NEW Active 2.3 Pressure Washer | Practical Review for Car Detailing (Plus Noise Test)

[@lexist2112]

Received mine last Friday, Setup was a breeze with my current 50 Ft braided hose and aftermarket gun. Turned the unit on and to my surprise the quietness of the unit was great. Some you tubers complained of the loudness, but it is not. I swapped out the included 1.46mm orifice into the MTM foam cannon, place 100ml of soap and 300ml of water to test.....and it was thick shaving cream soap for days. Truly an incredible unit and easily rivals the top end pressure washers from Kranzle and AR. If anyone is on the fence, don't be this is an incredible pressure washer for the money

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Perfectly said brother.. couldn't agree more. 🍻

[@JoaoBMBrentano]

First video I've seen of yours, love the more "down to earth" review, some youtubers say its loud or something, but to most people, this will probably be the biggest upgrade they will have ever done, and I do agree with it being a pleasant sound. Thank you for the video!

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

I really appreciate that, thank you! Yeah, I've used it some more since and I really have no complaints.. it's a staggering upgrade if you've been using an entry level unit for some time.

[@hugobacilio]

So glad you did a good review on this. You basically convinced me to get one you should keep doing reviews. You’re really really good at it!

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Haha that's awesome bro, hope you enjoy it! And thank you.. very much appreciated. Definitely more reviews coming 🍻

[@swoldierjan5332]

Just FYI, even though you have a dedicated 20 amp plug, you still have to keep the unit under 15amps as the components are made to be for that said amps. Read the manual or watch their KZbin channel. You can end up blowing the circuit in the pressure washer.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

That's a great point, thanks for the heads up 👍

[@Jaker788]

Yes, the start and running capacitor for the motor, and the micro switch that turns the motor on/off. Long term it may be bad for the motor windings themselves too.

[@owensamuels-h1r]

Quick comment. I really enjoy your videos. I'm a new to the DIY Car Detailing world--- like you have taken a deep dive and an OG Fan. Doctor by day, somewhat obsessed Detailer other times. I've got an Active 2 from OG and happy with it. Next is setting up a DI water system. Thought your install video was GREAT. Thx Much. Looking forward to you content!! Owen

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Hey Owen, thanks so much for the kind words and for taking the time to comment.. really appreciate that brother 🍻 And yeah detailing has gotten to be quite addictive; I guess if we're going to obsess over anything, a super clean car isn't a bad byproduct. Good luck with the DI setup - it's wild how well it works!

[@corypierce202]

My first thoughts when I saw the decibel test of the 2.3 inside a garage was so few are going to wash like that. I’m never going to do that. If you mount it in the garage and you wash your car outside you won’t be dealing with the noise anyway. I love the reviews but you certainly have to remain objective and consider your personal style of use. I believe the masses are after performance and Active certainly has listened and provided

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Yep, exactly. I'm all for edge case tests (would have included if I thought of it) but realistically most will either use it outside or be outside if it's wall mounted. I can't imagine any pressure washer would be quiet enough to not be obnoxious indoors.

[@mechaet33]

I'm kinda in the same boat. I have limited exposure with pressure washers other than gas pressure washers and the Karcher 1700 Ulitimate package i ordered from OG a couple years ago. Looking forward to purchasing this unit eventually.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Yep, very much the same boat. Coming from the K1700 you'll definitely enjoy the difference.

[@Jaker788]

In terms lf noise, it's a better frequency than most electric pressure washers using a universal motor, like the 2.0. The low drone of the induction motor is much less harsh than the screaming high pitch noise of a brushed universal motor. In comparison to another induction is also not that different at least from the video. Maybe the Kranzle is quieter, but other inductions are likely to be similar.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Absolutely agree.. the sound of the motor is way more pleasant than the 2.0 or the Karcher I used to use. If you're using this in an enclosed space, yeah it's loud but I think for most people it's not going to be that noticeable.

[@johnryan1386]

Really hoping the 2.3 comes to Australia, love the look of it!!

[@MDS_MTL]

Great review! Im coming from a 1.2gpm Ryobi and your input has tipped me to complete my order as I have been on the fence for a couple days. I saw all the other reviews but your experience is precisely what I hope to expect. Thank you!

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

That's awesome man, glad to hear it helped and congrats on the purchase! As a fellow 1.2 GPM user for a few years now, I think you'll appreciate the upgrade.

[@Jonathan-pr1wo]

@@AlwaysSummerGarageI know I did. I came from a 1.2gpm 1900 psi Ryobi and when I tried this pressure washer I was amazed. Cut down my time washing cars and don’t have to hear that high pitched noise anymore from the Ryobi.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

@@Jonathan-pr1wo yes! the rinsing goes so much faster. I think it will be even more noticeable on a decon wash; the OG soap I use is insanely thick and takes forever to rinse with the Karcher.

