Hatsan Lightning 4,500 psi Airgun Compressor (Review) + PCP Air Rifle Refilling + Air Tank - SCBA

This video is an introduction, overview, and user's guide for the Hatsan USA Lightning 4,500 PSI air compressor, intended for the refilling of PCP air rifles, pellet guns, airguns, and their associated refilling equipment.
AEAC's Primary KZbin Channel:
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DISCLAIMER: This video is meant for educational & documentary purposes only. All work on airguns and airgun accessories should be carried out by a proficient licensed professional. Airgun Exploration & Advancement Channel nor KZbin will be held liable for any injury or damage resulting from attempting to duplicate anything shown in this video. Airgun Exploration & Advancement Channel is not an airgun store. We do NOT sell airguns, airgun parts, or airgun related equipment. Airgun Exploration & Advancement Channel is compensated by KZbin for its content creation. By viewing this video, you are acknowledging the contents of this disclaimer.

[@glenn2canespasiliao164]

As always Steve, you gives the most information without presenting it in a redundant manner. I greatly appreciate your insight. I was also very grateful to have met you at the RMAC event this year (2019). I was the guy on two canes.

[@randygriffin2033]

Steve I just wanted to say I bought one of these last year after watching your review. I’ve got a cold shop and fill my tanks to take out to shoot one of my many pcp guns I have . It has never let me down and never ran hot . Like I said I keep my shop real cool and I take real good care of this compressor and it’s never let me down . This is the best one I’ve ever had and I’ve had three others. If you just hook it straight up to a gun it just takes minutes to fill good clean out free air . Great video as always thank care Steve and be safe

[@AEAC]

Great to hear, thank you Randy. Steve

[@bowl0noodles]

I found an amazing deal on mine. Read the manual and watched this and Hatsan's videos. Works great! Ran my first 90ci 4500 bottle and everything thus far works flawless. Ready to gill my giant Great White 60min 4500 tank next.

[@mikewilliams1484]

So cool that the average air gunner is in range of a compressor, When I got into air guns you only had the dive shop compressors and they started in the 4000 dollar range, I think with all the new stuff coming out it's only going to help the sport grow. as I said before I love your videos you seem to be a down to earth average guy, Mike

[@ColoradoAirgunner]

Nothings better than having your own compressor. Can't wait to see the full review.

[@centercutairgunner9766]

Steve, good review. A few constructive comments (Centercut on AGN): 1. Take a look at the Lowe's Kobalt compressor oil. The last time I looked a the fine print, it said "synthetic blend". As hot as these compressors operate its best to use a full synthetic air compressor oil such as the Royal Purple Synfilm. 2. Vertical Water Separator - good. Auto Moisture Purge - good. Aluminum block with desiccant - not good. There is very little volume in there to hold a useful amount of the dryer beads. Truthfully, not enough to make a difference. Take it apart and see, you'll agree. This is the same outlet block that the two cylinder Tuxing uses (since its basically a two cylinder Tuxing compressor with additional goodies thrown in). I opened mine and there was perhaps a teaspoon full of beads. This compressor still requires an external air dryer/filter IMHO.

[@aeacvlog2033]

Thanks for the good input 👍. Just following manufacturers direction on the oil though and they told me they really liked the Kobalt brand. Best, Steve

[@kennyirish5021]

Mine quit after 1.5 tank fills. Used all the o-rings and head gaskets that came with it. Keeps blowing high pressure stage o-rings. Now I use it for my boat anchor and it works better in that situation!!

[@phillipmendiola1257]

Those compressor are so expensive , I wish someone would come out with a entry level pcp compressor that is affordable , still using my yong heng compressor 2 years old , that little compressor still rocks , AWSOME PRESENTATION AND INFORMATION STEVE

[@geewiner1520]

i have a yong heng and its still going with NP at all it has only been a year but it still does its job i got what i payed for.

[@waterboxer87]

Looks like a quality, feature laden compressor from China. I will wait until it is in wider use before I consider buying the Hatsan compressor. Will stick with my trusty Hill MK 4 pump for now. Thanks for the excellent heads up, Steve.

