• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Best Engines Guides And Advices - The Motor Masters

  • Accessories
    • 🥇Gooseneck vs Fifth Wheel Hitches Comparison
    • Husky vs Craftsman Tool Box
    • Chains vs Cables: Detailed Comparison
    • Best Seat Covers For Honda CRV
    • Gator Tonneau Cover Review – The Ultimate Truck Cover
  • Oil & Fluids
    • 5 Best Diesel Fuel Additives of 2023
    • Best oil additive for lifter noise: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
    • Best Oil Additives To Stop Smoke – Buyer’s Guide
    • The Best Oil Additive For Older Engines
    • Best Engine Oil Stop Leak Additive – What Is The Best
  • Parts
    • Brake Parts
      • A Complete Review On Max Brakes
      • Hart Brakes Reviews
      • A Detailed Look at Different Callahan Brake Parts
      • EBC Brakes Reviews
      • Wagner Brake Pads Review – What To Choose?
      • Detroit Axle Brakes Review
      • Raybestos Brakes Review – Safety when you are Driving
        • Raybestos Brake Pads Review
        • Raybestos Rotors Review – The Most Reliable and Durable Quality
        • Raybestos Element 3 Review – Superior Performance, Highly Durable&Futuristic Brake Pads
      • Centric Brakes Review and Buyer’s Guide
      • Durago Brakes and Rotors Review
    • Spark Plugs
      • Denso Spark Plugs vs Ngk: Which Is Winner?
    • Shocks and Struts
      • Best Shocks For Gmc Sierra: Which Is Winner?
      • Best Shock Absorbers For Jeep Grand Cherokee – Which is winner?
      • Shocks And Struts For Toyota Tundra
      • Shocks For Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel Reviews
      • Sensen Shocks And Strut Review
      • Gabriel Struts Review – Your Car’s Core Co-Rider
      • Gabriel Shocks Review – A Shock for Every Vehicle & Every Driver
      • TRQ Struts Review – Trusted, Reliable, Quality Struts
    • Starters
      • Best Starter for Chevy 454 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
  • Tools
    • Hand Tools
      • Best Air Hose 2019 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
      • Best Multimeter 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
      • Best Tap and Die Set 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
      • The 6 Best Socket Organizer 2019 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
    • Power Tools
      • Best Mini Circular Saws 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
      • Best Professional Chainsaw 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
      • Best Bench Grinder 2019 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
      • Best Benchtop Jointer 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
    • Paint Sprayers
      • Best Sprayers For Deck Stain
      • Wagner Flexio 2000 Review
      • Best Cheap Paint Sprayers
      • Wagner Flexio 2000 vs 3000
  • Tires
    • Kumho Road Venture MT51 Review – Best Tire For Road Users
    • Kumho Solus TA71 Review – All Round Best Tire
    • Kumho Sense KR26 Reviews – Best Tires 2020
    • Kumho Ecsta PS31 Review – Best Tire for Drivers
  • Tips & Advice
    • Do oil stop leak additives work?
    • How to use airless paint sprayer? – Tips & Guide

Best Air Compressor Hose 2023 – Which Is Better?

April 29, 2019 By John Smith Leave a Comment We are reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission.

In a Hurry? Editors choice: –> Continental 047
Best Air HoseAir compressor hoses are useful whether you are a professional using them for tools or a DIYer doing some work around the house. They deliver airflow to power tools that use them. An air hose has to be tough and strong.

In this post, we will run down five of the best air hoses that are on the market and make a comparison table to help you decide which one to choose. We will also dive into what makes a good air hose in our buyer’s guide.

That way, even if you are not interested in any of our choices for best air hose, you will at least learn about what to look for and how to choose a good air hose for your needs.

Best Air Hose 2023

We tested more than 10 different air compressor hoses and chose 5 really best. Below we reduced the characteristics of these products to the table.