[@johnnelwhite]

I just received my 2.0 to replace my probably 4 year old karcher k1700. the 1700 is ok but took advantage of 20% off i couldn't pass up 70.00 off. I picked up the ultimate accessory package from og years ago and just the shelf and cox hose reel last month.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Nice, I love how incremental upgrades continue to make the process so much better. Even getting quick disconnects was huge! And yeah that's a fantastic price on the 2.0 🍻

[@dj1400dw]

Really appreciate this review! I've watched all the others as well and was very worried about the noise level. I have the karcher cube on a wall mount setup. Look forward to upgrading mine soon!

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Thank you for watching brother 🍻 - honestly I'd be surprised if more than a few percent of the people who buy this machine actually find it to be too loud. For me, it definitely wasn't an issue - actually a welcomed change compared to the K1800.

[@dustind9242]

My neighbor has a couple of Harley's, I think I'm getting it and not even going to worry about the noise

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

That is perfectly sound reasoning 🍻 Active's website: activeproducts.com/products/active%E2%84%A2-2-3-electric-pressure-washer?sca_ref=6571277.IwqGbQmqZp Amazon: amzn.to/4cZh4Pk

[@dustind9242]

@@AlwaysSummerGarage Done Free ship & no tax! Hopefully you get a couple of pennies because your review was on point. The money I saved on this vs Kranzle, will be going towards an electrician to run power to where I want to wall mount and a plumber to pipe h2o for a spotless.

[@aramcobratusa8963]

I'd like to see your foam production with the included orifice (1.25?) to keep below the required 15A. I watched Josh and his foam looked kind of runny. If your result turns out the same I'd like to know if you would still recommend it. I really enjoyed style of review. Could you do one on bug spray and what you like?

[@Greatgadgetsgear]

It’s the 2.0 that’s really loud. Obsessed Garage went over it.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Nah it's the 2.3. I mean the 2.0 might also be loud (relative to some other machines?) but in the OG video where they review the 2.3 and the Ego pressure washer, they really point out the loudness of the 2.3 (and I'm assuming that's why they don't carry it in the store).

[@Greatgadgetsgear]

@@AlwaysSummerGarage Didn’t see that one lol. Guess they’re both loud. After seeing OG on the 2.0 kept me from getting it. In your video the 2.3 doesn’t seem as loud especially the quick shut down. Guess I have time to ponder as the 2.0 is out of stock till next year per active. My Westinghouse ePX3100v Electric Pressure Washer, 2100 Max PSI 1.76 Max GPM for $100 has a 3 year warranty so depending on when it gives out I’ll be looking at active again. Thanks

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

@@Greatgadgetsgear yeah they initially tested the 2.0, didn't like it, then did a follow up where the guy from Active corrected some things they got wrong. After that they were happy with it. I almost bought that one but at the last second decided to give the 2.3 a try and one of the things I love about it is the sound (deeper induction sound vs high pitch whine of the 2.0, K1800, etc). I think if you test a lot of other machines, especially more expensive ones, you'll find the 2.3 is louder but for your typical user base, I don't think it's going to be that noticeable or super off-putting. Good luck with your next purchase 🍻

[@LVbibby]

Good video thanks. Glad the sound isn't such an issue.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Thanks bro, appreciate you watching 🍻

[@ZWortek]

If that hose is similar to an uberflex, you should ditch it if you're going to use an Active pressure washer. The uberflex not being more rigid like a steel braided hose or something similar just causes weird issues with the pressure switch.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

I’m not sure that it is but that hose (from my old setup) was just used for this video. I have a kobrajet hose for it which isn’t steel braided but it’s solid.

[@ZWortek]

@@AlwaysSummerGarage Should be good then, I plan to get a kobrajet at some point but some random steel wire braided hose off Amazon was WAY better than the uberflex. The uberflex was causing all sorts of weird surging issues in comparison so I just had to mention how much it sucks.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Yeah that’s good to know. Mine was a “fixfans” hose; fairly inexpensive from Amazon but I think it did a pretty good job. I found it amusing people knocked it for its lack of flexibility.. which I would have thought was a good thing when it comes to PW hoses 🤷‍♂️ I don’t know how those compare to the UF ones tho.

[@ILruffian]

Thanks for this info. Can the Kranzles or AR Blue handle the uberflex?

[@Jaker788]

​@@ILruffian My assumption would be any pressure washer that doesn't have the stop/start feature and is always on, like most kranzles, would be probably fine. The issue sounds like it's when you let off the trigger the pressure builds in a weird way and causes issues with the pressure switch that turns the motor off, and maybe when pulling the trigger the pressure drops in a weird way as well as causes the switch to trigger briefly.

