The Best Spray Guns from Apollo — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
Boasting over 50 years of experience in paint spraying — the Apollo HVLP spray gun range targets the serious home-improver and discerning tradesperson. This US-based family-owned brand offers the ultimate in turbine-powered machines — targeting those users who want more portability than a pneumatic unit can provide. Powerful, precise, and energy-efficient, their massive line of units — although a little demanding on the pocket — deliver a flaw-free finish and rapid delivery.- Complete with numerous accessories.
- Variable pressure — 0.1-10 PSI.
- Automatically adjusts for altitude and barometric pressure.
Best Spray Guns from Apollo Information
Top Apollo Paint Sprayer
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for Accessories
|
Best for Accessories
|
Apollo Precision 5 Pro LE
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at PSE Apollo Precision 5 Pro LE Review Apollo Precision 5 Pro LE Review |
Best for Precision
|
Best for Precision
|
Apollo Precision 5 Pro
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Apollo Precision 5 Pro Review Apollo Precision 5 Pro Review |
Best Rapid Coverage
|
Best Rapid Coverage
|
Apollo Power 5 VS
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at PSE Apollo Power 5 VS Review Apollo Power 5 VS Review |
Best for Medium Projects
|
Best for Medium Projects
|
Apollo Power 4
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at PSE Apollo Power 4 Review Apollo Power 4 Review |
Best for Small Projects
|
Best for Small Projects
|
Apollo Power 3
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at PSE Apollo Power 3 Review Apollo Power 3 Review |
Best Energy Efficient
|
Best Energy Efficient
|
Apollo Eco 5
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Apollo Eco 5 Review Apollo Eco 5 Review |
Best Quiet Operation
|
Best Quiet Operation
|
Apollo Eco 4
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Apollo Eco 4 Review Apollo Eco 4 Review |
Best Lightweight
|
Best Lightweight
|
Apollo Eco 3
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at PSE Apollo Eco 3 Review Apollo Eco 3 Review |
Best Compact
|
Best Compact
|
Apollo Eco Mini
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Apollo Eco Mini Review Apollo Eco Mini Review |
Apollo HVLP Spray Gun Machine Buying Guide
Offering blemish-free finishes and immense power from their floor-standing motors, its products are suitable for a wide spectrum of applications including automotive, marine, aerospace, farm machinery, home-improvement, and cabinet work.
The Apollo Brand
Founded in 1966 by John B. Darroch, the company supplies the trade and industrial paintwork markets as well as the semi-pro home hobbyist. Its vast catalog of HVLP sprayers are manufactured here in the USA — meaning a ready availability of spare parts and accessories.
Yet, despite having a turnover in excess of $2.26 million and being one of the most respected HVLP producers in the market — at its heart, Apollo remains a ‘small company.’
Family-owned and managed from its incorporation, since 1988, it has been run by CEO and president, John A. Darroch — the son of the founder. Often present at trade and industry shows — his ethos is to provide a friendly face to the business — far removed from the cold and remote front of some of the industry’s ‘big boys.’
With staff who have worked for the company for over 30 years, including current Vice President, Bill Boxer — Apollo is a company fuelled by experience. This is an aspect that’s evident through its comprehensive, knowledgeable, and helpful customer service and technical support — an oft-praised side of the business in online reviews.
The Apollo HVLP Paint Sprayer Product Line
Vast is an understatement.
Admittedly, the Wagners and Gracos of the spraying world also have comprehensive catalogs — but their product lines cover handhelds, ground-sitting, airless, turbines, and pneumatic machines.
Apollo concentrates on one niche — floor-standing HVLP turbines.
Across three different categories, it manufactures a cornucopia of air-powered units. Browsing their range is akin to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid rolled into one. At least, it is if you’re seriously into paint sprayers.
And, unlike many of their competitors, the nomenclature of the three series actually means something. Calling your spray lines Magnum, Ultra, or Master (all genuine names from other manufacturers) may sound damn awesome — but it means diddly.
In a spirit of openness — and to make the selection of your perfect machine straightforward — as you will see, the Apollo HVLP spray systems are named after their function.
Allow me to give you a brief overview of its product lines.
Apollo Precision Series
Compatible with water or solvent-based paints, clears, and pigmented mediums — they deliver impressive efficiency with the minimum of overspray — crucial on fine finishing projects.
Apollo Power Series
The units in this line-up possess a variety of turbine-stages, depending on your output requirements. Furthermore, with each machine boasting its own variable pressure control — you can tailor the power delivery to suit your medium and rate of coverage.
