Clarke SHHH50/350 Shhh Air Max review: Pro-grade pressure at home
The Clarke SHHH50/350 Shhh Air Max is a high output air compressor for when performance really matters.
Whether you’re a budding DIY bike fettler or a motorcycle resto specialist, or even a home-based workshop tech, the notion of owning a compressor with an air reservoir tank – the next step-up from an electric air pump that runs continuously just to top up a tyre’s air pressure – will grab you. And grip tightly.
Minutes will turn into hours scouring compressors on the Machine Mart website, or in the freebie taster catalogue. Yes, there’s a huge array of machines to choose from. That’s a lot of specifications to digest. To be fair, it’s all laid out to be easily read – key specs are prominent and, therefore, memorable. Take your time and you’ll soon figure out what best suits your needs.
Finally, after many more minutes of specification reading by mobile phone while in bed, Visordown’s compressor choice finally ended with the Clarke SHHH50/350 Shhh Air Max. The reasons why are plenty.
Personal experience dictates tyre pressure top ups, blowing off debris and even changing moped/scooter/bicycle tyres can be accommodated by any of the very affordable range of the Clarke 230v Airmaster compressors in 24-litre or 50-litre (and larger) receiver size. What’s a “receiver?” In tech-head land receiver is the official description for the air tank or reservoir. It’s also worth noting these tanks will hold and deliver a safe working pressure from, say, 116psi (8 bar) and upwards, compressor model dependent.
With its 50-litre air tank, SHHH50/350 doesn’t take up anymore length or width than other similar 50-litre compressors in the Clarke range. What it does have though are two 230v powered direct drive piston motors (combined rating of 3.5hp) that compresses and supplies enough air to satisfy every tier of mechanic. We are talking 116psi (8bar) working pressure and a whopping 16.9cfm rating!
CFM is another key word to note when reading compressor specs. CFM is short for Cubic Feet per Minute; the measured rate of air moved per minute. Basically, the higher the CFM figure, the greater the volume of air is moved, e.g. 7cfm is the shift of seven cubic feet per minute; 30cfm is an industrial 30 cubic feet per minute. This means more air tools can be used simultaneously and easily deal with tougher jobs like getting larger profile (e.g. 190 section rear) tubeless tyres onto rims without a struggle.
With standard fit adjustable airflow regulator and gauges for tank and outlet pressure, plus two 1/4in BSP outlet QD connectors, all manner of air tools can be used simultaneously. Examples of which are nail guns for fence/house repairs; an air impact wrench to undo the stubbornest of fasteners (clutch basket nuts and corroded engine mounts spring to mind); spray painting fairings or repainting internal house walls. Yes, there are plenty of reasons other than motorcycle ownership to justify the need to place a cool compressor in the man cave/workshop.
It didn’t take much spec reading for Visordown staff to figure that “shhh” in the tag Shhh Air Max means “shush” as in quiet. At a rated 66dB(A) the SHHH50/350 is definitely quiet. This is good. Firstly, because it means it can run all day in the confines of a garage/shed without driving us mad or deaf or both! Secondly, there’s no way you’re going turn good neighbours into enemies. Especially if you take 46 kilos of “shush” and unroll a 230v extension cable reel outside to a parked bike, which is easier than moving 200-odd kilos of motorcycle, thanks to rubber shrouded dual wheels and lift handle.
Other detail touches liked by team (can we borrow it?) Visordown are “shush” doesn’t take a lot of looking after. In fact, maintenance only consists of changing the air filter after many hours of use and draining off any condensation that collects in the tank, no different to any other working compressor. Also, high pressure direct drive motors do not require lubrication oil, so oil checks and top ups are a thing of the past. As is our liking for the tradition BSP air hose connectors required for the two switchable air pressure outlets. We’ve opted for EURO style connectors by PCL. More info on these soon.
To find out more or to buy, head to the Machine Mart website.
You can find Visordown's full range of workshop tools and equipment reviews here.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
