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Nomad 18 Volt Cordless Portable Power Cleaner review

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$314.99

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Nomad 18 Volt Cordless Portable Power Cleaner

BikeRadar verdict

4 out of 5 stars

"Dual power versatility from the 18V plus a great quality, user friendly feel"

6 comments
Sun 1 Jan 2012, 4:00 pm GMTBy

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The biggest and most expensive unit we've used recently justifies itself with dual-power user friendliness and really well designed functionality. At nearly 10kg empty it’s not the easiest beast to lug around, but the 14.5-litre tank detaches for carrying or easy filling from a stream/pond. A filler filter cap means any pump clogging crap will get sieved out too.

The Neoprene side pouch comes off and the car power cable can be bundled into the battery compartment for safe storage. The battery itself is a standard L-shaped 18V power tool cell, which can be removed and stuck into a desktop charger while your dirty washer stays outside. There’s enough juice to spray through four full tanks of water, so you should be fine for even the filthiest 24-hour race. Soft grip sections and a firm clip action from the sturdy, cleanly moulded plastic clasps give a real quality feel to the whole unit.

The hose can be plugged into itself to stop drips and the electrics are kept a long way from the wet bits. Bayonet attachments and a swivelling joint at the tank end reduce the chance of accidental damage and kinking too. Its spray power is marginally better than some we've tried, but you’ll still have to get some cleaning fluid and/or a brush/rag involved to get your steed sparkling.

This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike

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User Reviews

There are 6 reviews on this post

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 comments

  • How does it compare to the Mobi? If you have to pick between the two, which would you choose and why?

  • Does anyone have experience of both this Nomad and the alternative Mobi V-17? As far as i can tell, the only headline spec difference is the Nomad's detachable tank and the Mobi is 40 quid cheaper, so I was wondering if the extra spend was justified...

  • @ashfanman - Aha, we both had the same thought at almost exactly the same time! Great minds...

  • I've got a Mobi V17 and there are a few differences...

    1. The Mobi is variable pressure. So after a ride I turn it to low pressure and give myself a clean before turning it up and blasting the bike. It's a great feature, even if it is overlooked.

    2. The Mobi has a detachable container which is handy when moving water about.

    3. The Mobi has a 17 litre tank.

    This seems more expensive for less function, so I think the Mobi wins. Maybe get both of them for a test in a mag if anybody watches these threads!

  • I have a Nomad and we tested it with a fellow racers Mobi V17.

    The Mobi was blow into the weeds.

    The Nomad was hugely more powerful and has a much wider variable spray patten. It's better made, doesn't leak and we tipped the water out of the Nomad into the Mobi and there is now way it would have held another 3 litres. Having the removable battery in the Nomad makes it much more flexible, as a spare battery can be inserted or there is an in car charger available. It was much quieter too.

    No competition, plus I have seen elsewhere that there are lots of problems with the internal battery in the Mobi failing as well as the poxy little mains charger also - that is not good.

    I'm a happy Dog!

    No competition, sorry Tall Rubber Duck you have brought the wrong one mate.

  • Question: Can someone who owns one of these please confirm that the 18V Rechargeable Battery and Charger support the full range of power voltages so the unit can be used overseas even if the power is 100-110V of 230-240V?

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Specification

Name:
18 Volt cordless pressure washer (11)
Built by:
Nomad
Price:
$314.99

Features:
Capacity:14.5 litres, Colours: Hot Embers orange, Jungle green
Weight (kg):
9.23 kg

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