[@AirGhandi]

Hey Steve! thanks for your video! Great quality like every time! Well done! Wish you a great weekend! Best regards! Andi

[@ZHTC01]

Get some silicone and re-silicone where the inlet and outlet radiator lines penetrate the water tank. Stick with 5 liters as the manual calls out for the radiator and the radiator fluid level will be about 3/4 - 1" below the max fill line.The max fill line will put the fluid level right where the lines enter and exit and you'll have a much worse tendency to leak there. Mine leaked (more of a drool down the side of the tank) due to just moving the compressor around making the radiator fluid slosh around in the tank. After applying more silicone, mine has not leaked anymore.

[@ianprice9376]

That seems pretty good . Hopefully that thing is just the best thing ever for 1300. Good info Steve .

[@joeschmitt8694]

Great review Steve. Looking forward to the next. Thanks.

[@brocwavra8813]

Have your reviewed the Air Venturi full size 4500 compressor ?

[@HajimotoProductions]

Steve I'm not going to lie man, I was cringing as you were marring up that pre-engineered flooring! I saw the gouge at 12:55 in the lower left corner and gasped lol Besides that, Seems like a nice compressor and very well built but only time will tell how well it holds up. Thanks for another entertaining Vlog bud.

[@aeacvlog2033]

Flooring is all good Haj. We've just had a major reno here so I'm used to restaining scratches with a q-tip & paper towel... and it's already pretty beat up. One more for the "cause" ain't gonna hurt anything, lol. Steve

[@USMCGUY2020]

The full review setup and maintenance guide was never uploaded to AEAC home. What happened?

[@bobbythompson3544]

Take it to the garage Steve, thank you for a great review, and thank Hatsan for a great compressor, it will be interesting to see what extra this costs us in Britain, the last one you tested ended up the same in pounds sterling as US dollars, even though the exchange rate was .77! There's profit then there's greed!

[@rudymsmith]

Seems like the same unit as the Air Venturi with some upgrades to moisture separation and digital auto features. yes? / No?

[@denniscrowell2367]

Thanks for the preview. Ive been waiting to see this unit before I bought anything. I almost bought one today, but I want to hear what the folks have to say as well. Thanks for what you!

[@valeriechilton9822]

Are we to infer anything about the compressor since there is no full review?

[@Uojomo]

Aluminum WILL corrode due to moisture, and other contaminants. Controlling it is a critical part of air gun maintenance. I have seen an aftermarket aluminum plenum unit badly corroded after one week (due to the use of a silicon spray lubricant that used compressed air and a lack of a moisture removal system on the air compressor). It is a big deal if you care about your air gun's. Cheers.

[@johnrambo1349]

Is there a place I can order this compressor? Only place I see is Utah airgun, but they are charging $1339 plus $100 for shipping. Hatsan USA also list as $1339 and charge $50 shipping. Airgun Depot has it listed as $1299 with free shipping on order over $170. But it's out of stock. Airgun Depot needs to restock this compressor.

[@toddlish1892]

It’s been a year since this review, have you continually used this ? If so have you had any issues that have come up? Thanks in advance Your a wealth of knowledge and it is greatly appreciated

[@AEAC]

Hello. This vid was a pre-review. Reviews happen over on my other KZbin channel AEAC Home 🙂. I never did reviewe the Lightning. I sent it back for repairs early on and Hatsan sent the Neutronstar in its place.

[@toddlish1892]

Airgun Exploration & Advancement Channel what would be your personal choice in a compressor with you knowing what you know now?

[@AEAC]

@@toddlish1892 If money were no object, something with a Coltri or Bauer pump and an auto moisture purge & shutoff. Here at the house, I've been using the mid priced Omega Turbocharger for years and it's been excellent. If I were on a budget, I've found the Hatsan Spark and Air Venturi Nomad II to be good but they're for filling guns, not big scba tanks.