PictureProductMaterialLengthPressure
Continental 047 1/2-Inchx 50 Red Rubber Industrial HoseContinental 047 Industrial Hose (Editor’s Choice)Rubber50200PSI
Check Price
Flexzilla Air HoseFlexzilla Air Hose (Editor’s Choice)Flexible Hybrid Polymer
50300PSI
Check Price
Apache 98108942 3/8" Rubber Air HoseApache Air HoseRubber25300PSI
Check Price
Continental Safety Yellow Rubber Hose With 1/4-Inch EndsContinental Safety HoseRubber50250PSI
Check Price
Coilhose Pneumatics R38012NCoilhose Pneumatics R38012N EPDM*12200PSI
Check Price

*-Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber

We aim to show you accurate product information. Manufacturers, suppliers, and others provide what you see here, and we have not verified it. See our disclaimer.

Continental 047 1/2-Inchx 50 Red Rubber Industrial Hose – Best Durability

Red Rubber Industrial HoseThe Continental has a length of 50 feet and 200 PSI. It has 3/8-inch connectors and a half-inch diameter. It has brass connectors and rubber construction. It has an industrial-strength body and enough PSI for most household tasks.

Performance

The biggest attribute of the Continental is how tough it is. The rubber is strong and maintains its flexibility and integrity under a wide range of temperatures. The connectors themselves are also built tough and they are joined tightly to the hose, minimizing the possibility of a leak.

The fifty-foot length is on the long side, so this hose is well-suited to working away from the air source.

The Continental is recommended to anyone who is using a tool rated for under 200 PSI. That should be nearly all home users and many professional ones. It costs more than most others, but the length and durability means it will be a mainstay for a long time.
Pros
  • Very tough
  • One of the longest hoses on the market
  • Good materials
  • Oil-resistant
  • Can be used in all temperatures
  • Made in USA
Cons
  • Expensive
  • The length makes it heavy when carrying from place to place

Continental 047 1/2-Inchx 50 Red Rubber Industrial Hose

  • 1/2 inch x 50 feet, 200PSI
  • Oil-resistant
  • Can be used in all temperatures
  • Includes male brass ferrules and barbed fittings
  • Made in USA
Buy on Amazon

Flexzilla Air Hose – Best Value

As the name implies, the Flexzilla is a quite flexible hose. It uses standard 3/8 inch connectors and it is built to resist abrasion, light cuts, and other obstacles.

The hose is rated for -40 degrees Fahrenheit up to 140 degrees. Flexzilla stays flexible throughout the whole temperature range. Maximum working pressure: 300PSI.

Performance

The Flexzilla’s most striking performance aspect is how well it keeps its shape. It doesn’t move around or twist, even when you turn the pressure on, and that’s a big relief with 50 feet of hose to manage. As with the Continental, that is probably more length and PSI than most users will ever need.

The Flexzillais recommended for people who like the look of the Continental, but want to save a little money. It is nearly as tough and more flexible for a few less dollars. The biggest issue is that it comes from a little-known Taiwanese company, but the lack of brand power doesn’t change the fact that this is a strong hose.

Pros
  • Great value for less money
  • Stays put under pressure
  • Green color keeps it easy to spot against a concrete shop floor
Cons
  • Not an established brand
  • Might be more hose than some people will need

Flexzilla Air Hose, 3/8 in. x 50 ft., 3/8 in. MNPT Fittings, Heavy Duty, Lightweight, Hybrid, ZillaGreen - HFZ3850YW3

  • EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE - All weather flexibility (-40° to 140°F)
  • EXTREMELY DURABLE - Abrasion resistant outer cover and crush resistant aircraft aluminum fittings with bend restrictor
  • HYBRID POLYMER - Won't kink under pressure, coils easily and lays flat with zero memory
  • MAXIMUM WORKING PRESSURE - 300 pounds per square inch
  • VERSATILITY - Use on professional jobsites, in automotive shops or at home in the garage
  • Color: ZillaGreen
$38.77 ($0.50 / Ounce) -$8.75 $30.02 ($0.38 / Ounce)
Buy on Amazon

Apache 98108942 3/8″ Rubber Air Hose – Best PSI

Apache 98108942 3/8" Rubber Air HoseThe Apache is a step down in length at 25 feet. It has a 3/8 inch NPT connector, as is standard. It is rated for 300 PSI and a max temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The hose comes with a 2-year warranty.