Apollo Eco Series
Designed for weekly use as opposed to the daily use capabilities of the Precision and Power ranges — these units offer the ultimate in transfer efficiency and air cooling in the Apollo catalog — saving both money and the environment. Furthermore, incorporating proprietary QT (quiet technology) systems — they allow for low-noise use.
Why Choose an Apollo HVLP Sprayer?
If you want the ultimate in HVLP spraying — you go to the specialists.
Sure, if your heart is set on airless or pneumatic-powered painting, then the Apollo lineup isn’t going to suit. Instead, I’d suggest looking at the Graco or SprayIt lines respectively.
However, if you demand one of the most accurate and powerful turbine units in the market — it has to be Apollo.
Buying a sprayer from this company means owning a machine that’s:
- Made in the USA.
- Backed by over 50 years of turbine experience.
- Built by an HVLP specialist.
- Suitable for tradespersons, industrial applications, and extreme hobbyists.
- Supported by a knowledgeable customer and technical service.
- Easily repairable through a vast catalog of spare parts.
- Backed by an impressive warranty.
- Fuelled through innovation.
- Manufactured by a family-owned business.
- Robust and reliable.
Our Picks of the Best Apollo Paint Sprayer HVLP Machines
Apollo Precision 5 Pro LE
Best for Accessories
The Precision 5 Pro LE (Limited Edition) delivers the optimum fine finish and is compatible with a plethora of mediums, including latex, multi-spec, gel coats, bases, and clears.
The 5 Pro LE, and indeed the Precision series in general, is characterized by detailed information feedback. An easy-to-read, backlit LCD screen indicates current output pressure, idling time, running hours, and temperature overheating alerts.
Incorporating Apollo’s renowned bottom-fed 7700 spray gun (reviewed below), drawing off a lengthy 32-foot hose, you can adjust the spray pattern through three different settings (vertical, horizontal, and circular) to suit your base material. Furthermore, a rear-mounted dial permits you to alter the volume delivery.
Bespoke QuadraClean filters offer reassuring protection to the internal turbine, while also ensuring that your final finish is free from dirt and debris. Additionally, a trademarked PowerPause system automatically takes the machine into idling mode when not spraying — to elongate the motor life.
The Limited Edition aspect of this machine relates to its included accessory kit, stated by the manufacturer to have a value of $270. This comprehensive set features a deluxe spray gun storage case, blow-off tool, viscosity cup, gun lubricant, wrench, and two replacement needle and nozzle sets.
- Detailed information feedback.
- Incorporated docking station.
- Pressure Control System adjusts to compensate for altitude and barometric pressure.
- Five-year warranty.
- QuadraClean filters to elongate motor life.
- Premium price for a premium product.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Precision 5 Pro
Best for Precision
The Precision 5 Pro is identical in power output, display, and finish as its LE sibling — but with three small differences.
Secondly, the Precision 5 Pro incorporates a circular filter, as opposed to the rectangular of the Pro LE. In my opinion, this makes no difference to the function of the unit and simply provides a visual difference.
And thirdly, the standard 5 Pro model comes with fewer accessories than the Limited Edition — arriving complete with a spray gun case, gun lubrication, cleaning kit, wrench, blow-off tool, and a viscosity cup.
Hence, while possessing a few differences, the Precision 5 Pro offers more affordable access to one of the ultimate HVLP sprayers in the market.
- Ultra-fine finish.
- $98 dollars-worth of accessories.
- 32-foot hose.
- Incorporated carrying handle on the turbine casing.
- Three spray patterns.
- Lacks the comprehensive accessories of the Limited Edition model.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Power 5 VS
Best Rapid Coverage
Frequently referred to in Apollo HVLP sprayer reviews as one of the most powerful machines in its category — this unit knocks out ten PSI from its five-stage turbine system. Thus, whether addressing extensive border fencing or a yacht — it has the strength to cope. And providing 130 CFM (cubic feet per minute), it provides the most rapid application in the Power series.
The Power 5 comes with Apollo’s 7700 bottom-fed spray gun. However, should you prefer the finer atomization of a gravity-fed unit — the turbine is compatible with this system too — although, will involve an additional purchase.
Dual air filters combined with a mighty 26 ventilation inlets increase efficiency and prolong the turbine life. Furthermore, four anti-vibration pads reduce noise while limiting internal movement — again elevating the longevity of this machine.
A 32-foot Ultra-Flex whip hose offers impressive operational freedom, reducing the requirement to frequently relocate the sprayer on larger projects. Additionally, with an anti-kink design, paint flow should be fluid and splatter-free.
- Rapid coverage for large projects.
- 80 percent transfer efficiency to reduce wastage.
- Complete with an accessory kit and a two-year warranty.
