Carette 4500 PSI Compressor Report
The Carette 4500 compressor is a Chinese compressor that seeks to fill the price performance gap between “big boy” dive compressors and Shoebox compressors.
Mr. Wang has kindly supplied a demonstrator unit for testing. As a demonstrator unit rather than a final production unit, the test unit may not match the appearance and configuration of the actual shipped units. This one included a PMV, high pressure air filter unit and automated condensate drain system. I do not know if those features will be in the final configuration. I have been told that the external finish will be better on the actual units. Also, the crankshaft bearing and rods will be more durable than those on this demonstrator.
I had hoped to be testing a unit that is an actual production sample, but because this is a demonstrator unit, bear in mind that the shipped product may differ from what I am testing. This does affect my ability to report whether the machine is a thumbs up or down. If the production units are worse than what I’m testing, I certainly wouldn’t be happy, nor would our forum members. On the other hand, I am getting very appropriate and encouraging responses from the manufacturer regarding my findings. Mr. Wang (Sincere) is actively improving the machine based on my comments.
For instance, he was ready about make changes regarding current draw based on my measurements. I don’t think changing the current draw would be worth it, if it slows the compressors. Also, the amount of oil I see in the condensate was already a known issue on this demonstrator. They already have a different component that cuts the oil bypass to 1/3 what I’m seeing. The oil bypass even on this demonstrator isn’t horrible. He’s also planning how to integrate the air filter on the compressor frame. It’s that type of desire to make a better product that I want in a manufacturer.
Rather than the demonstrator being perfect and production machines worse, we could end up with better production machines. However, I can only report what I am seeing and won’t speculate on what will actually ship to you. On the other hand, I have the impression that Mr. Wang actually does intend to deliver what he promises.
Main Topic Posts Index
Unpacking, Parts, Feature Details
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990&sid=25a9f57107862238e05a475ca0efe908#p371780
Oil, Water, Initial Run-in
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990&sid=25a9f57107862238e05a475ca0efe908#p371781
Rifle Air Cylinder Filling Test
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371782
Great White CF Tank Top Off & Fill From Empty Tests
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371783
24 Hour Torture Test
http://www.talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=35990#p371784
All Replies
One listing is a basic unit.
The other listing has PMV and auto bleed. Funny, it has MY picture of the compressor in the listing.
I’m writing Mr Wang to verify these are actually listings from the Carrette 4500 manufacturer and not someone else.
now tow products on aliexpress with big difference in price
do they both have auto drain?
What are the differences?
very nice review
Well, once you convince the SCUBA community, you should automatically be vetted for the airgun community.
It is nice to see more choices coming on the market. Komptec comes in at the beginning of the upper price range. I see those as a potential alternative for those of us wanting diving compressor quality air and speed, but wanting to spend a bit less than on a Bauer.
The Carrette 4500 is a mid price machine that will produce enough air and of sufficient quality for most single air gunners. I’m hoping they are successful in gaining a US dealership(s). A local support mechanism is always comforting.
I suppose you could compare it to a family..
Our branch is Komptec, we’re proud of our roots, our history and our product.
But we’ve got some cousins we lost touch with. They have different names, and have bad judgement regarding who they hang out with… I don’t think any of those distant cousin are still in business.
Good to have you working on clearing that up. That really hanged a pall over the Komptec name. I practically got run out of town on a rail when I asked about Komptec over on the Scuba forum.
Looking forward to your engineer’s more detailed response over on the Scuba Forum.
Funny situation, though being a decades old company with deep roots, but also distancing away from prior company incarnation’s product in the 90’s.
[quote]Komptec is new to the US market. Strangely, it seems to be not so well regarded on the SCUBA forum, but perhaps as a three stage system with breathing air capability and higher speed, it can find a niche in our air gunning realm. Pricing is going to be an issue as one also has to wonder whether one should just go ahead and get a Bauer or Coltri for a bit more and gain resale value. Heck, if you’re going big boy SCUBA then you get to also think about RIX oil less compressors. /quote]
I looked into what may be behind the “not to well regarded on the SCUBA forum” comment… Looks like some unfortunate history from the past century related to a predecessor company, for a block design unrelated to Komptec’s current KT-90. Take a look at the Komptec, you’ll find a compressor with deep roots and a long term history of support, designed for SCUBA Breathing Air use, as well as industrial use. Air gunners will like it as well due to its build and features.
We are new to the US market. We have one service center already up, and are expanding distribution. We even have PTFE rings on all three stages…
Bill
Probably pulled it in preparation for the full configuration. This is not a sign they are going away.
Actually, the company has asked asked if I would be willing to become an advisor on entering the US market.
I think they are pretty serious about doing this right.
