Presenting an intriguing yet somewhat flawed take on a crucial device that most dedicated touring riders would be wise to include in their essential gear. As a seasoned solo long-distance touring rider, one quickly realizes that self-reliance in times of trouble hinges on preparation. The more thorough the preparation, the lower the likelihood of encountering problems on the road. While I typically carry a set of spare parts and tools in my bags, the reality is that I've seldom needed to use them.
However, embarking on solo journeys covering thousands of kilometers underscores the importance of having access to air, not just for breathing but also for maintaining tire pressure. Consequently, an air compressor, puncture kit, and tire pressure gauge became swift additions to my essential gear list. Since these items need to be accommodated on motorcycles, they must be as compact and lightweight as possible.
The latest entry in the air compressor market is the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor, which we'll refer to as MPEAC for brevity throughout this review. We recently received a review unit and thoroughly tested it, including reinflating a neighbor's motorcycle tires from zero to the recommended pressure. Let's delve deeper into its features.
What Is It?
An air compressor is a small device designed to pressurize air, primarily for filling tires but also adaptable for use with accessories like basketballs and soccer balls. The MPEAC's compressor operates on a 2000mAh battery that can be conveniently charged via USB (please note that a charger is not included, but a cable is provided). Additionally, the package includes adaptors for bicycle tire valves and the necessary pin adaptor for inflating sports balls.
The compressor unit itself boasts an attractive black plastic rectangular design with vents on both sides to dissipate the heat generated during operation. It features a screen with large white letters, resembling an iPod, along with a 'rotary dial' containing four buttons and a central on-off switch. An LED indicator at the bottom displays white when the battery charge exceeds 50%, orange between 50% and 20%, and red below 20%. At the top, you'll find a short rubber tube with a screw-on valve, which is connected to the tire's valve. Pulling out the tube activates the MPEAC, while reinserting it turns it off.
The device also includes a small LED light on top that can be activated using the 'dial' to illuminate the surrounding area if needed. The dial incorporates plus and minus buttons for setting desired pressure levels, along with four presets tailored to various vehicles, including bicycles, cars, motorcycles (with a peculiar scooter icon), and balls. Pressure can be displayed in either Bar or PSI, and when connected to a tire, the MPEAC provides a real-time reading of the current tire pressure. You can set your target pressure, and the device features an automatic shut-off function. The pressure measurement accuracy stands at plus or minus 2 PSI.
What Performs Well
The MPEAC boasts an appealing design and, at approximately 500g, strikes a balance between weight and portability. As with most AirInflator Pro compressors, the MPEAC doesn't provide lightning-fast inflation, but it gets the job done reasonably well. It took just under 13 minutes to inflate a rear tire with a 180-section from zero to the recommended 36 PSI, which is acceptable. Topping up both of my bike's tires, which were 6 PSI below the recommended pressure, took about 4-5 minutes each, a respectable performance.
Connecting the MPEAC to a tire is hassle-free, thanks to the well-crafted screw-on cap, which minimizes air loss upon disconnection. This is a notable improvement compared to other units, which often lose 1-2 PSI when detaching the tube due to less robust mechanisms.
The MPEAC also seems to generate less heat and produces less noise compared to other similar devices. While these factors may not be pivotal for selecting an air compressor, they contribute to a more comfortable user experience.
Regarding charging times, I typically charge the device overnight before a tour, so I don't have precise figures on how quickly it charges. However, the battery aspect of the product presents some drawbacks, as discussed below.
Room for Improvement
For a device intended as emergency backup equipment, the MPEAC's three-step battery status indication may fall short. It would be beneficial to have a more detailed display to quickly gauge the battery's charge level. While the LED indicator during charging blinks and remains steady at full charge, there's no way to determine the exact charge level during usage. After approximately 25 minutes of use (including two tire top-ups and inflating from zero to 36 PSI), the battery level dropped below 50%. However, it's impossible to ascertain whether this was 49% or 21%, which can be frustrating.
Another concern lies with the tube design. While it appears well-made, its locking-style configuration means it could be vulnerable to pressure damage when packed inside luggage. This potential damage is worrisome, considering that these tubes play a crucial role in accurately measuring tire pressure and triggering the auto cut-off function. I've experienced a pinched tube in another device that falsely registered significantly higher pressure, rendering it unusable for tire inflation.
The preset pressure settings are useful only if your vehicle happens to align with the pre-programmed pressures. The MPEAC doesn't remember any adjustments you make, which means you need to reconfigure the settings each time you use it, making it less convenient.
