Vacuum lifters from USA vs. Spain

Ten vacuum lifters from US brands face four cordless models from the Spanish brand Rubi. On load capacity per euro the two are almost level, but they differ markedly in price, drive and charging technology.

Prices

US brands cost a median of €122, Rubi €96. On average the gap is wider: €133 versus €82. The range runs from €31 to €258 among US brands and from €34 to €103 at Rubi. A Rubi model therefore costs no more than €103, while the most expensive US models reach €258.

Load capacity and features

Rubi models carry a median of 140 kg, US models 120 kg. The maximum on both sides is 150 kg. Per €100 of purchase price, the figures are almost identical: 148 kg for US brands and 147 kg for Rubi.

All Rubi models are electric, compared with 60% among US brands. For charging, Rubi clearly relies on USB-C: 75% of its models charge this way and have a built-in battery, compared with 33% and 17% of US electric units. Only US brands offer a removable battery, on a third of their electric units. An automatic re-pump is found on 50% of US and 25% of Rubi electric units. Digital displays are more widespread at Rubi, at 75%, than among US brands, at 30%. Median battery capacity is 2,400 mAh (USA) and 2,000 mAh (Rubi). Round suction pads dominate on both sides.

Manufacturing

Four of the ten US listings name the USA as the country of manufacture, and three name China. At Rubi, one of the four listings names China, and the rest give no information.

Verdict

Rubi is the cheaper choice for a cordless gripster with USB-C and a digital display. US brands offer hand pumps, removable batteries, an automatic re-pump more often and in part manufacturing in the USA. Which charging system suits your gripster is covered in Removable battery vs. USB-C. More on both sides: USA and Spain.