GasAlertMicroClip XL vs GasAlertQuattro which is the better choice?

Both of these instruments basically do the same thing.  So we are often asked which one is the better choice. This usually boils down to a few differentiators. 

The first is the battery.  The main difference is that the battery options in the Quattro are much more versatile.  It will run off of alkaline or rechargeable batteries and the battery can be swapped out at any time.  This is actually a larger issue than it appears since we often see customers that forget to charge their instrument and then need to use it in an emergency.  With the GasAlertMicroClip XL this isn’t possible since you would need to wait at least a few minutes until the instrument has enough of a charge to operate.  However, with the Quattro you can pop in the alkaline pack if the rechargeable pack is dead and use the instrument immediately. 

Also, the battery in the XL is non-replaceable which means that when it will no longer take a charge you will need to buy a new instrument, unlike the Quattro where you can buy a new battery.

Second is sensors.  Both instruments use sensors made by City Tech and are the best on the market.  The sensors in the Quattro are SureCell’s and in the XL they are MicroCel’s.  While both are extremely reliable and long lasting we have to give the nod to the SureCell sensors in the Quattro.  Being that they are physically bigger than the MicroCel’s, they should in theory have a longer lifespan since they contain more electrolyte.  However, we have seen many Microcel’s that are 6-7 years old and are still working fine. 

Third is size.  If you are looking for an instrument that is small then the XL is the better choice.  Both instruments are relatively small but the XL is slightly smaller and lighter. 

Fourth is cost.  The XL is cheaper.  $755 vs $615 = $140 difference.   While not a huge difference this can certainly add up if you are buying a large number of them.  

The best thing to do is to think about these four issues and try to determine which suits your purposes best.  You really can’t go wrong with either since both are excellent instruments and both will keep you safe.  However, one may be slightly better suited to your particular needs than the other so it is important to think about these issues before purchasing.