- Compatible with seven types of Apollo spray guns.
- Material adjustment knob.
- Mechanical operation hours clock, not digital.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Power 4
Best for Medium Projects
Suitable for projects such as weatherproofing deckings, completing a house respray, or coating outbuildings — the four-stage turbine of this unit, pushing out nine PSI will effortlessly propel latexes, acrylics, stains, and sealers.
Providing 130 CFM, medium delivery is rapid and consistent — with the manufacturer stating it’s 12-percent more powerful than other units in its class. But, should you need to bring the delivery down a little, a substantial case-mounted dial enables you to select the output pressure from 0.1 to 9 PSI.
The rear of the 7700 gravity-fed 600 ml spray gun features a material flow dial — meaning you can adjust the volume of coating propelled. And, a simple turn of the nozzle end permits you to choose between three spray pattern settings.
In addition to the turbine, gun, and cup — the Apollo Power 5 comes with an accessory kit, which includes a blow-off tool, wrench, storage case, viscosity cup, and gun lube.
- 2-year warranty.
- Suitable for daily use.
- Hour usage clock.
- Bleeder and non-bleeder compatible.
- 26 cooling louvers.
- May be overkill for some DIYers.
- The carry handle is uncomfortable.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Power 3
Best for Small Projects
With a 29-foot kink-free hose and with adjustable pressure in 0.1 PSI increments, this machine would be ideally suited to jobs such as door and window painting, cabinet spraying, and shelf staining.
Incorporating a two-stage filter — external foam plus automotive ring — and boasting 26 ventilation louvers, the unit’s crucial internals are protected, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
The gravity-fed 7700GT-600 spray gun features a choice of fan patterns, variable volume control, overspray adjustment, and an option for a compressor feed. Compatible with enamels, lacquers, stains, sealers, and urethanes — it’s the consummate small project machine.
The majority of these mediums will not require thinning, however, to ensure the optimum delivery, the Power 3 arrives complete with a viscosity cup. In addition, Apollo has also included a gun storage case, lube, blow-off tool, a one-millimeter nozzle/needle set.
With a robust and durable build, this sprayer is suitable for use 365 days a year — a frequency that even the most hardcore of DIYers will struggle to achieve — well, at least not without ending in divorce. The only downside of this rugged construction is that the unit is quite hefty, weighing in at 32 pounds.
That said, the Power 3 features a top-mounted carry handle to increase portability.
- Powerful seven PSI small-project machine.
- Gun-docking station.
- Two-year warranty.
- 80-percent transfer efficiency.
- Vibration feet for quiet operation.
- Premium price for a small job sprayer.
- Lacks the power for seriously rapid coverage.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Eco 5
Best Energy Efficient
Knocking out 9.5 PSI from its five-stage floor-standing turbine, this large-project unit can paint boats, cars, planes, fencing, industrial machinery, and farm equipment. And with a delivery rate of 130 CFM — it allows for rapid completion of mammoth jobs.
In order to keep the carbon footprint to a minimum, the automotive filter that features in the Power and Precision lines is discarded — and replaced by two foam filters. Not only does this lower the metal usage within the machine, but also promotes a lighter unit — weighing just 20 pounds.
The Eco 5 features Apollo’s E7700GTO spray gun, gravity-fed by a 600 ml paint cup. Able to spray modern latex mediums with no thinning, it’s suited to wall and outbuilding projects. And, with the choice of medium flow adjustment, variable air control, and three spray patterns — you can tailor your output for the perfect address of your base material.
A mammoth 24 cooling louvers prevent turbine overheating issues, thus, protecting the vital internal components. And, boasting a 28-foot hose with lightweight alloy couplers, relocation of the unit even on large jobs should be kept to a minimum.
- Powerful, yet Eco-friendly.
- Quiet operation.
- Lightweight for a five-stage turbine machine.
- Suitable for non-thinned latexes.
- Compressor compatible gun.
- Lacks a variable pressure control feature.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Eco 4
Best Quiet Operation
Its four-stage motor emits nine PSI of grunt at 130 CFM. While this will provide rapid coverage on medium-to-large projects like border fence staining, decking weatherproofing, and house respraying — the mighty turbine would normally create a significant element of noise pollution.
Featuring Apollo’s trademarked Quiet Technology system — it takes its responsibility to the environment seriously, producing lower dba’s (A-weighted decibels) than its competitors. Not just keeping your partner, customers, and neighbors happy — but also providing a more pleasant spraying experience for yourself.
The included E7000 spray gun (reviewed below) features a bottom-feeding one-quart cup and variable spray patterns. Incorporating a 1.3 mm nozzle, it promises minimal overspray, fine atomization, and unthinned latex capabilities.