However, my primary concern, and the reason I would hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend this device, is its lack of pass-through charging capability. This means you cannot use the compressor to inflate tires while it's charging. In practical terms, this could lead to a situation where you're stuck waiting on the side of the road while the device replenishes its battery, which seems counterproductive. I've used air compressors both with and without built-in batteries, and I've found that relying on the vehicle's battery, backed by the engine, is a more dependable power source.
In contrast, my Rs 990 ResQTech equivalent, although slightly larger to pack, draws power from the bike and can inflate multiple tires without the need for battery recharging. The MPEAC claims to handle up to five bike or car tires on a single charge, but due to the lack of detailed battery indications and charging times, this claim is difficult to trust implicitly. Most riders are unlikely to experience simultaneous tire deflation on five tires, making this more of a documentation issue than a practical concern.
Conclusion
The MPEAC is priced at Rs 2,299 on store.mi.com and appears to be a crowd-funded product, making it somewhat challenging to find on mainstream e-commerce platforms like Amazon. Availability seems to be sporadic, with a surge of interest followed by delays in shipment for many early buyers. Starting from August 25, 2020, the product should be accessible for purchase on Mi.com, Flipkart, and AirInflator Pro Home stores.
In isolation, the MPEAC is an attractive and functional device that fulfills most of its promises. It stands out as one of the most visually appealing options available, albeit with limited availability. I recommend exploring alternative products on the market, as there are several generic options that perform admirably. While the MPEAC offers a pleasant user experience, it's wise to consider other options before
Specifications:
- Name: AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor
- Dimensions (cm): 12.4 x 7.1 x 4.53 with a 180mm air hose
- Pressure range: 3 to 145 PSI, ±2 PSI accuracy
- Adaptors: Schrader valves (standard), Presta valves (included), pin valve (included)
- Battery: 2,000mAh
- Charging: Micro-USB
- Charging time: Less than 3 hours (claimed)
In conclusion, while the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor (MPEAC) has its merits, including an attractive design and reasonable inflation times, it falls short in a few critical areas. The limited battery status indication and the inability to inflate tires while charging are significant drawbacks for a device meant to serve as an emergency backup. Additionally, the lack of detailed availability and potential delays in obtaining the product may further complicate the purchase process.
For prospective buyers, it's advisable to explore other options in the market, as there are reliable alternatives that offer similar functionality without these limitations. While the MPEAC offers a pleasant user experience and fulfills its primary functions, the aforementioned shortcomings should be carefully considered before making a purchase decision.
Additionally, when considering an air compressor for your touring needs, it's crucial to weigh the convenience and practicality of various features. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Battery Indicator: Given the device's reliance on a battery, a more comprehensive battery status indicator would greatly enhance user confidence. Knowing the exact charge level can prevent unexpected interruptions during tire inflation.
- Tube Durability: While the MPEAC's tube design is commendable for minimizing air loss during disconnection, it's important to ensure its long-term durability, especially when packed in luggage where it may be subject to pressure damage.
- Preset Settings: The MPEAC's preset pressure settings are helpful, but the device could benefit from retaining user-configured adjustments to streamline future tire inflation tasks.
- Pass-Through Charging: The absence of pass-through charging is a notable limitation. If you prioritize uninterrupted operation, particularly during long journeys, you may want to explore alternatives that offer this feature.
- Availability: Depending on your location and preferences, availability may be a concern. Be sure to check where and how the product can be purchased to avoid potential delays or frustrations.
In summary, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor has its strengths and weaknesses. While it is an appealing and functional device for tire inflation, potential buyers should carefully evaluate their specific needs and preferences before making a decision. Exploring other options on the market and considering the device's limitations, such as battery status indication and pass-through charging, can lead to a more informed choice when selecting an air compressor for your touring adventures.
Furthermore, it's important to remember that the choice of an air compressor can significantly impact your riding experience, especially during long-distance journeys. Here are some additional factors to consider when evaluating air compressors for your touring needs:
- Inflation Speed: While the MPEAC offers reasonable inflation times, some riders may prioritize faster inflation, especially when dealing with multiple tires or larger volumes of air. Assess your preferences and needs in terms of speed.
- Portability: The MPEAC strikes a balance between weight and portability. However, for riders who prioritize minimal weight and size in their touring gear, there may be even more compact options available.
- Reliability: When it comes to emergency equipment, reliability is paramount. Ensure that the compressor you choose has a track record of dependable performance, as tire inflation is a critical task on the road.
- Customer Support: Investigate the manufacturer's customer support and warranty policies. In the event of issues or questions, responsive customer service can make a significant difference in your overall experience.
- Price: Compare the cost of the MPEAC with alternative air compressors on the market. Balancing your budget with the features and performance you require is key to making a cost-effective choice.