Wagner FLEXiO 890 Review

Editor Rating: 4.0/5

Great Product

Wagner FLEXiO 890

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Last modified: Dec 1, 2023 @ 4:42 pm

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Wagner FLEXiO 890 Review Summary:

Powerful, versatile, and providing fatigue-free spraying — the Wagner FLEXiO 890 takes the weight off your hands, allowing for rapid and effortless coverage on medium to large paint jobs.

Incorporating a ground-sitting turbine, this unit arrives complete with two interchangeable nozzles and cups — an iSpray head that’s ideal for expansive areas such as walls and ceilings, and a detail nozzle for more precise jobs like finishing moldings and cabinet coating.

A proprietary X-Boost feature enables you to adjust the air pressure emission, while a material flow control gives you the flexibility to choose the optimum volume of paint delivery. Able to cover areas twelve times faster than a brush and suitable for unthinned mediums — this machine is ideally suited to the hardcore DIYer.

Once your job is complete, the FLEXiO 890 paint sprayer breaks down into separate components for easy cleaning. And, for safety and protection, the guns, nozzles, cups, and hose can be stored in the turbine box.

This unit used to be Wagner’s flagship prosumer HVLP (high-volume low-pressure) sprayer — but has now been superseded by the upgraded FLEXiO 5000 model. The newer version incorporates an improved iSpray nozzle that promises less overspray, greater efficiency, and comprises fewer parts for increased reliability. That said, the 890 remains a robust and trustworthy machine that provides a swift and roller-like finish.

Pros:

N
X-Boost control offering a choice of turbine speeds.
N
Suitable for use with unthinned mediums.
N
A separate turbine box allows for lightweight use.
N
Includes two cups and nozzles.
N
Spray-width control feature.
N
Delivers 8.4 gallons per hour.
N
Three spray patterns.
N
11.5-foot hose.
N
Ideal for large projects.

Cons:

N
Turbine box may make high-level work, such as on ladders, challenging.
N
The model is now superseded by the FLEXiO 5000.
N
Loud operation.
N
Combined with the box, it’s a large unit.

Features and Benefits of the Wagner FLEXiO 890 Paint Sprayer 0529021


Wagner promises that it’s FLEXiO 890 sprayer offers unrivaled comfort combined with the ultimate finish. Let’s get down to business in this Wagner 890 review and see exactly what it has under the hood.

Separate Turbine Box


Some handheld HVLP sprayers can make your painting jobs feel like the mother-of-all workouts in the gym. Wielding the gun, internal turbine, and full container in one hand is hard work — unless you have the forearms of Schwarzenegger.

The Wagner 890 paint sprayer has its turbine located in a floor-standing box — reducing the overall weight of the gun and making paint application effortless. This lowering of heft may suit seniors, those who are lacking in the strength department, or for DIYers completing massive projects — where fatigue may become an issue.

Furthermore, this box doubles up as a storage unit with a carrying handle — allowing you to keep the vital components of containers, hoses, and nozzles safe and protected from damage.

Admittedly, this feature may present a challenge if you’re working from a ladder — although the included 11.5-foot hose may help alleviate that issue.

Two Nozzles and Cups


For expansive jobs — such as wall painting or shed weatherproofing — the iSpray nozzle combined with its 1.5-quart (1419 ml) cup will allow you to cover an eight-by-ten-foot area in just five minutes. This proprietary head enables you to utilize a variety of unthinned mediums — without having to use a separate nozzle, required in some lower-end units.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the FLEXiO 5000 — developed to replace the 890 — includes a more technologically advanced iSpray head that promises less overspray and easier cleaning. If that’s important to you, it might be worth checking that unit out instead.

For more intricate and precise finishing work, the Wagner FLEXiO 890 paint sprayer includes a detail nozzle — ideal for smooth finishes and smaller projects. Additionally, it comes with a 0.85-quart (800 ml) container — making the gun more compact overall and allowing access into confined areas.

Width Control and Spray Patterns


A simple twist of the nozzle head (on the iSpray, not the detail cap) gives you the ability to switch between three spray patterns — enabling you to choose the method of paint delivery.

This includes :

  • Horizontal spray — for up-and-down movements, on such materials as railings.
  • Vertical spray — for side-to-side painting, for example, on shed boards.
  • Diagonal spray — for up-and-down and side-to-side motions, ideal for corners and edges.

Furthermore, an integrated width lever (again, only on the iSpray head) gives you the flexibility to choose the spray breadth — preventing wastage and overspray.

X-Boost Control


Perhaps what makes the Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890 HVLP attractive to the most OCD of DIYers is its controllability.

Many budget-end units have just one air turbine setting. However, the X-Boost feature of the 890 allows you to tailor the air pressure to your chosen medium and choice of delivery rate. By turning a dial on the gun counterclockwise, the power drops — rotate it clockwise, and it ramps up.

Hence, for rapid coverage or when using mediums with a thick viscosity — crank up the turbine pressure. For thinner materials or when requiring a finish with a little finesse, bring it down a little.

Various Medium Compatible


The bespoke iSpray nozzle of the FLEXiO 890 HVLP, combined with its X-Boost feature, means that this machine is capable of working with a plethora of unthinned coating mediums.

While not exhaustive, this unit will thrive on powering enamels, primers, oils, latex, and 2-in-1 paints. Furthermore, a material flow control gives you the power to adjust the volume of liquid propelled by the machine.

What Users Say About The Wagner FLEXiO 890


Although the Wagner 890 is losing a little of its limelight to its newer incarnation, the FLEXiO 5000 — in my opinion in this FLEXiO 890 review, it remains a robust and durable machine that takes the fatigue and hard-work out of sizeable home-improvement projects.