[@toddlish1892]

Airgun Exploration & Advancement Channel Thank you Steve....

[@JustAnotherDayToday]

Looks exactly like the Air Venturi with a few added bells and whistles. Same price range.

[@boobops695]

Bought the Hong Heng version no problems.

[@ManMak6]

Hi! How does this compare to the Air Venturi? It looks very solid and very much like the Air Venturi.

[@mitrasniper883]

The best 👍👍👍

[@BretsCrappyShots]

Cant wait to see your review on this compressor! Last week i saw it on sale for $999.99 but now i cant find it, go figure. My yong heng is becoming a pain to deal with.

[@volcom84bait]

Next time do a review on Yong Heng compressor

[@aeacvlog2033]

A while back, I invested a good bit of time in trying to figure out how to get a hold of the manufacturer but never was able to... these days, not sure if I'd bother though. There's already been a 12 page discussion on them over at AGN so not sure how much more I could tell ya; www.airgunnation.com/topic/did-i-make-a-big-mistake-i-bought-a-yong-heng-compressor-from-china/ Steve

[@shanestamball1886]

@@aeacvlog2033 that thing has the EXACT same decals as the Yong Heng. makes me wonder.

[@geewiner1520]

@@shanestamball1886 They use a lot of the same parts to buld them, they are good compressers.

[@shaunward6626]

shane stamball ju

[@USMCGUY2020]

The full review setup and maintenance guide was never uploaded to AEAC home. What happened?

[@BretsCrappyShots]

I would also like to know!?!?!

[@aeacvlog2033]

Sorry for the late reply guys. The one I had quit on me (something in the circuit board) and I sent it back to Hatsan for repair. I haven't seen it back yet. Best, Steve

[@BretsCrappyShots]

Thank you very much for the reply and letting us know!!

[@BretsCrappyShots]

How is the Hatsan Lightning treating you so far?

[@stephengeoghegan-doughty.5870]

Hi Steve Great job, left nothing out and explained it thoroughly, out of my price range unfortunately Take care stay safe regards to family and keep it lit.👍 my friend

[@AEAC]

Hi! 👍

[@keithwilliams8807]

Boy if you scratch that floor its going to be hell to pay the captain

[@an24510]

Hey Steve, you got the 2 mixed up. The silver rectangular cube is going to be the moisture separator, and the gold cylinder will house the drying media. I think it's great that there's another compressor offering out on the market, but guys who are familiar with these Chinese compressors will quickly recognize this unit as a Tuxing compressor with nice add-ons (self contained water cooling, moisture filtration, electronic purge). I have some first hand experience with these units and there are plenty of shortcomings with the quality and manufacturing of these units (going back to the mfg in China, no fault to Hatsan). I could go on and ramble about this, but this isn't the place for that. The only thing I'd like to warn long term users who own this style of compressors is to be careful of oil selection. Since these twin piston Chinese compressors have first started to show up stateside, we've been told by the manufacture to run AW46 oil, hydraulic fluid, or general compressor oil. None of these oils are meant for use in HIGH pressure output compressors. All of them will quickly degrade, and at the very minimum, wear down the high pressure side piston seals and/or cause other bigger issues. Even though the oil sits in the crank case, it will make its way all the way up to the top of the pistons where low pressure air is compressed into high pressure. It's really best to use oils designed for high pressure compressors like the oil you used on the Daystate compressor, Chemlube, Seco Lube, etc. If there's any doubt about this, just look at other longtime manufactures of high pressure compressors like Bauer and Coltri and you'll see all of them require special oil.

[@HatsanUSAInc]

Steve is correct the Desiccant is housed in the outlet block

[@an24510]

Hey HatsanUSA, thanks for replying! No offense, but...are you sure about that? That silver outlet block looks like it has 3 ports (from top to bottom): high pressure air IN, high pressure air OUT (to the fill whip), and a bleed screw. If the outlet block held desiccant, it's only holding maybe 1.5" of molecular sieve material? Every other HPA compressor I can think of requires a much greater quantity of desiccant than that to filter out any meaningful amount of moisture.

