Ryobi USB Lithium High Pressure Inflator Kit

Inflating tires and sports equipment can often be a tedious task, but the Ryobi USB Lithium High Pressure Inflator Kit (model FVIF51K) aims to make this chore a bit easier. As someone who frequently needs to top off bicycle tires and occasionally deal with car tires, I was eager to put this inflator to the test. Here's my detailed take on this compact inflating device.

Design and Portability

First impressions matter, and the Ryobi inflator doesn't disappoint in this department. It's lightweight and compact, making it an ideal candidate for a travel companion. Whether you're stashing it in your car trunk or your bike bag, its portability is a significant plus. The built-in LED worklight is a thoughtful addition, especially for those moments when you find yourself needing to inflate a tire in dim lighting conditions.

Digital Pressure Gauge

One of the standout features is the digital pressure gauge. This is a game-changer compared to traditional analog gauges, offering more precise readings. The digital display is clear and easy to read, which eliminates the guesswork often associated with inflating tires to the correct pressure. However, it's worth noting that you need to keep an eye on the gauge manually, as the inflator lacks an auto-set feature or the ability to lock the gauge on.

Battery Life and Charging

The inflator comes with a rechargeable 2Ah battery, which charges via a USB-C cable. The convenience of USB-C charging cannot be overstated—it's fast and universally compatible with many modern devices. The battery life is decent; it holds its charge well, even after sitting unused for a while. This is particularly useful for emergencies, as you can rely on it to have some juice left when you need it most.

Performance

Performance is where the Ryobi inflator shows both its strengths and weaknesses. For smaller inflating tasks, like bicycle tires and sports balls, it performs admirably. It quickly and efficiently inflates to the desired pressure without much hassle. For these applications, the inflator is a significant upgrade from manual pumps.

However, when it comes to larger tasks like car tires, the inflator struggles. It can "top off" a car tire, but it's a slow process. In my experience, it took several minutes to add just a few pounds of pressure to a car tire. This makes it less practical for regular use on larger tires. If you're in a pinch, it can get the job done, but it's not the most efficient tool for this purpose.

On-Board Storage

The inflator features on-board storage for accessories and a 6-inch hose, which is a nice touch. Having everything you need in one compact unit adds to its portability and convenience. You won't have to worry about misplacing small parts, as they all fit neatly into the inflator's design.

Usability

Using the inflator is straightforward. The controls are intuitive, and the device is easy to handle. However, one downside is that you have to continuously hold the button to keep it inflating. This can be a bit of a nuisance, especially when inflating larger tires that take more time. An auto-set or lock-on feature would have made this device much more user-friendly.

Versatility

The Ryobi inflator is versatile enough for a range of inflating needs. It's particularly well-suited for outdoor sporting goods like bicycle tires and balls. For these applications, it’s a reliable and efficient tool. However, its performance drops off significantly with higher PSI requirements, such as those needed for motorcycle and car tires.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi USB Lithium High Pressure Inflator Kit is a mixed bag. It's an excellent tool for inflating smaller items and offers a lot of conveniences. The digital pressure gauge, LED worklight, and USB-C charging are all standout features that add to its appeal. Its compact size and on-board storage make it a handy tool to have around.

However, its performance on larger tires leaves much to be desired. If you're looking for an inflator primarily for car tires or high-pressure applications, this might not be the best choice. It’s slow and requires constant attention, which can be frustrating in emergency situations.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Ryobi inflator? Yes, but with reservations. If your primary need is for inflating bicycle tires, sports balls, and other small items, this inflator is a fantastic choice. It's portable, easy to use, and has a range of useful features. However, if you need a reliable tool for car tires or other high-pressure tasks, you might want to consider a more powerful option.

In summary, the Ryobi USB Lithium High Pressure Inflator Kit is a versatile and handy tool for light-duty inflating tasks. It's not without its flaws, but for the right applications, it offers great value and convenience.