October 17, 2007

Maxus X-Lite Air Compressors

Maxus, makers of pneumatic tools and equipment (and also welders), are in the process of releasing three new air compressors in their X-Lite series. The X-Lites were launched this past spring and look to solve two of the nagging problems that all compressors have; the weight and the corrosion.

These issues are tackled with the simple fact that the X-Lite tanks are made out of aluminum as opposed to steel. Since aluminum doesn't rust out like steel, you won't be dealing with a blast of rusty water every time you drain the tanks. Also, because of the lack of corrosion, the compressor should last longer, seeing as it isn't rusting from the inside out.

As far as the weight is concerned, the aluminum compressors are considerably lighter than traditional compressors. This is great news for anyone who has ever lugged a 70 lb compressor up three flights of scaffolding. They still have some weight to them, but they're not backbreakers. We compared them to the DeWalts and a few other brands and found that similar models were on average 10-15 lbs heavier than the X-Lites.

But are they heavy-duty enough? According to Maxus, the aluminum used is of, "aircraft quality." We're not sure exactly what that means other than that it can probably take a pretty good beating. Also Maxus is owned by Campbell Hausfeld, one of the best names in compressors, so it's likely that the X-Lites are quality.

All of the new X-Lites have an oil-free pump, a roll bar with grip, and a recessed control panel.

The new X-Lite models are:

EX8017: 2.5-gallon, 1.0 horsepower that weighs 30 lbs. Around $199.
EX2001: A 2-gallon, .5 horsepower that weighs 22 lbs.. Around $149.
EX8019: A 4-gallon, 1.8 horsepower that weighs 5 lbs. Around $349.

For a list of retailers, visit the Maxus website.