- Ultra light unit that inflates tires up to 31 inch in just minutes
- Unit powered directly from 12-volt direct battery connection allowing for reliable operation
- 120 PSI maximum working pressure and 15% duty cycle
- 12-foot power cable with 30-amp inline fuse and 5-foot inflation hose
- Deluxe storage and carry bag included
I'm very impressed by the performance of the 90P Viair compressor. I originally had wanted to buy the 70P Viair compressor because it was cheaper and because it has the car accessory plug-in (instead of the alligator clips), but both my cars has a 10amp accessory fuse and I did not want to take the risk of blowing them every time I used the compressor (I believe the 70P has a 14 amp draw). This led me to consider either the Masterflow, or the MV50, because of their reviews in Amazon. After reading many reviews later, I decide against both of them, mainly because I wasn't very keen on the screw-on air chuck and the coil spring hose. I wanted the snap-on chuck and didn't want to have to stretch a hose to get to a tire. Plus, I noticed that if the hose is attached to the farthest tire, the gauge would wind up being on other end of the car since it's attached to the compressor. I know these are small inconveniences, but for me, I wanted easy on, easy off, no pulling, and the tire gauge by the tire. The 90P looked to have what I wanted plus I thought it looked sturdier and well built. The price of the 90P was a little more than I wanted to pay but the reviews I read convinced me to give it a shot
I have a couple of tires with slow leaks that I haven't had a chance to bring in to fix. I was amazed at how fast it pumped up my tires from about 25lbs to 32lbs (both tires in about 1 min. each). I also topped off all four of my sister's tire in a few mins. The attached air gauge was just as accurate as my hand held gauge, and the bleeder valve on the chuck is definitely a plus. I know I probably won't be using the compressor as much, once I fix my tires, but WOW, you really get what you paid for. Not only is this fast, it quiet. I'm sure the Masterflow and the MV50 performance are probably comparable based on their reviews, but overall, I'm very happy with my choice. I have two other compressors which I paid about $25 for and they are twice as loud and take about 10 times longer. I'll probably keep one as a spare and throw the other one away.
Of course, after I bought this and used it, I found out that there is an 80P viair out there, also with the snap-on chuck, but for less. I would have gone and exchanged the two to save some money, but, I'm so impressed with 90P's performance that I didn't want to go thru the hassle of mailing it back and risk being disappointed. Will probably try the 80P if I need another one, but if they ever discontinue the 80P, I would definitely buy this one again.
I didn't give this a five star because I thought the wire should have been just a little longer and the price more inline with its competitors.
PRO
Snap-on air chuck with bleeder valve
Fast and very quiet.
Gauge is accurate.
Light and well built.
Fits well in bag (no need to detach hose to fit)
No filters to change/replace.
CON
Price
If you have a big truck, the wire may not reach your furthest tire. I have a pilot and I have only a little more than a feet of leeway (from battery to furthest tire
Buy VIAIR 90P Portable Compressor Now
I got this tire inflator because I didn't want to be dependent on my local gas station to fill my tires up. Last time I went there the air compressor was broken, so I finally bought this.
This unit hooks directly up to your car's battery. My 2010 Honda Accord only puts out 10 amps through the DC outlet inside the car, so I decided to get this one rather than similar units that I have seen that hook up inside your car rather than the battery. I have read other reviews about some of these inflators blowing fuses in the cars, so I was aware of that issue ahead of time.
After connecting the clamps to the battery and turning on my car, I filled up all my tires just to top them off. The compressor is relatively quiet (certainly not loud by my definition) and added about 2 psi to each tire in about 10 seconds for each tire. The unit was a little warm after all four tires, but certainly not anywhere near hot to hurt my hands from touching the metal heatsink. It probably gets hotter if you leave it on for longer, but for periodic tire inflation maintenance, it seems like it is rugged enough to handle it.
The nozzle is a clampdown type which also has a release switch. You press the release switch once to lock it into the release position, and press it again to close it back up.
Most of the parts are made of metal, not plastic. It does have rubber feet on the bottom to absorb the vibrations though. The length of the hose and DC power cord put together is just enough to reach all four tires on my car comfortably. The bag that comes with it fits all of the parts with some room to spare (I also keep my tire guage in there now).