Actually, I’d be a bit unhappy if I bought what was being offered vs what is about to be configured. 😉
Just went to look at this compressor again on aliexpress; it is now listed as no longer available and I can’t find it using a general search for air compressors. If it’s been pulled indefinitely I guess I’ll just have to go with the omega…
Good speech, and excellent review. It will always come to the age old truth, you can’t make a Ferrari out of a Fiat. The cost comes from something always.
If I didn’t have the coltri, carrette would be very high on my list. But I have and I have very big shop comp so I would probably go for the altaros myself.
Marko
Yes, I would prefer if the high side filter on the Carette accepted a standard cartridge rather than a direct contact, self pack design. Dman’s or the Alpha are the style I would select were I given a choice. Come to think of it, a Carette 4500 with auto drain, paired with a Dman high side filter + a PMV and bleed valve after the filter would be nearly ideal.
The high pressure cylinder design of the Carette is a very interesting one. Yes, it is direct contact and you would to replace the liner and cylinder rod. However, I think this design is likely to far outlast any of the rings. It looked pristine after 24 hours of continuous duty. You will replace the o-rings. I don’t know if a single user, air gunner would actually end up replacing the high side cylinder on a Carrette.
My Bauer JR, I don’t expect to replace cylinder parts because my usage is so far below its capability. Its main risk is sitting idle too long between uses. It’s the light use “big boy” dive compressor, but way beyond an air gunner’s needs.
The Mrodair was too poor, too light a build that cranked itself at maximal stress to achieve more output at the cost of possible life span. Cooling system was far under-engineered for the thermal load and thus needed a big bucket of external water in addition to its radiator. Undersized water oil separator is also its undoing for air quality. Build quailty and electrical safety seemed irrelevant in its constructions.
The Omega supercharger is a mechanized hand pump with enhanced cooling and a motor. It is slow enough to need an auto drain to be a practical unit. (so is the Carrette despite it being faster) User experience is mixed with this line of compressors. Some have had success, others early failure.
The Altaros booster is an interesting possibility if one already has an adequate shop compressor.
The Shoebox was a contender, but I wanted more speed.
The Tuxing compressor is super low cost compressor that beats out a hand pump, but you need inconvenient cooling bucket, must limit its usage time, and continually watch over it during operation. It is cheap enough to be throw away if one doesn’t work out.
The Carrette is a balanced machine that is convenient to use, moderate in speed, and smartly designed. It is NOT a full scale machine for club usage. They balanced its mechanical load, speed, and cooling system very well for the single air gunner. By not over stretching the mechanical design in reaching for more speed, the thermal, electrical, and mechanical load are reduced to something appropriate for the build level.
Komptec is new to the US market. Strangely, it seems to be not so well regarded on the SCUBA forum, but perhaps as a three stage system with breathing air capability and higher speed, it can find a niche in our air gunning realm. Pricing is going to be an issue as one also has to wonder whether one should just go ahead and get a Bauer or Coltri for a bit more and gain resale value. Heck, if you’re going big boy SCUBA then you get to also think about RIX oil less compressors.
Didn’t even mention Daystate, or the now defunct Airetex. EDIT (not fully defunct, DOWNSIZED)
Then there are new ones on the horizon, Air Venturi — is it an Mrodair clone or actually better built? DAVY – definitely looks like a Mrodair style machine.
Lots of choices -some junk- just make sure you configure your selection to produce clean, dry air and don’t force your machine over its capabilities.
Is a motorized, o-ring pump the design you desire?
Don’t forget to add a high side filter into your calculations. You will need one, no matter whether shoebox or omega, unless you don’t care about preventing water vapor and oil your tank and guns.
Good point but the high side filter on the Carette does not keep the media away from the side walls which can lead to failure
More seriously is that because the Carette does not have replaceable piston rings or Orings, the actual piston and cylinder walls wear against each other. This means that when it does start to leak, the piston and cylinder will have to be replaced. This sounds much more expensive than simply replacing worn orings or piston rings. Is this incorrect?
Guykuo, thank you for all of your dedication & hard work for the Carrete 45 the other one that you did (from Mrod AIr, yes I have one :angrymob: , I never even tried it after reading your thread) anyway the Carrette seems to be the one I would buy if & when they get it updated & finalized, only if it doesn’t bring the final price up too far, another problem I see is they don’t list Paypal as a method of payment, I don’t post my CC info on websites, I am really looking forward to your further findings on this compressor ,again thanks, roger
Have you watched the omega rebuild video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IylDJ1DDMSQ
Is a motorized, o-ring pump the design you desire?
Don’t forget to add a high side filter into your calculations. You will need one, no matter whether shoebox or omega, unless you don’t care about preventing water vapor and oil your tank and guns.
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wow , a huge price $$ difference in the 2 , the 2nd with options , just blew my hope’s out of the game, looks like the air venturi just went to the top of the list for me..