Review on Metabo HPT Pancake Compressor EC710S by Allan Ryser

I ordered this to have a Japanese quality compressor instead of a mediocre Chinese compressor. The Metabo also has a noise level of 73dB (think of a vacuum cleaner), which is much quieter than the Chinese models. Well I'd be better off buying Harbor Freight's Central Pneumatic or Revain's PortaCable as they're the same size, pretty much the same specs except for 80dB SPL, made in China and $30 (it feels now like $40 to) cheaper. HF also offers extended warranties. For those unfamiliar with sound level measurements, 80dB is DOUBLE as loud as 70dB. Well, this Metabo measured between 78 and 80 dB on two professional sound level meters at a distance of one meter on the axis and at ear level. 360 degree measurements in an 11.5 x 19.5 foot room (Metabo 5 feet from the long end of the room), carpeted, with furniture and outside deck: DAS is 50-75% louder than the assessed 73 dB and almost as cheap, also made in China CP by HF and PorterCable. This metabo has no reviews on Revain while CP has hundreds of HF with few complaints/crashes but constant loud complaints as does PorterCable on Revain. 30+ hours without venting, easy to carry handle, two gauges seem accurate, works right out of the box (long term?) - 80dB at one meter, it took 11-12ft from Metabo to read 73dB, welds are functional but very amateurish and uneven, no place to store the cord, not even the usual molded clip in the plug to attach to the wrapped cord, the price is high compared to other very similar Chinese compressors, the lifespan is unknown as mine Device is only a week old. Bottom line: I wouldn't buy again as it didn't match the low noise level and I thought it was made in Japan. NOTE: If you look at the photos and zoom in on one of the labels printed very small, it says "Made in China". I missed that, so this purchase is my own fault. Given the actual volume and the $30-$40 price difference, I would buy a CP or PortaCable. I am a former industrial mechanic who has built and repaired high speed industrial packaging machines to close tolerances. I was looking for a portable, lightweight compressor for DIY and home use so I didn't have to lug hoses off my stationary compressor or lug around my very heavy old-school "portable" oil compressor. Hope this helps you in your search.