[@an24510]

Based on another person's comment (from WingnutsMC), it looks like I'm the one that's wrong. Based on his comment, he says there's about a teaspoon of desiccant in the outlet block, so my apologies to the both of you. I agree with him though, that small amount of desiccant isn't going to do very much at all. All of the other HPA compressors with moisture filters run at least 6" to 14" in length by 1" diameter (or greater) of desiccant, so I'm really surprised it's being used very sparingly in the Lighting. The commonly used desiccants require either drying or replacement fairly frequently before they lose all their moisture wicking properties, so hopefully you can provide refills to the end user.

[@aeacvlog2033]

@@an24510 We're good Andy 👍... nothing wrong with sharing here but yeah, Hatsan told me right about what's where. As to how good it'll work long term, that's on ya'll to figure out, lol. Best, Steve

[@coboslionel]

Looks a lot like the AV compressor only digital and auto purge ... either way awesome review just wish I would have heard it turned on .

[@aeacvlog2033]

Yes, engine is the same as AV but Hatsan added stainless lines & fittings, auto digital moisture purge, digital auto shutoff, and a desiccant reservoir. Steve

[@quacksjuicefactory297]

I feel cheated. Last year I bought an Air Venturi based on the same platform as this but I'm really liking the idea of the digital adjustments for air pressure as opposed to setting the spin dial to what ever pressure I need and air purge control on top is a great idea. I just received the Air Venturi Nomad which is working GREAT and slicker 'n snot. I might do a video review on it. To everyone who thinks they are a bit pricey they are built to Hatsuns or Air Venturi specs and go through many follow up tests to fine tune them and work out all the little kinks, bugs and quirks. I ordered my Air Venturi Nomad last March and Air Gun Depot finally have them in stock. When I asked why so long they explained to me what I said above. I'm liking what I see here and will probably by one to.

[@aeacvlog2033]

I'd be curious to see that video 👍 and I too have requested the Nomad II from Pyramyd. In speaking with them, what you say is true... they've invested a lot of time into making in their own. Best, Steve

[@quacksjuicefactory297]

I'll try to do a video this weekend assuming the weather is good. We live in the foot hills of the Adirondacks and the weather this Summer has been from one extreme to another. I just went to air gun depots website www.airgundepot.com/air-venturi-nomad-2-portable-compressor.html and it looks like they are out of stock already. I believe this will be a long term hot seller for serious shooters.

[@quacksjuicefactory297]

Hello Steve, two links for the Air Venturi Nomad. Feel free to repost and share, Greg www.dropbox.com/s/43emw7bf23dte1f/Nomad-1.MOV?dl=0 www.dropbox.com/s/1k85kbj6w27u0vg/Nomad-2.MOV?dl=0

[@MrMichael48]

Wow does the inside of the water coolant tank has a return pump inside of it ?That pushes the fluid inside the motor Pistons And comes back through and push it right back in the Pistons to keep them cool again and again?Lol if your answer is yes I have the same style motor they cost me just $625.00 !

[@TK-cm5dg]

Hi Steve, great videos. New to PCP Airguns. Watched both your videos on the Hatsan and Daystate compressors. Was wondering if you thought one was better than the other or if the Daystate is worth the extra money. I can still get the Daystate T1, the price point jumps to high for the T2 version for me. Any comments? Thanks.

[@aeacvlog2033]

The Daystate is commercial grade, the Hatsan is residential grade. Best, Steve

[@junroco6707]

Sir how can avail that pcp compressor im here in the philippine?

[@SoulSniped]

hey Steve! been ~4years to this product, how has this served and lasted?

[@AEAC]

Hello! Mine went back right after I was done playing with it, but I believe it's been discontinued since. Please double check me though. Steve

[@davidedwards2868]

Nice compressor.

[@Scarekrow24]

Is that a rebranded tuxing TXEDT031? Or did tuxing clone this? They are identical but the TXEDT031 is 899$.

