EGO’s First Inflator Delivers Meaningful Innovation
EGO has just about every lawn care tool known to man on their 56V Power+ platform. In recent years, the brand has also been dipping their toes into the recreation and lifestyle category. For EGO’s 56V inflator, the brand is offering competitive specs to the top inflators on the market. Not only that, but this model delivers some unique design features that we haven’t seen in an inflator thus far. I’ll show you what the EGO Power+ Inflator has to offer, so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your 56V collection.
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EGO Power+ 56V Compact Inflator
- Model: EGO IF1600
- Weight: 6.1 lbs
- Max Pressure Rating: 160 PSI
- Three Inflating/Deflating Functions
- Four Memory Presets
- Removable Activity Light
The IF1600 inflator is part of EGO’s 56V battery platform, so it works with the same batteries that power their blowers, string trimmers, and mowers. It provides a top pressure rating of 160 PSI, which is ideal for filling car, bike, and SUV tires.
There are three functions/modes on this inflator, including:
- High-Pressure Mode: Delivers up to 160 PSI for filling bike, car, truck, and SUV tires and sports balls.
- High-Volume Mode: Prioritizes airflow over pressure, ideal for filling air mattresses and swimming equipment.
- Deflation Mode: Reverses airflow to quickly deflate inflatable equipment.
EGO claims it can top off a 20-inch 235/65 R17 SUV tire in as little as one minute in high-pressure mode. In high-volume mode, EGO says it takes around 90 seconds to blow up a queen-size air mattress.
This inflator also features a memory preset function, letting you save up to four PSI levels in the system. You can toggle between each setting within High-Pressure Mode using the settings button.
Like many inflators, the EGO IF1600 includes several accessories. You get an inflation needle, a brass Presta valve adapter, a narrow pinch valve nozzle, a plastic inflator nozzle, and a high-volume hose.
At 6.1 pounds bare and 8×12 inches in size, this model is compact enough to carry around in your car or truck box, or keep it tucked away at home for recreational needs like swimming and sports equipment.
However, adding an EGO battery will increase the weight and size a bit, as the 56V batteries are quite hefty. As inflators aren’t typically held during use, I don’t see the weight increase being much of an issue in most cases, though.
Removable Activity Light
This model is also equipped with a removable activity light that charges directly onboard the inflator via the metal prongs in the light’s storage bay. It delivers up to 300 lumens, and you can even set your color temperature across three settings: 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K.
It’s not uncommon for automotive inflators to have lights onboard, but this removable lantern is a feature we haven’t seen before in an inflator, much less one with a color temperature adjustment. The back of the light is also magnetic, letting you attach it to the side of your car or other metal surface. Additionally, a retractable hook allows for multiple hands-free mounting options.
Being able to position the light anywhere you need instead of being tethered to the inflator is a big deal that makes this design a better roadside emergency option than the competition.
EGO Power+ 56V Compact Inflator Price
This inflator retails for $149 as a bare tool. There are currently no kit options available, so be sure to pick up an EGO 56V battery and charger if you’re not already on this platform. EGO backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
There’s no question that there is an abundance of inflators on the market, and pretty much every tool brand has its own version. In the case of the IF1600, you get battery compatibility with all of EGO’s other outdoor power equipment and lifestyle products, which is a huge plus for anyone who already uses EGO tools. Plus, at $149 for the bare tool, it’s around what we expect price-wise for this class of inflator.
However, if you’re not on EGO’s 56V system and don’t plan on buying into a whole new platform, I recommend sticking to an inflator that aligns with the tools you currently use. While the removable activity light and other convenience features of this model are compelling to a current EGO user, the buy-in factor, including a 56V battery and charger, may be out of budget for some.
