Tire Deflation...

[William]

Tire deflators...

Lots of threads for this. But I need help deciding between these two (5?) deflation devices.

I want a tire deflation device. Help me decide between the ARB tire deflator, or the Staun deflators. Which is better, do you have experience with either of these, or something different? Whaddya think?

ARB: http://www.man-a-fre.com/pa2/arbeztiredeflator.htm

Staun: http://www.4by4connection.com/stauntirdef.html

I suppose I could pick up a valve core removal tool on the cheap, but I want new toys.

 

[Brian McVickers]

I personally prefer the Staun or Trialhead deflator styles. They take a few tries to dial into your desired pressure but they are pretty straight forward. If needed you can also put them on and drive slowly for a while untill they are done, then take them off.

I don't like removing the valve core because I think it introduces the possibility of the valve core cross threading when you re-insert it. Very unlikely it will ever happen but if it did the resulting pain is not worth the slightly faster deflation time to me.

Brian

 

[alexrex20]

i have the ARB EZ Deflator and prefer it to the Staun type. not only is it half the cost, but it's also more universal in its application. you can use it on your truck at 11psi, your buddy's truck at 19psi, and his buddy's truck at 8psi, without making any changes.

 

[I Leak Oil]

...or worse, you loose the valve core in the mud or weeds! I'm also interested in the Staun because you can attach them and just let them do their thing while you do more productive things. Good point about being able to lend the ARB to someone else though.

 

[alexrex20]

the ARB is completely self contained and impossible to lose the valve core.

 

[ryguy]

the ARB is completely self contained and impossible to lose the valve core.

Very true. I've used my arb dozens of times with great ease. I can't speak for the staun, having never used it).

 

[IggyB]

I use Staun. Once they're set just tighten them to keep them that way.

If your buddies want to borrow them, then they're deflating to same pressure as you - life is tough.

 

[Red90]

i have the ARB EZ Deflator and prefer it to the Staun type. not only is it half the cost, but it's also more universal in its application. you can use it on your truck at 11psi, your buddy's truck at 19psi, and his buddy's truck at 8psi, without making any changes.

I agree fully. Fast, easy to use and you set to what you want.

 

[tmac]

I use the Stauns as well. As stated before you can do other things while
they do their thing. I use my spare to set them at the pressure I want and they are good to go.
The one con I would say is that you need to be careful when putting them on or taking them off is to watch that you don't move the
lock nut/ring so you don't mess up the setting.

I also use these little gems so there is no worry about misplacing your valve
stem caps. They have an o-ring inside to seal the valve in case the stem gets
lost or leaks. I have tested this in my driveway and they work.
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=200

 

[sami]

I have no hands on time with either, but I have noticed that the guys I adventure out with use the ARB, and some even traded their Stauns to pick up the ARB EZ... Take that for what it's worth I suppose.

Years ago when I was dropping 37-38" tires to 12psi, i'd pull the valve core with your average core puller found in a tire shop.. By the time I got around to the first tire it was right where I wanted it.. That and they'd start to whistle loudly at the 12psi mark.. Kinda like your tea being ready.. .. BTW, in the years of using that method I never once lost a core. I carried spares just incase though.

Sorry for the ramblings..

-Jason

 

[Red90]

.. BTW, in the years of using that method I never once lost a core. I carried spares just incase though.

I'm guessing you have not pulled many cores at -30.....

 

[sami]

I'm guessing you have not pulled many cores at -30.....

No sir. My methods would adapt at that cold i'm sure.

 

[ryguy]

If you do go for the ARB Wil has them on special.
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=specials

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

I have the ARB and have compared it to those using Stauns or similar devices. Although the ARB is marginally slower (depends on what pressure you start at and what pressure you want to end at), I find it fast enough and serves more uses than simply tire deflation and gives each user the option to set their own pressure.

I have heard from some Staun users and the like, that the setting is not always secure and can change with out you knowing and then how to reset it with out an accurate gauge?

Lastly a recent search on Stauns put them at almost 4x the price (includes S&H, taxes, etc.). My ARB was around $25 all in. I like the Staun idea, they have a good rep and I would like to try them but for that price, so far I'll stick with my ARB...it goes with my tire repair kit as well.

 

[William]

Thanks for the great responses. Seems like the differences really just boil down to a matter of preference. And a little dough. I''ve decided to pick up the ARB model since they're on sale at SE.

Happy trails everyone!

edit: FWIW I ordered the ARB Deflator and a 5 pack of No-Loss tire caps for just about $51 shipped. Thanks Wil!

-Will