However, as my wife frequently points out, I don’t know it all.

Hence, to ensure a completely non-partisan article, I delved into the multitude of online Wagner FLEXiO 890 reviews to discover how this unit functions on a day-to-day basis.

Satisfyingly, the majority of owner opinions were positive and matched my own — with guys welcoming the separate turbine box, praising its highly customizable X-Boost power, and lauding its light feel in the hand.

Sure, some DIYers weren’t so enthusiastic. A couple of naysayers complained that the nozzle was liable to dripping, and a few others commented on its somewhat loud operation with the turbine cranked up to max.

However, the vast majority of Wagner 890 reviews stressed its rapid coverage and pleasing finish. To discover in more detail what owners of this unit feel about their sprayer — check out their opinions for yourself.

Alternatives to Wagner FLEXiO 890


Tempted by an HVLP sprayer yet feeling that the FLEXiO 890 doesn’t quite hit the spot? If that sounds like you, I’ve curated some equally impressive units that hopefully will get your spraying juices flowing.

Wagner FLEXiO 5000


Wagner Flexio 5000
If you’re the kind of person who rushes out to get the latest iPhone once it’s released — then this unit may appeal.

The FLEXiO 5000 has been built on the foundation of Wagner’s popular and reliable 890 model — but offers an improved iSpray head and features fewer components for easier cleaning.

  • A comparative price point to the Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890.
  • Upgraded iSpray head reduces overspray, drips, and wastage.
  • The flagship machine in the FLEXiO product line.

Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO 2 HVLP Spray System


Fuji Semi Pro 2
Despite the Wagner 0529021 FLEXiO 890 being a durable machine — it’s still primarily angled at the home DIYer. If you’re looking for a more professional-grade unit — this sprayer could be the solution.

The robust Fuji 2202 machine features a metal gun and turbine box as opposed to the plastic of the 890 model — making it more suited for heavy-duty and intense applications.

  • Mammoth 25-foot hose opposed to the 11.5-foot of the FLEXiO 890.
  • Stainless steel nozzle in comparison with the plastic Wagner.
  • One-quart cup — the 890 FLEXiO is 1.5-quarts.

Wagner FLEXiO 2000


Wagner Flexio 2000
Need a sprayer suitable for large-scale work but require something a little more compact that the substantial 890 model? This unit may be ideal.

The 2000 FLEXiO is a handheld machine that incorporates the turbine in the gun — not a separate box. This means it’s easier to wield while on a ladder — although it’s more likely to cause hand fatigue.

  • 1.5-quart capacity, the same as the FLEXiO 890.
  • Easier on the wallet than the 890 model.
  • Two X-Boost settings, as opposed to the variable control of the Wagner 890.

Conclusion


Offering rapid coverage and a separately-housed turbine — the FLEXiO 890 is a practical unit that should appeal to DIYers looking to minimize hand-fatigue on large-scale projects.

Twin nozzles and cups enable you to switch effortlessly from covering mammoth areas to detailed precision work. Its variable X-Boost control gives you the power to perfectly match the turbine speed to the viscosity of your painting medium — and a choice of spray patterns and width settings ensure the optimum fluid delivery.

Furthermore, with the turbine box doubling up as a carry case and safe-storage feature — it makes for a portable unit that will protect the power tool, increasing its longevity.

Agreed, this machine has since been superseded by the more efficient and less overspray 5000 model — and DIYers who want the most modern unit may prefer to opt for this latest version.

However, for a robust sprayer that’s been tested in the field and yields impressive coating results — the Wagner FLEXiO 890 offers reliability and flexibility.

Wagner 890 FAQs

Q: Where Can I Find the Wagner FLEXiO 890 Manual?

For rapid access to the FLEXiO 890 manual.

Q: What Are the Uses of the Wagner 890 FLEXiO?

As explained in this Wagner FLEXiO 890 review, this sprayer with its 1.5-quart container, lightweight design, and variable air turbine control is particularly suited to larger-scale projects.

Although not an exhaustive list, you can use this machine to spray:

  • Wooden fencing.
  • Patio furniture.
  • Decorative decking.
  • Exterior walls.
  • Garden sheds.
  • Workshops.
  • Interior walls and ceilings.
  • Gates and doors.
  • Door frames.
  • Window sills.
  • Treehouses.
Q: Will the FLEXiO 890 Spray Acrylic Latex Paint?

Yes! Using the proprietary iSpray nozzle, you can use this machine to spray latex mediums. By adjusting the X-Boost control, you can fine-tune its delivery.

Q: How Much Does the FLEXiO 890 Cost?

The 890 FLEXiO is a high-end DIY sprayer suitable for larger-scale home improvement projects. To check out the current cost of the FLEXiO 890.

Q: What’s the Difference Between the FLEXiO 890 and the FLEXiO 5000?

The 5000 model is the upgraded version of the established FLEXiO 890. The newer machine incorporates an improved iSpray nozzle that’s more efficient and less liable to overspray than its predecessor.

Q: Can You Buy a Replacement Hose for the FLEXiO 890?

Yes. Should the hose become lost or damaged, you can purchase a replacement directly from Wagner. Its part number is 2341906A.

Q: Is the 890 an Airless Sprayer?

No, the FLEXiO 890 isn’t an airless unit. An airless sprayer uses a piston and pump mechanism to propel the paint. The 890 model is an HVLP machine that utilizes a turbine to create an airflow that atomizes the coating medium.