The bottom line is that, while there are a few irritating shortcomings that make it hard to give a top score, this is a brilliant piece of kit in terms of core functionality. If it had a longer hose, a better Presta adapter and a switch that didn't need constant pressing, it'd be perfect. Verdict

The Makita DMP181Z is a Body Only Cordless 18V Digital Pressure Gauge suitable for inflating bicycle and vehicle tyres, sports balls and inflatable leisure equipment. Also a good idea to carry one in the car. This powerful inflator discharges 22 litres/min with no need for mains power. Perfect for inflating dinghies with a max. air pressure of 1,110 kPa. This is a Body Only model sold without a battery or charger in a cardboard box. Features: I'm in exactly the same situation. I would say if you already have Makita LXT kit buying one of these is a no brainer - it's a fantastic bit of kit. If you have to buy the battery and the charger as well then it all depends on how much you are prepared to pay. BTW Makita cordless tools and their associated batteries and charger are amazing. I've had all sort of cordless tools over the years and wasted a lot of money. I should have paid more for Makita in the first place and saved myself money. Of course if you're into a bit of DIY why not treat yourself to a Makita cordless drill complete with battery and charger and a spare battery at the same time! It's quite noisy. Using the NIOSH's Sound Level decibel meter app on my phone I measured it at 75.8dB next to my ear, which is unpleasant, but not enough to cause hearing damage unless you run it continuously for several hours. So don't do that. Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it? A company with the resources and general cleverness of Makita could surely source or invent a better system. I used a Prestacycle EZ-Grip Big Presta Head instead of the brass adapter, which does the job a treat. Not out of the WoodsProtection from over-heating: Thermostat is activated to protect the machine when the pump temperature increases The Makita DMP180Z is an easy-to-use small compressor specifically designed for tyres and other small or low-pressure inflatables. It's powered by the same interchangeable 18V lithium-ion LXT batteries used in a vast array of Makita tools – but this price doesn't include one, or a charger. I have literally seen petite riders lift themselves off the floor trying to pump the last few psi into a high-pressure tyre' Other features include an LED light for convenient use at night and an auto-stop function automatically shutting down the tool when the desired pressure is reached.

He was heavily involved in the mountain bike boom of the late 1980s as a racer, team manager and race promoter, and that led to writing for Mountain Biking UK magazine shortly after its inception. He got the gig by phoning up the editor and telling him the magazine was rubbish and he could do better. Rather than telling him to get lost, MBUK editor Tym Manley called John’s bluff and the rest is history.It's a pity you have to hold the switch to make it work. When inflating larger tyres it would be nice to be able to set it going and walk away while it gets on with it. A releasable zip-tie or Velcro strap fixes that, though.