[@MADMAX353]

Well done sir! I'm sold on it. Thank you.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Thanks bro, glad you found it helpful. I don’t think you can go wrong with this unit. Enjoy! 🍻

[@AdamosGarage]

I have a 2.3 myself. I’m the middle of doing a wall mount setup like you have. I’m struggling to find an answer to my question. I’m looking to upgrade to a 100’ hose. But no one can tell me if I should stick to the 1/4” size like the factory hose if going to 100’ or should I move to a 3/8” hose? Everything I’ve seen, tests PSI and not GPM loss…

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

I don't think I can be much help here.. I haven't tested/compared a 1/4" hose. I've seen some people say they're lighter and easier to work with but the 3/8" hose is a bit more heavy duty.. either would be perfectly fine with the 2.3. As for length, I got the 75' because I previously tried a 100' hose with my Karcher 1800 and there was a very clear loss of pressure (I didn't test the numbers). The 2.3 might've handled it better but I think most electric machines like these you'll see some reduction in performance and personally I didn't need the extra 25'. Good luck with the build though.. it's been 4 months with mine and I still love how much better the experience is.

[@AdamosGarage]

@@AlwaysSummerGarage I appreciate the reply! I’ve watched, re-watched & paused your step by step install video so many times! Looking forward to getting mine done! Just need to figure out the hose situation.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

@@AdamosGarage awesome! Hope it helps you out brother. If you didn't see it, here's a spreadsheet with everything I used as well as some product/installation notes: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YdyQOuGelg3lG8bqruYH-2dkobIgIo1y5C8DFIpxGyc Happy to answer any questions (as best I can anyway). Good luck! 🍻

[@WillieBeamin-t4v]

Thanks for the video. In agreement with you. All the talk about this unit being so loud doesn’t make sense.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Thanks brother, hope you found it helpful. And yeah I think for the majority of the user base, it's not such a crazy noise level that most people will notice. For those comparing it to a Kranzle.. that machine is almost twice as expensive so you gotta keep expectations realistic.

[@HotRodM4]

Congrats on 800 subs 🍻!

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Thank you brother! 🍻

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

😎 Subscribe for more videos! tinyurl.com/AlwaysSummerGarage 👍🏼 Support the channel when you shop at Obsessed Garage! bit.ly/4eiUYJm ⬇ Products in this video: Active 2.3 pressure washer: activeproducts.com/products/active%E2%84%A2-2-3-electric-pressure-washer?sca_ref=6571277.IwqGbQmqZp MTM SGS28 sprayer: bit.ly/3BevJZD MTM lance: amzn.to/3WeOEfn MTM Hydro PF22.2 foam cannon: amzn.to/4baRhms 50ft pressure washer hose: amzn.to/3QnIOES

[@JC-dc9oz]

Awesome video my guy! IMO .... Kranzle 1322ts > everything else

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Thanks brother 🍻 and yeah Kranzle is definitely top shelf (at $1100-1200, it better be 😂).

[@WillieBeamin-t4v]

Not really. This active has better output besides that 1322 is almost double the price

[@69HemiRoadrunner]

Can you do a db reading in the garage after you mount it in the garage? Curious on your thoughts on how loud it is if you were detailing in the garage.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Yeah absolutely will do.. wish I would have thought of that before. I'll add it in the forthcoming wall mounted setup video.

[@WillieBeamin-t4v]

It’s really not that loud and isnt a big deal when using it

[@Piedad858]

Just bought mine from the clean garage 😅

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

🍻

[@WillieBeamin-t4v]

Same here. Shipping was super fast

[@RussellKasem]

Did you end up swapping the orifice for the foam cannon to keep the unit under 15A?

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

I had this plugged into a 20A so I left the 1.25mm orifice in, but that's a good point to use the one Active includes if you're on 15A. edit: my bad, to your (and @swoldierjan5332 's) point, going over 15 could damage the unit. Good looking out 👍

[@pklemm1]

Was just going to ask the same thing. I believe JoshV was getting over 18 amps with the stock orifice on his MJJC

[@Kevin-uc8np]

Are you using a steel braided hose?

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

The one from the video was a Fixfans hose I got off Amazon, but my main hose for the unit is a KobraJet hose. It's not steel braided, but it's plenty sturdy for this pressure washer.

[@Kevin-uc8np]

@@AlwaysSummerGarage Thanks. This is likely why you are experiencing the slight surge effect when initially pulling the trigger. I'm pretty sure Active recommends a steel braided hose.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

@@Kevin-uc8np they do recommend steel braided but they say that any after market hose is fine, however the kickback I was getting was from my old setup (K1800), not the Active. The Active (both with the hose I'm using in this video and my main KJ hose) has the very nice, slow fade pressure; zero kick. It's one of my favorite things about this unit.

[@peterocchiogrosso7597]

Great job 👏

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

Much appreciated 🍻

[@whitegoodman7465]

This has to be Tedwards lost long brother.

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

If he wanted to send over some of his subs that'd be a brotherly thing to do.

[@brandonjohnson7088]

i hate when people using “ is it loud “ lol that shouldnt even be a con your outside

[@AlwaysSummerGarage]

eh, some people worry about that. I would have been a little bummed if it was as loud as it was suggested to be but I was expecting like gas-powered loud. No where close.