Performance

The Apache is the go-to hose for any tools that need more than the typical 150-200 PSI. 300 PSI is quite a lot and is enough to handle a much wider variety of needs. However, it is less durable than the two previous hoses, especially if you frequently use high PSI draws.

The Apache is a good choice for people who need that much of PSI capacity. It also costs less than the two previous hoses, so it makes decent value. It won’t last as long, but at that price, even buying two of them is cheaper. It can be a good secondary hose if you only have one tool that needs this much PSI and you want longer or tougher hoses for other uses.
Pros
  • Flexible in extreme temperatures
  • Best PSI rating on this list
  • Cheaper per foot than other hoses
Cons
  • Durability issues
  • Is more likely to kink up under higher pressures

Apache 98108942 3/8" x 25' 300 PSI Red Rubber Air Hose Assembly

  • Flexible in extreme temperatures
  • Over 50% more durable than PVC
  • Superior abrasion and weather-resistance
  • For use in industrial, construction, shop and farm pneumatic tools
Buy on Amazon

Continental Safety Yellow Rubber Hose With 1/4-Inch Ends – Best Quarter Inch

Continental Safety Yellow Rubber HoseGoodyear’s Continental brand makes a second appearance on this list with a quarter-inch model. It costs $30 and measures 50 feet, giving it a good price per foot compared to other long hoses.

The hose is rated for 250 PSI. The yellow color helps distinguish it from the other Continental hoses that have a larger connector.

Performance

Just as with the other model, the Continental is a tough and strong hose that will handle many years of use. It handles the abrasion of being moved over a rough surface and will maintain its seal for as long as necessary.

If you need or use a lot of quarter-inch ports, then this is a better model because you won’t need as many adapters. In reality, both Continental air hoses are good general-purpose performers, and you might want to just choose whichever one is less expensive at the moment. Both have plenty of PSI and length, so those should not be the final differentiators.
Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Big PSI and length dimensions
Cons
  • Threads can be a little tough to work with
  • Depends on vinyl coatings on the ends

Continental 045 3/8-Inch-by-50-Feet Safety Yellow Rubber Hose 3/8 -Inch by 50-Feet 250 PSI With 1/4-Inch Ends

  • Made of heavy-duty reinforced rubber for durability
  • Equipped with an oil- and abrasion-resistant tube
  • Hose measures 3/8 inch by 50 feet
  • Includes ferrules and fittings
  • Made in the U.S.A.
$52.40 -$0.4 $52.00
Buy on Amazon

Coilhose Pneumatics R38012N – Best Short Hose

Coilhose Pneumatics R38012NCoilhouse rounds out the list with an interesting hose. It is just 12 feet long and has a 3/8 inch MPT connector. It is blue and costs $24 for one unit. It is rated for 200 PSI and a temperature range of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 212 degrees.

Performance

The Coilhouse performs well in its special role, which is in short-range applications. It is very tough and its short length means that it won’t be dragging on the ground as much. That translates to a long lifetime. The blue color really stands out well.

The Coilhouse is another example of a good potential secondary hose. It is hard to imagine it as a main hose because it is so short. It is also fairly expensive compared to other hoses when you think about the length and PSI. Don’t buy it unless you can make good use of the short length, because there are more cost-efficient options on this list at this PSI level.
Pros
  • Short enough that there is less hose to kink
  • Very good temperature rating
Cons
  • Expensive on a per-foot basis

Coilhose Pneumatics R38012N Heavy Duty Multi Purpose Hose, 3/8-Inch ID, 12-Foot Length, 3/8-Inch MPT Fitting

  • Hose for conveyance of air or water in commercial and industrial applications where high resistance to oil is necessary
  • RMA Class A nitrile synthetic rubber hose for high oil resistance with a nonconductive blue chloroprene RMA Class A chloroprene cover for high oil resistance and protection against weathering
  • Rayon spiral synthetic reinforcement for strength
  • Temperature range of -40 to +212 degrees F
  • Two 3/8" factory-installed, crimped brass male NPT rigid fittings.
$43.08
Buy on Amazon

Best Type Of Air Compressor Hose

Contents:

  • Length
  • Temperature Resistance
  • Durability
  • Ease of Use
  • PSI
  • Connectors
  • Value
In this section, we will list some of the most important attributes and characteristics of air hoses. You’ll learn why each one matters and how to take it into account when looking for a new air hose.