Dual foam filters protect the internal components, while 24 ventilation slits increase efficiency and keep the unit cool during operation. Although bear in mind that this machine isn’t designed for hardcore daily use — if that’s your bag, I’d suggest considering a Power or Precision unit instead.
The Eco 4 boasts a 25-foot spray hose and features aircraft aluminum connectors. Furthermore, unlike the Eco 5 machine, this unit arrives complete with a sample bottle of Apollo Spray Gun Lubricant, a gun wrench, and a spare parts kit.
- Powerful, yet low noise.
- Includes an accessory kit.
- Handi-Hold gun docking.
- Suitable for use with most modern coating mediums.
- Variable volume flow control.
- While lightweight, the aluminum couplings are not as robust as brass.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Eco 3
Best Lightweight
Admittedly, its 115 CFM and seven PSI aren’t going to deliver the most rapid coverage — but, as it’s designed for less substantial jobs, most pro and extreme DIYers will not find this an issue.
The bottom-fed, one-quart spray gun features a 1.3 mm nozzle, suitable for delivering thin-to-medium coatings such as lacquers, enamels, stains, and sealers — although, some latex paints may require dilution. A rubberized and ergonomic handle provides comfort while reducing fatigue — while a rear-mounted material flow dial permits tailorable medium delivery.
Dual foam air filters ensure that the turbine is protected from dirt and detritus ingress, while also preventing debris from ruining your final coat. Furthermore, the unit boasts 24 ventilation louvers to provide significant air circulation and elevate the lifespan of the sprayer.
- Complete with a gun wrench, lube, and spare parts kit.
- 25-foot spray hose.
- Handi-hold system for effortless gun storage.
- Made in the USA.
- Ideal for smaller projects.
- No variable pressure control.
- Acrylics may require thinning.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Eco Mini
Best Compact
However, the Eco Mini at just 15 pounds is remarkably easy-on-the arms, making it an ideal portable unit for moving around the home or from site to site.
The one-quart, bottom-fed spray gun with its 1.3 mm nozzle will cope with thin mediums such as sealers, stains, and plastic polymers — although it lacks sufficient grunt to propel chalk and latex-based paints without pre-thinning.
At 20-feet, the Mini possesses the shortest hose in the range, but since this machine is designed for small jobs, it should be sufficiently lengthy for most home applications. Furthermore, a quick-disconnect feature allows you to interchange guns (if you own additional shooters) and permit rapid cleaning.
Designed for occasional use, the Eco Mini includes dual foam filters and 16 cooling louvers. Arriving with the unit are numerous accessories, including a spray gun wrench, lube, and a spare parts kit.
- Compact yet powerful.
- The most affordable sprayer in the Apollo line-up.
- Noise reduction system.
- Spray gun docking station.
- Highly portable.
- Medium to thick coatings will need thinning.
- Unsuited to large projects.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Apollo Spray Guns and Accessories
Here are my picks of the most outstanding examples.
If you’re a pneumatic-loving hardcore DIYer — you’ll welcome the fact that you don’t require an industrial-sized compressor to power this shooter. Suitable for three horsepower units (or larger), it just needs a flow rate of 7-11 CFM at 23 PSI.
For the ultimate in control, the gun boasts a rear-mounted material flow dial. Laser-etched with plus and minus indices, there are no concerns about the gradients being eroded even through extensive use.
Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum plated in matte bronze, the unit is pleasingly lightweight at just 16.9 ounces — allowing for comfortable and effortless use. The internals are all stainless-steel, preventing corrosion and extending the longevity of the gun. Furthermore, with no O-rings to worry about, you don’t have to constantly carry spares or interrupt your work with replacement.
Apollo’s proprietary MicroTech Atomization Technology delivers an ultra-fine finish from its one-millimeter tip — with low overspray no matter what medium you’re utilizing. Hence, making it ideal for precise work where a blemish-free coat is necessary. Additionally, a quick turn of the nozzle end allows you to switch between spray patterns.
A comfort cool-grip handle promotes a rewarding user experience and simple disassembly permits rapid and headache-free cleaning. The gun arrives with a wrench, spare parts kit, lube, and a hard carrying case.
This non-bleeder HVLP gun is fed by a bottom-mounted one-quart cup. Being manufactured to cope with the demands of intense use, it should appeal to the extreme home-improver or tradesperson.
The 1.3 mm tip will deal competently with thin to medium coatings — although more viscous paints will require thinning. However, a larger 1.8 mm nozzle is available from the manufacturer for these denser fluids, in addition to a smaller 1.0 mm tip.
