Portable 12v Air Compressor - Advice Sought

[Zirynx]

I'm looking to purchase a portable 12v air compressor for tyre inflation, but want something substantially better than the feeble offerings available from normal motoring stores! It's going to be used, as opposed to just be a standby device.

I've made a short list of the likely candidates and am a bit bemused by the variation in price, particularly as some look fairly identical! Here the current list...

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ARB
http://4x4shop247.co.uk/home.html?lang=en-uk&target=p19.html?lmd=39059.468056

Bushranger Max Air
http://4x4shop247.co.uk/home.html?lang=en-uk&target=p20.html?lmd=39059.468056

VIAIR (various, but likely the 400P)
http://www.mattsavage.com/acatalog/compressors_portable.html

T-Max (single cylinder)
http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/NEW_PRODUCTS/T-Max_Compressor/T-Max_Portable_12v_Compressor_(WEB_EXCLUSIVE_SPECIAL_OFFER).html
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320070776771

T-Max (double cylinder)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320074117304
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Crucially, I'm trying to ascertain which are absolutely identical but are simply re-badged, and which might just be inferior/cheap copies, with less performance and/or longevity.

From what I can gather, the Bushranger is a re-badged and less expensive VIAIR unit. But the T-Max unit also looks very similar and is significantly less expensive again! Does anyone know if the T-Max unit is also a re-badged VIAIR or an inferior copy?

I don't object to spending £200 plus for the right unit, but I'd hate to spend unnecessarily, just for badging!

I'd welcome any first hand experiences of any of the above compressors or others, if I've missed some that I should be considering.

Many thanks in advance.

[Range Rover Blues]

I'd say you get what you pays for.  What you need to know are the air flow rate at a given pressure rather than free air delivery and max pressure.  A high pressure doesn't guarantee a fast inflate though.

[simonwh]

Hi

We did a group test on Air Compressors a while back and the Viair products from Matt Savage were far superior to anything else we tried (other than a mains powered industrial compressor)

Something that surprised us was how inaccurate the gauges of some models were and how short the supplied hoses were.

Both of the portable Viair models performed faultlessly, were quick and well made.

[dreadnought110]

Give Matt Savage a ring he's a sound bloke.. 8)  8)

[Bulli]

the arb unit it solid, mine lives under the bonnet is hardwired and has not given me any trouble. It wont fill big boots that quickly though....but if you want locking diffs its a good way to go.
why not get a diving tank...then you can inflate from flat in 30 seconds!