What Car? test: tyre inflators - 7th Ring Automotive RAC800 £59.99

Ring Automotive RAC800 Cordless Rechargeable Air Compressor & Inflator
RRP £59.99
Best price £49.95 (Theultimatefinish.co.uk)
Weight 2.78kg

For Rechargeable; fairly rapid at inflating
Against Inaccurate gauge; heavy; bulky; pricey

Overall


Performance
One of the quickest inflators here – it took just five minutes 15 seconds to reach 30 PSI on the RAC800’s analogue dial. Sadly, when we checked the pressure it was 3PSI under at 27PSI. For such a large and expensive unit we’d expect a little more performance and a more accurate pressure gauge.

Ease of operation
This is the only unit that tested doesn't need plugging in, as it comes with a built-in battery pack. Sounds good, but seeing as pretty much every new car comes with a 12-volt socket, it’s not really that much hassle to plug a charger in. Annoyingly, if the battery runs out of juice you can’t use it again until it’s charged up – even if you do plug it in.

Buying
We saved £10 Theultimatefinish.co.uk but, still, the RAC800 was the most expensive unit on test. It you think the extra motor (for pumping up inflatables etc.) and the cordless capability would come in handy, the RAC800 is worth a look. Otherwise, save yourself £25 and go for the more compact RAC600.

Quality
Much of the pressure gauge’s inaccuracy stemmed from its ridiculously large scale. It went from 0-300PSI, so deciphering the difference between 25 and 30 PSI was hard enough. Trying to adjust by a single (or even half a PSI) was nigh on impossible. The plastic casing was solid, though, and the hefty weight kept it sturdy when inflating.

Special features
Blowing up airbeds, lilos and inflatable toys is made easy by the separate inflator motor (adaptors supplied). The RAC800 is also rechargeable and can be charged either from a 12-volt socket in your car or the mains plug in your front room. You also get a fabric case, which is handy for storage.