Metro Blaster SideKick review

BobbyG

BobbyG

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Today I had an opportunity to test drive this tool today and all in all I was very impressed with this tool.

Specifications:

  • Air Volume: 160MPH/85CFM
  • Air Speed: 18,000 FPM
  • HP Motor: 1.3
  • Amps: 8
  • Volts: 120
  • Watts: 950
  • Warranty: 1 YEAR WARRANTY
  • MADE IN USA
Sealants_032A.jpg


The Metro Blaster SideKick is rugged and very well built. With the exception of the rubber nozzle and heavy plastic grip the Metro Blaster SideKick is all steel so it's no lightweight.

I must admit when I ordered it I didn't expect such a rugged well made machine but rather something much lighter duty. I was very impressed with this little blow dryer! It's very compact, but don't let its small size fool you.

The Metro Blaster SideKick directs high velocity stream of warm air reaching deep into those places where water tends to accumulate forcing it out and quickly and drying the area.

The Metro Blaster SideKick also was designed with a replaceable foam filter in its base to keep foreign debris from entering it.

Pros:

  • Well designed
  • Rugged
  • Well built
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Easy to maintain
  • High velocity directed warm air
  • Everything I've written above

Cons:

  • Short electrical cord
  • High cost
On such a well designed tool why would anyone manufacture it with only a 10" electrical cord, what were they thinking!! :doh:? If this was done to lower cost then they should be charging $4.00 more and upgrade this to a 8 foot cord..:props:
 
Nice review Bobby. I am betting that the short cord is so that you don't have an electrical connection on the wet ground. It is designed to blow off wet cars and they took that into design consideration. Chances are very likely the groung around where you are working will be wet.
 
Dr Oldz said:
Nice review Bobby. I am betting that the short cord is so that you don't have an electrical connection on the wet ground. It is designed to blow off wet cars and they took that into design consideration. Chances are very likely the ground around where you are working will be wet.
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Thanks Jim,

I like your thinking and you might just be onto something....:props:
 
How long did it take to dry a car with the SideKick? Did you use towels too?
 
I'm confused. In "Air Volume" there is a listed airspeed of 160 MPH yet if you convert 18,000 FPM to mph it is 205 MPH.

Which one is correct?
 
Thanks for the review Bobby! I will purchase this on my next order. I also wondered about this little blower and everyone told me to just buy an electric leaf blower. I detail out of my car and I definitely don't have the room to cram a leaf blower. Thanks for the review! :xyxthumbs:
 
I bought one of these a couple years ago for my Harley - it was essential in getting all the nooks and crannies around the motor like the cooling fins, drying the hand controls, etc. Though I sold my bike last year, I recently pulled this little powerhouse out to dry my 2011 Mustang. Since the car has all the 'bling' goodies like hood and side scoops, full pedestal spoiler, etc., I found it was BRILLIANT in forcing the hidden water out from around these trim pieces, decals, etc.

It is a little pricey, but it's definitely built to last. So far as the cord is concerned, I believe Dr. Oldz hit the nail on the head... Given that its habitat is a wet driveway or shop floor, it makes sense to keep the connection away from the ground. The 10" is just right to "knot" with an extension cord. The machine is maybe a little larger than a quart mason jar and has a good heft - it's easy to control. Mine came with two rubber tips - a conical 'pinpoint' tip that's pictured above, and a fan-shaped 'flat' concentrator that works well for sheeting large flat surfaces.

It's definitely more gentle than a compressor, though much heavier to wield than an air hose. The air it delivers is warmed, though I'm not sure if it utilizes a hair-dryer-like heating element or if it's just warmed by the high-powered motor... Most likely the latter.

Given that I'm no longer detailing a motorcycle (where it was pretty much essential), would I buy it again? After using it several times now on my car and truck to chase away the water that "hides" from drying towels and later decides to run out to meet a running polishing pad, I'd have to say the answer is definitely YES! :xyxthumbs:
 
I'd like to get one of the bigger Metro blowers one day. I know you got this for the tight places, though.

Great review!:xyxthumbs:

I wonder why they don't just offer a version with a longer cord with an additional cost!?! Kind of like what the PC does...
 
aerogt01 said:
I'm confused. In "Air Volume" there is a listed airspeed of 160 MPH yet if you convert 18,000 FPM to mph it is 205 MPH.

Which one is correct?
Click to expand...

Your math is correct so it sounds like they're "sand bagging" the numbers a little...Maybe give them a call and ask them whats up with their math.
 
Thanks Bobby for the review myself and a few other forum members have been discussing the Metro line for the past few weeks . As for myself my vette is gone and get back into the saddle of a new Harley . I defiantly want a new Metro but can't decide on which one . Since I really don't need the vacuum part I was hoping the Vac N Blow would do the job . Any thoughts much appreciated
 
I think these would be super helpful for engine comprtments. I'm gettin one. Thanks Bobby........wait you just made spend more money.
 
Dr Oldz said:
Thanks Bobby........wait you just made spend more money.
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My pleasure Jim!

Anytime you need help spending some cash just let me know and I'll help any way I can....:props:

You're going to love the SideKick! :dblthumb2:
 
Thanks for the review Bobby! Metro really puts forth some high quality products. This looks like another winner.
 
Nice job Bobby :xyxthumbs:

Neither the Master Blaster nor the Sidekick have made it to my garage yet, maybe on the next big AG sale...hmmm....thanks buddy :laughing:.
 
Tip: If you want to put your hands on one of these and possibly even counter-demo one (plug it in, turn it on and feel how powerful it is), check your local Harley Davidson shop. Last time I looked, they had a "branded" version of this exact dryer - of course at the premium HD price. Many independent motorcycle shops carry these as well. If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, support your local independents, but definitely order from AG before considering Harley's ridiculous logo fees!
 
Gruebukkit said:
The air it delivers is warmed, though I'm not sure if it utilizes a hair-dryer-like heating element or if it's just warmed by the high-powered motor... Most likely the latter.
Click to expand...

Your gut is correct. There are no heating elements in the MB, just the heat given off by the motors. If I remember correctly Corey measured it around 103 degrees in his review.
 
I have one and use it all the time to dry those problem areas like lights and emblems. Works great.
 
Bobby glad you reviewed this little gem. I bought one as well..and while you can dry a complete car it is not really meant for that IMO. By that I mean it will do great on engines, door jambs, wheels, mirrors, windshield cowling areas..but the bigger metro vacs are for the cars. I love this lil guy..and use it to blow out the garage floor..and blow dry my German Shep! It truly is a useful tool. Some tools are really just well designed and worth the money spent.
 
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