[@AEAC]

From what I hear, this item has been discontinued by Hatsan. Take care, Steve

[@airnashville3883]

Nice but, I'll stick with what I've said before about these >$1,000+ compressors; bells and whistles and do the same as the

[@JohnC-wg4me]

Owners Manual specifies the coolant is a G-05 or equivalent type. Is Prestone coolant a G-05 fluid type?

[@aeacvlog2033]

You might check but when I ran it past Hatsan, they said I was good to go with the Prestone. It's actually not all that important so long as ya got a little antifreeze in there, maybe 30/70 to help with anti corrosion. Best, Steve

[@telstraoranamall7680]

Is this compressor available in Australia

[@antoniomaia777]

Your Chanel it's very good, if you can make a complete video, for tunning tips and all of Daystate Pulsar. 22,

[@aeacvlog2033]

Hi Antonio. Thanks! These 2 vids might help you; kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6Klk3eFjqidq5I kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZO7e4OepbKsipo Steve

[@Bob_Adkins]

Does it come in personal size?

[@jerrypurnell4066]

It's cheaper to get crosman traveler and more convenient to move around ,what do you think ?

[@aeacvlog2033]

The Traveler is less for sure but ya can't fill a large bottle with it... gun only. Best, Steve

[@rddrg18]

Can you possibly use this for SCUBA tank fills?

[@AEAC]

No.

[@joshuabrackenbury2313]

It's made by youg heng and it 95% the same as there 225 compressor with a $65 gold filter and a pretty frame around it. I'll save 1000 bucks...

[@jerrypurnell4066]

You are so right,if ur compressor cant fill buddy bottle its useless

[@aeacvlog2033]

I think alotta people will like the $600 12v/110v compressors and just fill their guns directly with them. Steve

[@frankmontes9563]

We're the final review of the compressor

[@sprintiesworldtour470]

Hi Steve, great overview for the Hatsan Compressor. By the way: Is the small dog in the video a mini or toy aussie? Best regards from Germany and a nice weekend.

[@aeacvlog2033]

Hello, and thanks! We're not sure what Bandit is. His father (also ours) DNA tested as Minpin, Pomeranian, and Chihuahua. His mother (who lives down the street) looks just like him but is a short hair. Steve

[@sprintiesworldtour470]

Thank's for the answer. Your Bandit is a very nice and cute little dog. Best regards Bernd

[@RcBlade]

Need more fx impact x videos ;)

[@aeacvlog2033]

Coming this fall! Steve

[@paulkunjukutty9205]

Hi sir what is different between air compressor and pcp compressor ...can I use air compressor for filling my air rifle please suggest me waiting for your reply thanks

[@AEAC]

What are the psi capabilities of your compressor?

[@paulkunjukutty9205]

SKU PNE.AIR.22174003 Type of Product Oil Free Air Compressor Power 0.55 Kw Pressure 0.8 Upa Voltage 220V Frequency 50 Hz Tank Capacity 25 L Model No TB550W-25L Noise ≤ 48 Speed 1440 r/min

[@AEAC]

@@paulkunjukutty9205 Paul, how many psi does this compressor fill to? That's all you need to know to match it up the working pressure of the gun you wish to own.

[@derivas007]

could u test tuxing compressor more affordable than this..

[@aeacvlog2033]

I'd love to be able to review the Yong Heng but haven't yet found a way to communicate with them yet. To anyone who's got a Yong Heng owner's manual with an email or a phone number for them, please feel free to pass it along. Thanks! Steve

[@TuxingCN]

@eclampsie means test tuxing compressor but not YongHeng. lol ... Nice video AEAC Vlog

[@derivas007]

tuxing with one head block is more easy to disassembly. we are no real review about it but we found only expansive pcp compressor review..for example this compressor cost 1000usd and at this price i prefer to buy a nardi compressor for 1500euro..

[@TuxingCN]

Yep, agree with you. One factory with all accessories/ spare parts and good service is also really important to the user. So here we are...

