Etenwolf Vortex S6 - Hands On
We recently had the chance to get ‘hands on’ with the new-to-the-market Etenwolf Vortex S6 air compressor. The lightweight unit arrived quickly and well protected in a recyclable carboard outer carton, opening the Etenwolf box reveals further protection as well as the orange & black material carry case.
What’s In The Box
Orange carry case
Air compressor
Quick-start guide
User Manual
UK USB-C transformer
USB-C to USB-C cable
Tyre quick release attachment (high-pressure)
Presta valve attachment (high-pressure)
Ball pump attachment (high-pressure)
Nozzle attachment (high-pressure)
High volume hose & nozzle
The battery powered S6 Vortex comes packed with features and attachments so that you can inflate pretty much anything desired. It comes with 2 hoses; a high-pressure for tyres and balls, and high-volume for air beds and pool inflatables - which both have their corresponding attachments, the high-volume hose can inflate as well as deflate.
Turning on the unit with the Start/pause button illuminates the simple display which shows your 7 modes (custom, car, truck, campervan, ball, high-volume, bike). These 7 modes can be cycled through using the ‘Mode’ button and out the box have suggested pre-sets loaded, these can be changed as desired and are then handily remembered going forwards (the unit can be reset to return all values to default if required). The digital display also shows your battery level, target pressure as well as current pressure, in BAR, PSI or KPA which is selected via the ‘Unit’ button.
The last button is for the light which again cycles through 4 modes (medium brightness, high brightness, strobe, SOS), to turn off the light you can either cycle through to what would be the 5th position or long press at any point.
To turn off the unit completely, long press the Start/pause button.
The compressor’s internal battery is charged via USB-C, and the same battery can then output to up to 2 external devices such as a phone & tablet via 1x USB-C & 1x USB-A (USB-A cable not included).
Specs
Item Weight: 2.75kg
Maximum Power: 0.75 Horsepower
Capacity: 42 LPM
Product Dimensions: 28 x 14 x 24cm
Air Flow Capacity: 1.5 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Motor Horsepower: 0.75 Horsepower
High Pressure Hose Length: 75cm
High Volume Hose Length: 42cm (70cm when stretched)
Maximum Operating Pressure: 160 PSI / 11bar
Battery Capacity: 19,200mAh
LED Light: 1000 Lumens Max
The unit’s construction is predominantly plastic, even the front brushed silver section which appears like metal. At first we were a little disappointed by this, but after using, it became clear that the compressor was solidly built and purposely designed this way to remain lightweight, be rugged enough to use out on the trials, and take a little beating. It’s compact enough to store in your vehicle, and with the included carry case, the compressor will be protected and ready for it’s next use. Over a period of a few weeks of testing, it seems to hold it’s charge remarkably well - both when used for inflating or just in storage. We haven’t had the chance to test for much longer but according to Etenwolf’s website and internal testing, the battery can actually last for a full 24 months on a single charge!
Both the Vortex S6 Compressor and (not included) T300 Plus Digital Tyre Gauge read accurately when compared with our other air tools.
Pros
Very lightweight and easy to carry one handed
Inexpensive at ~£129-£199
Works well, reliable and as advertised
Extra features such as light & ability to use as a battery pack
Cons
The clasp which holds the high-pressure nozzle attachment isn’t very strong so the attachment can easily fall out
Overall the Vortex S6 is in our opinion a great value for money air compressor, which just does what it’s designed to do. We love the fact that it’s battery powered which allows for super portable use and the fact that the battery actually lasts and the well thought out accessories and features are an additional bonus.
The team over at Etenwolf have been kind enough to send us a selection of their air tools, so if you’re coming along to our next event; then you’ve got a great chance to win some S3 & S6 Compressors and T300 Plus gauges!