Almost made a decision

[wolverine]

i've been trying to decided if i should by a handpump, portable compressor, or 4500psi tank.


i thought i had it all figured out.  spending over $200 on a handpump is out.  spending over 1k on a compressor is out. (if i want to stay married) so, buy a guppy tank from airtanksforsale.com.  it will last a lot longer than the compressor at the same or less cost.  today i called both dive shops near me (90 minutes round trip) and found they both can fill to 4500psi.   then i thought...we're moving to north carolina next year, better make sure the shops there can fill to 4500psi.  a quick web search located the 2 closest shops.  both a 3 hour round trip drive.  ouch.  looks like the compressor will be the better value after all.


all i need is another $150 for the crosman. 

[BackStop]

i've been trying to decided if i should by a handpump, portable compressor, or 4500psi tank.


i thought i had it all figured out.  spending over $200 on a handpump is out.  spending over 1k on a compressor is out. (if i want to stay married) so, buy a guppy tank from airtanksforsale.com.  it will last a lot longer than the compressor at the same or less cost.  today i called both dive shops near me (90 minutes round trip) and found they both can fill to 4500psi.   then i thought...we're moving to north carolina next year, better make sure the shops there can fill to 4500psi.  a quick web search located the 2 closest shops.  both a 3 hour round trip drive.  ouch.  looks like the compressor will be the better value after all.


all i need is another $150 for the crosman.

Did you even consider one of the cheap ~$45 Chinese hand pumps?   I am always hearing good things about them.

[wolverine]

I did, and will probably get one as a backup.

[BackStop]

I did, and will probably get one as a backup.

At the price, you might want to get 2 of them as some here have said that they did.

If I ever get something in a PCP other than the Nova Vista Freedoms, that will be the first thing I do.   I am already used to pumping by hand!  (grin)

[AlanMcD]

I think you are making the right choice - a guppy sized tank is a great pairing with your own compressor (provided the compressor is one that can fill tanks without dying in the process), but is not a good fit for filling at a dive shop unless it is very close to you and has low cost fills - you'll simply need to fill it too often for it to be worthwhile. If you want a tank without a compressor, you'll really want something much bigger (and of course those cost more too).

Get the compressor, and then eventually add the Guppy later on . . .

[wolverine]

Alan, that's what i was thinking.  Originally i thought I'd use my scuba tank to fill to 200 bar, then top it off to 230 bar with the guppy, making the guppy's air last longer.   But a 3 hour round trip to the dive shop is a deal breaker.  Plus, my luck I'd get there and they'd want me to leave it.


So, I'll save up some more cash and get the traveler.

[Alan B]

I was able to find a fire extinguisher service company much closer than that, but it was still two trips with bridge tolls plus nearly $15. I started with the midsize 72CF SCBA tank, and after a few years just added a compressor. Did my first dry filtered air topoff this morning. Now ready for that big bore airgun...

[Hoosier Daddy]

Do you already own a standard shop Oil-less compressor?
 A Shoebox f10 will be my next compressor if / when my Yong Heng dies.

I also have a "mid level" Barska Winbest Hand pump as a back-up. It can be had under $100 on Amazon and it I feel it is a step above the $40 model.

As far as refill locations for a tank in your future residence, don't forget to look for Paint-Ball shops / ranges / parks / complexes...  Those guys shoot HPA airguns too, just bigger softer ammo.
 

[wolverine]

Do you already own a standard shop Oil-less compressor?
 A Shoebox f10 will be my next compressor if / when my Yong Heng dies.

I also have a "mid level" Barska Winbest Hand pump as a back-up. It can be had under $100 on Amazon and it I feel it is a step above the $40 model.

As far as refill locations for a tank in your future residence, don't forget to look for Paint-Ball shops / ranges / parks / complexes...  Those guys shoot HPA airguns too, just bigger softer ammo.

i have an 60 gallon, vertical compressor in the garage, but it has an oil sump.  great for sandblasting though! 


the new residence is near the outer banks of north carolina.  didn't find any paint ball shops in the area.  small town that's not close to anything but water.