Compared to my old 186 it is a revelation. Despite the tank the 186 used to pulse badly, mostly because the air delivery was poor. I think I had a bad one, but it probably shows quality control on the cheaper kit is probably pretty poor. some I’m sure are excellent, but I‘m also sure that for every good one out there a fair percentage of duffers also exist.
The smart jet is flawless. Even without a tank it doesn’t pulse, it is much quieter, delivers far more air so doesn’t run continuously, and is a pleasure to use. In summary, it does everything it should with no fuss......it’s already outlasted my 186 by several years, three times the price could well give three times the life, and be trouble free throughout....in effect it allows me to forget about the air and just think about the paint and airbrush.