and probably better resale value as someone mentioned above), but I mean no point in buying something that I don't really need right? I thought I was deadset on a t1, then I started looking at the new T2's and now I feel like I'm lost again lol. Leaning towards a T2 or the Airetex to be honest, but what do you guys think?
 
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I have the Airetex 45. I bought it after a lot of research and reading posts from owners of different compressors. My main goal was "plug and play" ready, no other filters/ dryers/ accessories to buy, and longevity. Yes, It is a large unit, built like a tank. It has to be delivered by a freight company; 250 lbs shipping weight, about 175 unpacked. I have mine mounted on a four wheel dolly and roll it over to my tank for use. I have filled my 98 ft tank many times over( from 3000 to 4800 psi). It takes about 4 to 5 minutes to top off. I even fill my shooting buddy's 6000 psi nitrogen tank(to 4800). In 2 years of use, I have 10.8 hours on the unit. Still smells new ! I paid about $3200 shipped and have never regretted it. Hope this helps.
 
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"jaydoski"Thx for all the replies and input guys. After reading the thread and doing a bunch of research, I am now certain I don't want the AV unit anymore, and am looking at either a Daystate T1, T2 or maybe just going the Airetex route. I really was intending just to go with a t1 since it's 110v (I do have 220v outlets in my garage) and can be bought for only $1900 at AoA, but then I start to think, if I'm already spending pretty much $2k, what's to say not to just pony up another $1100 or so to get their T2 unit? It is 4 stages so it will work less hard, less run time so longer time inbetween rebuilds and I won't have to babysit the tanks being topped off to bleed it every ten minutes (I'm mostly just gonna top off a Great White 550 cu. in tank from 3k to 4500 psi, so I imagine I would have to at least bleed it once during the top off). Not to mention it has an auto shut off.
Then after kinda leaning towards a T2, I then saw the Airetex stuff. It's pretty much priced similarly to the t2, but it looks way sturdier and beefier, and from what I've read on their website, rebuilds are recommended at 2k hours as opposed to 500 hours of the Daystate. Bad thing is, the unit is huge and weighs about twice the weight. I don't see weight as that big of an issue though because I don't see myself lugging it around anywhere. If i needed portable air I doubt I would need more than a large SCBA tank of air anyways, so it will just pretty much sit in one spot, but I guess that is one benefit to the T1 or T2, is that it's portable (T1 more so since it can run off a 110v outlet). 
I'm a recreational weekend shooter (not even every weekend at that) so I kinda feel the T1 might be enough for my needs, but do you guys think the cost is worth buying something nicer like the t2 or the Airetex? I mean it would be nice to know that the unit will last longer (and probably better resale value as someone mentioned above), but I mean no point in buying something that I don't really need right? I thought I was deadset on a t1, then I started looking at the new T2's and now I feel like I'm lost again lol. Leaning towards a T2 or the Airetex to be honest, but what do you guys think?
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Jay, I've owned a Bauer Utilus compressor after doing several compressor upgrades. It would be comparable to the Airetex 45 in weight and durability. My suggestion to you based upon my experience and your usage requirements is to get either the T1 or T2 from Daystate. I can promise you that even if you're 21 years old you won't EVER put 500 hours on either one of those 2 for a rebuild. Trust me when I tell you that the difference between a 95 lb. compressor and a 175 lb. compressor is huge. I'm talking about the space it takes up. Don't underestimate the ease of connecting to any 110 volt outlet over a dedicated 220V outlet either. I'm using a Carette and loving it even though it's 4 times slower filling than a Bauer. If I could have gotten an as new LC100 Daystate for $1899 I would have purchased it instead of the Carette. A Daystate/Coltri is a true dive compressor which is air cooled. The Carette has more convenience features but it's Chinese so its long term durability is still a question mark.
 
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I like the airtex units, Bruce " Curly" is a long time airgunner as well as a straight forward business man if considering an airtex call and talk a bit, ask your questions , tell them your other thoughts on other model & learn & listen.

Naturally Bauer is a great choice but dollar for dollar and for airgtun use - even up to hosting the World's or such, the airtex is a good choice.


John

edit:
I currently use the altros booster.
 
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I have the Daystate T1 and I like it a lot. It's not very loud, it's air cooled (which I like), and it pumps fast enough (since I only use it to fill my bottle and from there to the air gun). Also, its 110v which is an advantage for me.

I don't mind that it doesn't have an auto shutoff although it would be nice. I could afford the T2 but I just couldn't justify the extra $1k since I'm only using the compressor for my own guns.

If I had to do it over again, I would do the same thing.

Hope this helps.
 
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