Coleman Air Compressor: Black & Decker ASI500 12-Volt Cordless Air Station Inflator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This compressor/inflator is very attractive.It is also lightweight and all the accessories with the exception of the charger store right on the unit.

I have owned compressors and I have owned high volume inflators.However, I have not owned a unit that includes both functions, and none of my units have ever been cordless.

Mounted on the front of the unit are three connectors for inflatables and balls.The high volume hose has a large connector and there is also a high volume adapter for pushing in the internal flap of some inflatables.On the front is an LED light for working in the dark.

The digital dial is bright and easy to read both in daylight and at night, and it has a sleep mode to save battery life.

Right out of the box, I see nothing but perks.

THE OPERATION

Operating the pump was not intuitive.First, I hooked up the pump to the tire and pushed the power button.That is the logical thing to do, and all my previous compressors have worked that way.Nothing happened.

I read the manual and it said first, I need to press the button to choose the compressor function or high volume function.Then, I need to press the "+" or "-" button until the pressure reading flashed "0," and then press the "+" or "-" button until the pressure reading was what I want.

It was a task to have to keep pushing the "+" button down repeatedly, especially when I need to go from "0" to "80."There was no way to advance the reading by using continuous pressure.It was just push-push-push.Then and only then do I push the power button to start the inflation.Once the desired pressure is reached, the power turns off automatically.

The operation is not difficult once I learned the steps, but it is not intuitive.I recommend storing the manual and the compressor together for others to reference, just in case.

BATTERY LIFE AND CAR ADAPTER

For the first run, I charged the battery as instructed for five hours.With that charge, I was able to inflate 1 truck tire, 4 minivan tires, and 4 children's bike tires over the course of three days before the battery died.(Note that none of these were inflated from a fully deflated state.)

Afterwards, I tried using the car adapter.The cord is conveniently wrapped to the bottom of the unit.It was long enough to reach to the back tires of my minivan.

I tried running the unit of off the charger plugged into the outlet, but the unit would not run.If I am not near my car and the unit is out of batteries, I am out of luck.

HIGH PRESSURE

The manual states that for pressures above 100 PSI, the compressor must not be operated for longer than 10 minutes at a time and with 20 minute breaks between usage.I did not find the maximum capacity listed in the manual or on the box.

I did test the unit up to 84 PSI and it functions well.The only problem is it's difficult sometimes to unhook the nozzle from the valve, so I have air escaping.So much air escapes that when I inflate to 84 PSI, by the time the nozzle is unhooked, there is only about 78 PSI left in the tires.To get 36 PSI in my minivan tires, I need to inflate to 38 PSI.The workaround is to over inflate the tires.

The compressor can be used as a pressure gauge.Just hook up the nozzle and the pressure reads on the digital dial.HIGH VOLUME

I inflated some of my children's inflatables and found high volume inflation to be quick.The inflator also will deflate the toys.

One thing to note is the auto-off feature will not work with the high volume inflation.There is no pressure gauge function when high volume inflation is selected.

LED LIGHT

This is a simple yet useful feature.It is bright enough to help when working in the dark.Its operation, like other functions of this compressor/inflator, is not intuitive.There is no on/off button.I must first select the compressor or high volume mode and then press the power button and then the "+" or "-" button twice.

PROS:
+ convenience of compressor and high volume inflator in one unit
+ cordless
+ has a car adapter with a long cord
+ auto shut-off compressor
+ 4 nozzle adapters included
+ will deflate inflatables
+ LED light
+ easy to read dial
+ unit has a sleep mode
+ can be used as a pressure gauge

CONS:
- unintuitive operation
- will not operate off of wall outlet
- automatic shut-off does not function with high volume setting
- short battery life
- must overinflate due to loss of pressure when disconnecting nozzle from tire

SUMMARY

This is a great unit.It looks beautiful and performs well.I did not find it any louder than the other compressors I have owned.The only problem is the (lack of) ease of use.The elderly may be easily confused by it -- or any young person without a manual for that matter.If you don't mind reading manuals, this unit is wonderful.

UPDATE:Due to a comment on my review, I went back to retry the air station pressure setting.I was incorrect in one of my initial observations.The pressure settings can indeed be set by pressing and holding the "+" or "-" buttons and I do not need to press-press-press my way up to 36 pounds.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black and Decker ASI500 12-Volt Cordless Air Station Inflator

Product Description:
Thanks to its range of innovative features, the Black & Decker ASI500 High-Performance Cordless Inflator makes it easy to get the air pressure you need, whether you're at home or on the road. This powerful inflator that combines the versatility of two pressure settings and the freedom of cordless power to inflate or deflate a variety of items including: sports balls, rafts, air mattresses, car and truck tires, bike tires, etc. You can even measure pressure with the inflator's handy digital gauge.

High-Performance
Cordless Inflator
At a Glace:

The High-Performance Cordless Inflator features onboard storage for needles and accessories.
The inflator can be operated from you vehicle's 12-volt DC power outlet. View larger.With 2 pressure settings, this cordless inflator will handle everything from car tires to sports balls.Works Anywhere Under Pressure
Black & Decker ASI500 High-Performance Cordless Inflator is an air station that offers incredible convenience. Featuring long-lasting cordless power, this inflator will give you the versatility you need, when and where you need it, whether you're at home or on the road.
The ASI500 inflator can be operated from you vehicle's 12-volt DC power outlet, or it can be powered by its own internal 12-volt battery for cordless convenience. Be sure to charge the inflator from a wall/120-volt AC outlet for four to five hours, and it will be ready to handle a variety of common objects.
Two Inflation Settings for Any Job
Featuring two pressure settings, the ASI500 can handle just about anything you throw at it. The low-pressure setting is ideal for rafts or mattresses, and the high-pressure setting is perfect for bike and car tires.
In fact, when with the high-pressure setting, you can inflate a completely flat full-sized tire on just a single charge.
Built-In Gauge with Auto Shut-Off for Accuracy
To ensure optimum accuracy, an auto shut-off feature allows you to get within +/- 1 PSI of your required inflation pressure. To avoid over/under inflation or blowouts, just set your desired PSI on the ASI500's digital gauge and then inflate--the air station will shut off at your preset PSI. You can also periodically check your item's pressure via the gauge, which is backlit for easy reading.
Easy to Transport and Store
With a small profile and weighing just 5.2 pounds, the ASI500 is portable and easy to store. Take it with you to your child's soccer game, the beach, or on camping trips, and store it in your trunk or garage between uses.
For added convenience, this air station also features a quick-connect hose and on-board accessory storage, so you can keep track of the included cords, needles, and hoses.
The ASI500 is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
ASI500 Cordless Inflator; inflator hose; air pump hose; three accessories; and charger.

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