Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow High-Volume 12-Volt Air Compressor

• Inflate a tire in less than 2 1/2 minutes
• 120 PSI air compressor
• 16-foot coiled hose
• Storage bag included
• Ideal for off-road vehicles

I just received the MV-50, and it is a well-built, compact unit with good convenience features. The heavy duty nylon carrying case and 15 foot hose are a pleasant surprise for a modestly priced unit.

The rated output is 72 litres per mimute, or about 2.5 cubit feet. The delivery pressure isn't stated for that volume. The maximum rated output pressure is 120 PSI. These are ratings on par with a light duty compressor operated from AC wall power. The owner's manual is a bit vague on duty cycle, staing that a cool-down is required after 30 minutes of operation. The MV-50 can inflate a flat car tire in about three to four minutes, so there should be no need to worry about duty cycle for most applications.

Several people remarked they wish the MV-50 came with a cigarette lighter attachment. The MV-50's motor draws up to 30 amps, which would melt the contacts or at least blow the fuse on most lighter sockets. For instance, the 12 volt socket on my Toyota truck is rated and fused for 15 amps.

The MV-50 comes with clips for attaching dierectly to the 12 volt battery to maximimize the current it can draw and to make sure it receives full battery voltage. As rated, the MV-50's motor should develop 3/4 horse power or more. This assures plenty of power for rapid inflation.

Another reviewer remarked about finding the MV-50 for only $25. That was apparently a short-lived sale at Pep Boys, where the wrong model was briefly discounted. I think they meant to discount the normally less expensive MV-30. Even at the typical $69-$70 price, the MV-50 is a good value.

Plusses: Modest cost. Included accessories and carry bag. 12 volt portabilty. Well manufactured. Long hose. Air chuck makes positive connection by screwing to tire's Schraeder valve. Fairly quiet operation. Generous CFM and pressure.

Minuses: Needs direct clip-on to battery. The quick-connect fitting is slightly different than the coupling on most air tools. The air chuck must be screwed on to the tire's Schraeder valve.

Over-all, five stars. I recommend the MV-50 with no regrets.

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This little machine is capable of pulling so much current, that it would blow most fuses for Cigarette lighters, which is why the adapter isn't included. It needs to be clipped directly to the battery, and is good at filling large truck tires in a couple minutes.