Cast in aircraft-grade aluminum, the E7000 weighs 35.2 ounces. Combine that with its ergonomic cool-grip handle, and you have a gun that should provide effortless and pleasurable use.
The business end of the unit allows for a choice of three spray patterns, and, at the rear, a volume control dial permits you to adjust the flow rate delivery. Bear in mind that while this gun does come with a spare cup gasket, not being O-ring free, it’s worthwhile having an adequate supply of spares in your toolbox to prevent downtime.
The E7000 comes with a two-year warranty, spare parts kit, gun wrench, and lube.
Including a one-quart bottom-feeding cup and a one-millimeter needle, this unit is most suited to small project/thin medium applications — such as staining shelves and spraying furniture. However, the manufacturer also retails compatible tips up to 2.5 mm for larger jobs and more viscous paints.
This bleeder gun contains no O-rings, reducing user-maintenance requirements. An external aluminum build keeps weight to a minimum (31.4 ounces), while the crucial internals are made from stainless steel to prevent oxidation and corrosion — extending the life of the unit.
Made in the USA and coming with a two-year warranty, the E5011 arrives with a wrench, spare parts kit, and Apollo Sprayer’s gun lubrication.
Compatible with 5000, 7500, and 7700 series sprayers, this one-quart flat-bottomed container features an internal Teflon coat — meaning that your chosen painting medium is easily cleanable from this non-stick coating.
Just something to bear in mind — some solvent-based paints may react with the Teflon — so check with the manufacturer first.
This set of five genuine Apollo washers — compatible with all one-quart cups — provides you with a ready supply. Thus, preventing downtime and unwanted trips to your local hardware store.
This rebuild kit, suitable for 7500 QC, 7500 QT, 7700, and QC 7700QT units includes everything you need to restore your machine to pristine condition. Keeping this set in your tool kit prepares you for any gun-related issue. Alternatively, you can use this set as a little bit of TLC for your gun — preventing problems while on-the-job.
The Apollo rebuild kit includes:
- Air distributor gasket (7556).
- Air-valve seating gasket (A7517).
- Two-ounce bottle of Apollo spray gun lubricant (A5407).
- Air-valve bushing (A7514).
- A cleaning brush (A2055).
- An air cap seal (A7504).
- An air-distributor plate (A7507).
- Fan adjustment seal (A7509).
- Air-valve retaining nut gasket (A7518).
- Gland seal (A7527).
- One-quart cup-top gaskets (A5280).
Conclusion
Offering individual units designed for the cleanest possible finishes, immense time-heavy jobs, and energy and paint efficient spraying — there’s a machine to suit every dedicated and discerning user.
And, while there are many noteworthy units — including the money-saving and noise-reducing Eco 5 and the large project capable Power 5 VS — it’s the Precision 5 Pro LE that stands above the rest.
Boasting a mighty five-stage 10 PSI turbine, multi-medium compatibility, versatile 7700 gun, and a multitude of accessories — it could be the best turbine machine currently on the market.
Hence, if you demand the ultimate in pneumatic-free painting — I’d recommend getting your hands on an Apollo HVLP spray gun machine.
Apollo Sprayer FAQs
Q: Where Can I Find the Power 5 Apollo HVLP Sprayer for Sale?
The Apollo Power 5 is a mighty five-stage turbine machine that’s ideal for seriously large projects. To check out the current cost of the Apollo HVLP.
Q: What Size Compressor Do I Need for the Apollo Turbine Spray Systems?
As turbine-powered machines, the Precision, Power, and Eco line of Apollo sprayers don’t need a compressor.
Q: Are Apollo Spray Gun Machines Made in China?
No. Based in California, the family-owned Apollo brand manufactures all its turbine machines in the USA.
Q: How Long Is the Apollo Sprayer Warranty?
Depending on the model, the Apollo manufacturer’s warranty is between two to five years.
Q: Do Apollo Make Handheld Turbine Sprayers?
No. All the Apollo machines are floor-standing turbines. If you want a powerful handheld sprayer, I would suggest checking out the Graco TrueCoat 360DS or the Wagner FLEXiO 3000.
Q: Where Can I Find a Repair Kit for My Apollo Sprayer?
Apollo retails a complete rebuild kit for the 7500 QC, 7500 QT, 7700, and QC 7700QT spray guns. For rapid access to the Apollo Sprayer Repair Kit.
Q: Are Apollo Spray Turbine Machines Noisy?
All the Apollo turbine sprayers feature four anti-vibration feet, which help to reduce noise. Additionally, the Eco series of machines incorporate Apollo’s proprietary QT system — making them some of the quietest turbines in the market.