Iwata | Studio Series Power Jet Plus Tubular Compressor

Reviewed by Peter Willstein

Photo credit: Anest-Iwata

What can I say: controversial, unique and does it work. Just a quick look at the specs:

Now that the specs are out of the way, lets take the Iwata for a test ride. After my trusty, old inexpensive Chinese compressor bought the farm, I purchased two other compressors and returned both: too big and noisy and the other, just wouldn’t push any air out under 25-30 psi. Before I rolled the dice for a third time, I called Iwata Tech Services, reviewed my needs, including performance at air pressures down to 5 psi for painting: I was assured no problem at all. They even went through the complete set up procedure and I hadn't bought it yet. After our conversation, I hung up and spent the next ten minutes purchasing the new compressor.

Arrival … geez was the box small. Set up took about five minutes (no tools required) and I actually read the manual – I normally never do that.

I've used the compressor enough now and am a very happy camper. With my old compressor, it took a while for the tank to fill and then the motor shuts off as you paint, air is pulled from the tank and when the tank goes below, I believe 40 psi, the motor kicks in and fills the tank. The Iwata seems to work differently. Turn it on, the motor runs for a few seconds, fills the .5 liter tank and then shuts off. Start painting and the motor goes on and off as the air is pulled from the small tank quickly. Using the Iwata Eclipse and M1, with a 3.5 and .3 tip respectively, the air is pulled from the tank much faster then with the H&S Infinity with a 2.0 tip. I called tech services to make sure this was the way it works and it was designed to work this way. What I personally feel is happening, is the tank, gets you going and keeps the air flowing smoothly while the tank is always being filled. As soon as the air brush trigger is released, the motor shuts off. I've become accustomed to the sound and it runs beautifully.

I've painted with no problems as low as 5 psi and as high as 35 psi – air flow is smooth as silk.

Noise wise it's average and music to my ears.

Quality wise … the compressor reflects the same quality as their air brushes: top of the line, nothing marginal and the add-on components: gauge, regulator and moisture trap reflect nothing but quality. If a small compressor can have a 'heavy duty' feel, the Iwata absolutely does. As with their air brushes, the compressor was made in Japan.

The Verdict

I couldn't be happier and would have no reservations about buying another one down the road; way down the road...

© Peter Willstein 2015

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This review was published on Monday, May 25 2015; Last modified on Monday, May 25 2015