[@jackdaniels7913]

So this guy the omega super or turbo as your be all end all at this point? Thanks in advance! 🥃cheers🍻

[@AEAC]

I've used each for about 2 years to keep the channel going. Both have been great, no problems. Steve

[@jackdaniels7913]

Good to know thank you will take this in to deep consideration wen I make my final choice really appreciate the response and energy out in to the channel!

[@AEAC]

@@jackdaniels7913 👍

[@bigearl8687]

good review, seem like 2 much responsibility lol..hatsan should come out with a entry level air compressor around $500 something u can travel with...& bring the air max bullpup 2 the United States, carbon fiber bottle, regulated, make it qe, & give the proxima more power in 22 n 25cal ..more power in there 25,& 30cal break barrel

[@aeacvlog2033]

Hi Gerald. I've spoken to all the companies offering spendier "full size" models and while none of them are opposed to a less expensive offering, all of them tell me they haven't been able to find a way to get the reliability out of em yet. Best, Steve

[@bigearl8687]

@@aeacvlog2033 thanks for the reply..appreciate it

[@phillipmendiola1257]

Gerald Williams , I agree entry level pcp compressor affordable .

[@johnrambo1349]

Hatsan release their spark compressor. It's small, portable, and use 12v battery from your car. For only $419.

[@Mustafa0949]

well, Air Venturi, makes the exact same compressor , sold at Pyramyd Air for about the same price;

[@AEAC]

For anyone reading this, that's not actually correct. Yes, the engine is identical but the Hatsan takes advantage of stainless fittings and tubing, a desiccant reservoir, a digitally controlled auto shutoff, and a digital programmable moisture purge. The Air Venturi model features none of the above. Best, Steve

[@AEAC]

@John Madden China John. Steve

[@hillside2361]

take a look at at the ALPHA-CARETTE COMPRESSOR $1399 Joe Brancato offers

[@AEAC]

I'm familiar 👍

[@Funny-bf8xf]

what size is that tank? it looks fat.

[@aeacvlog2033]

About 100cf

[@johngarnett8293]

Tuxing has all that for 899

[@brad5990]

Hi Steve, Have you had a chance to run the compressor? I just recently purchased one, and I'm trying to see if others are experiencing a high pitch noise like I'm having as the pressure increases in the compressor. www.dropbox.com/s/61zk6qghfq6wmej/IMG_0140.MOV?dl=0

[@AEAC]

I don't have a high pitched noise that I can hear Brad. Maybe keep asking some others. Steve

[@brad5990]

Thanks for the reply. I spoke with some others owners, and they said they can't really hear the high pitch noise in the video, but the compressor sounds like theirs. I got a reply from Hatsan saying the noise is normal, after they took a look at the video. So I broke it in and did a pressure test, which went fine. I tried to fill my omega 6.8L from 0 psi to 4500 in one go, but It stopped short at 4000 psi . So I will need to calibrate the digital gauge. Overall for the first run on an empty 6.8L Omega bottle from 0 psi right at 4000 psi, it took about 75 minutes, at a final temperature of 183 degrees Fahrenheit.

[@roofermarc1]

That's a Tuxing

[@jaxxonbalboa3243]

WARNING: No air was squeezed during the creation of this video!

[@AEAC]

😂

[@TheCoppergoat]

It looks like Steve is not enjoying hyping up this repackaged, air venturi, yong heng, as you can see he is stumbling over his words and appears he does not want to even touch it by seeing it flopping around when he handles it. We all know he would rather have and use a Coltri Daystate compressor or better yet a Bauer Jr. II that I have 🤣😂🤣🤔

[@junroco6707]

Kindly reply me

[@timmy4539]

Hey Steve with all of your knowledge and connections do you happen to have an email address or phone number for Yang Hang ?? The email address in the owners manual for my new compressor is an invalid email address !! I've spent hr.s online trying to find an email address or phone number for Yang Hang but it was just a waste of time there's nothing out there for them !! Any help would be greatly appreciated !!

[@AEAC]

Hi Timmy. Sorry buddy, I do not. Steve