Length

Nothing is more annoying than a hose or a cord that is too short. It’s annoying to work with and it leads to wasted time. You might not get the right angle that you want with your tools, and in some cases, you’ll have to totally alter your plans to make things work. However, a hose that is too long is also a problem. The coils and extra length will lie around on the floor as a tripping hazard.

You want a happy medium, a length that is long enough to suit your needs without having too many extra loops. In general, it is easier to err on the short side. You can always buy two hoses and link them together for more length if you need it, although of course a new linkage means a new potential failure point.

Do a little measuring to see how much length of hose you think you need. A longer hose also usually means more weight to carry around because there is more mass. There is no right answer here: go with what is best for your needs.

Temperature Resistance

A major challenge with hoses is the fact that the materials that they are made of can be susceptible to damage as a result of temperature changes. This is especially true with cold weather, which can cause hoses to crack and get stiff. That is the last thing you want because it introduces leaks and breakage, as well as making the hose harder to maneuver. Heat can be a problem as well if it causes melting or other damage as a result of expansion.

Before you buy any air hose, check out the rated temperature range. If there’s no information about the temperature tolerance, that is a bad sign. The manufacturer should have tested the hose to see how much heat and cold it can endure. The better a hose can hold up to temperature, the longer it will last. Depending on where you live and work, you will experience different temperature ranges.

Big temperature swings can also cause damage, so be prepared for that just as much as the local extremes. Working indoors means you won’t need to worry about this as much, but remember that the temperature controls will be turned off when you go home at night.

Durability

Best type of air hoseA hose has to be tough. If the air hose breaks, you could lose usage of multiple tools until you get a replacement. There are all kinds of ways for air hoses to get damaged in the shop. We have already gone over temperature, but getting stepped on or rolled over are also possibilities.

Your air hoses will be potentially exposed to sharp tools and heavy weights. The hose has to find a balance between having durable walls and permitting airflow. If it is too rigid, then it won’t function well.

The newer a hose is, the less you can know about how durable it is because it hasn’t been around long enough for people to put them through real-world testing. Air hoses from established brands tend to be more likely to be strong, so if there is a brand that you favor, it should take a lot to convince you to switch to something else.

The durability of an air hose reel should keep it functioning at peak performance and without pressure loss for several years under normal working conditions. You don’t want to buy these too often because it’s a needless expense. Unless something catastrophic happens to the hose, it shouldn’t need replacing until it wears down or the connectors lose the joint.

Ease of Use

Your air hose shouldn’t be a hassle or annoying to use. Examples of annoying hoses include ones that have a tendency to kink, loop, coil, and otherwise move around on their own when under pressure. This can wear down the hose and make it more difficult to move and carry it around. It can also create potentially dangerous conditions if a hose that was lying flat loops and bends off the ground.

The best air hoses do not move and stay exactly where you leave them. They need to be flexible and remain so under any temperature and pressure. Anything else introduces some additional risk to your work environment.

Air compressor hose material of will contribute significantly to how flexible it is and how well it retains its shape. Remember that a hose that behaves well may not work the same way under different conditions, such as different pressures or temperatures. Do not assume that a hose will stay put until you actually test it yourself.

PSI

The PSI that a hose can accommodate makes a big difference to what kind of tools you can use with it. You should never try to push more pressure through a hose than it is rated for, because the results could be dangerous.

Look up the pressure needs of all the tools that you expect to use with the hose and determine what strength of hose you require to power all of them. The needs of someone who is just using a few tools around the home and a professional can be quite large.