All things considered, I think this is a pretty good unit. The construction feels good, which is reassuring since I had another tire inflator a while back that did not last long. It does everything I expected.
Read Best Reviews of VIAIR 90P Portable Compressor Here
Pros
Quiet operation (specs state 67db) much quieter than the gasoline station compressor
on/off switch
Cables are long enough to reach my rear tires on a full sized sedan with ease (5ft air hose + 11ft power cable).
Filling performance/speed on par with gasoline station compressors
Can work on tires up to 33"
Sturdy metal construction quick connect device
Cons (very minor critiques)
I wish carrying bag was slightly bigger or the location of the air hose outlet could change. When I put the compressor in the bag it seems like it could unnecessarily bend the hose if I' not careful. This is just a very minor complaint.
Haven't gotten the pressure gauge to read correctly.
1 year warranty (wish it was 2 or 3 years)
If you goto viair's website, the 70p is for up to 175/65/15 tires, which is 15" tires. I had 18" tires, so that's why I looked into the 90p.
I also looked at the Masterflow/Q-Industries MF-1050 / MV-50. These pumps are spec'd similarly to the Viair 90p. One confusing thing is that the MF-1050 and MV-50 are the same exact pump did some research online. In the end, I opted for the Viair brand, b/c their website and company history seemed more solid than MasterFlow.
I think a lot of people who get compressors w/ a power rating of only 15A (those that are powered by cigarette lighters or 110v cords) have a pump that's just too underpowered for their needs. That's why it breaks down or they have an unsatisfactory experience.
This Viair 90p definitely meets my needs and I'd recommend it to all.
Want VIAIR 90P Portable Compressor Discount?
I've had the little Viair 90p for about three years now. It's used to pump up tires following off-road trips and sees plenty of use. When other compressors have difficulty pumping up four tires this little thing just keeps going and going pumping up tire-after-tire even in the heat. Other compressors thermal out, overheating and shutting down. The Viair puts out 1.77 cu.ft. of air a minute and puts a 33" SUV tire from 18 psi to 36 psi in about four minutes. It uses a clamp-on valve connector which is quicker and easier to use then the kind that screws in place. Between the electrical cable and air hose it reaches all corners of my SUV with a bit of room to spare.
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I was not happy burning fuel to get to a gas station then shoving $1.75 in quarters to pump air. So, I looked for a better solution; one that I can leave in the garage or take with me in a convenient soft case.
I researched the various portable air compressor products at Amazon.com, especially the reviews. Reviewers complained of blown fuses using the cigarette lighter so I steered to this model that uses battery clamps. The 6 page "User Manual" has four pages of features and safety instructions including not to use when sleepy! There are less the three pages of actual instructions. This product is made in China and its user manual reflects a translation without using it. The manufacturer's web site offers no user manuals and is less than helpful unless you are an engineer.
This unit draws 23 amps and my cigarette lighter circuit has a 7 amp fuse. Even directly connecting to the battery, the manual does advise to run your engine. You then rely upon the 90P's in-line 30 amp fuse. I had no problem with blown fuses either without running the engine or with running the engine.
Next, reviewers complain of short cables. If you drive a truck, it may be too short unless you use those jumper cables you carry to help fellow citizens. I measured 12 feet of power cable and five feet air hose, exactly as advertised. So the 17 feet worked fine for a Jeep and a BMW 5-series. The manual does say to fully uncoil all cables.
Last, reviewers complain of inaccurate pressure gauge readings. The manual does not clarify this. To add pressure, it pumps air in with higher pressure. That affects the real-time pressure gauge reading. As a few reviews pointed out, pump three to four pounds more than you need then turn off the pump. The idle pressure reading is accurate per two other passive gauges I have.
The air bleeder chuck and air pressure hose are heavy duty quality items. The pressure relief valve, while convenient to adjust to a lower pressure, is also tricky to use. Press it too hard and it continually lets air out. I suggest a brief air release before adding air to release any moisture.
My expectations are exactly meet so 5 stars. It is seemingly well made; has multiple attachments; runs much quieter than a commercial air pump; is light weight and fits in a carry pouch. Long-term usage? I do not yet know; but I am registering online for the one-year warranty.