In general, a good air hose will provide plenty of capacity- more than enough for household applications. You should expect it to continue to provide that same level of capacity over its useful lifetime. If you think you might be experiencing a leak, then there are two main culprits- a breach of some kind along the hose or a leak at the connector. Check both.

The best air hoses will have tough siding and strong connector joints, so you can count on them to deliver PSI for years. However, you should never try to move past the rated PSI, even if you believe it is safe. Not only are the hoses not demonstrably safe in those conditions, but you are almost certainly causing at least some damage and weakening for future use.

Connectors

best air hoseThe connectors are a crucial point because the air hose often fails at the zone where they join to the rubber hose. Your connectors should adhere tightly and there should be no signs of fraying or other problems.

In addition to that, there are different connectors available for different applications. In general, a larger connection allows for greater maximum pressure because more air can flow through.

If you need to use an adapter to get your hose to connect properly to a tool or another hose, you are introducing another potential failure point. Take care that these adapters are rated for the given PSI and are free of flaws.
Poor connectors can leak air, harming performance.

They should be made of a strong metal out of one continuous piece. They should not pull off or appear loose. Always inspect the connectors before using an air hose.
The most common size for a connector is a diameter of 3/8 inches. Your tools should connect to that, as should other hoses. A more powerful tool could require a larger connector and a thicker hose, but this is rare.

Value

When taking all of these factors into account, the best air hose is not just the one with the best materials and construction- it is also the one that fits the best into your budget. The more hoses you use, the more careful you need to be about spending money on them.

The best way to save money is to avoid buying more than you need, especially when it comes to size and PSI. Don’t buy a hose that can do more than your current needs “just in case” when it will come with a significant bump up in price. You can always get a new hose if your needs change.

Value is closely connected to durability. Do a quick calculation to see how many times you will need to replace a hose and how much that will cost. Sometimes, the most expensive air hoses are of poor value because they won’t give you that much more lifetime than a less-expensive model.

Conversely, the cheapest air hoses are often made with lower-grade materials that will break more quickly and easily. Do your research to ensure that the hose you choose will be worth the money that you put into it.

Conclusion

Buying the best air hose is far from a trivial decision. A good air hose keeps your tools running smoothly for years, and you won’t even need to think about it. A bad air hose will break, or trip you by coiling into a loop, or develop a leak after six months. Use the key characteristics in our buyer’s guide to settle on an air hose that works for you. That goes for all potential buyers of an air hose.

A little bit of planning now will save you time and money down the line by helping you find a good match. It might be a good idea to have a few different kinds of hoses for different special cases if you have a variety of tools and tasks ahead.

5/5 - (5 votes)

Filed Under: Blog, Hand Tools, Tools

About John Smith

I have a Diploma in Vehicle Mechanics. I enjoy hearing from you, share your car problems, share ideas, and I will give you the best advises on how to solve your car problem.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Navigate our Top

  • Best Air Hose
  • Continental 047 Industrial Hose
  • Flexzilla Air Hose
  • Apache Air Hose
  • Continental Safety Hose
  • Coilhose Pneumatics R38012N
  • Buyer’s Guide

Continental 047 1/2-Inchx 50 Red Rubber Industrial Hose

Ingersoll Rand 285B-6 1 Pneumatic Impact Wrench - Heavy Duty Torque Output, 6 Inch Extended Anvil, 1 Inch, 2 Handles, High Precision, Accessibility, Control, Gray

$485.13 -$108.43 $376.70

Ingersoll Rand SK8C5T 1-Inch Drive 5-Piece Truck Service Socket Set

Recent Posts

  • Gator Tonneau Cover Review – The Ultimate Truck Cover
  • TRQ Struts Review – Trusted, Reliable, Quality Struts
  • Gabriel Shocks Review – A Shock For Every Vehicle & Every Driver
  • Gabriel Struts Review – Your Car’s Core Co-Rider
  • Durago Brakes and Rotors Review
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Cookies & Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 · Themotorsmasters.com. Some posts may contain affiliate links. Themotorsmasters.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT