Wagner FLEXiO 5000 Review
Editor Rating: 4.8/5
Great Product
Wagner FLEXiO 5000
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Flexio 5000 Review Summary:
Its 1.5-quart (1419 ml) cup delivers sufficient capacity to tackle up to 120 square feet of area, while its X-Boost turbine feature gives you the choice of cranking up the air pressure to deal with heavily viscous paints — without thinning.
As its turbine is located in a separate floor-standing unit — the weight of the spray gun is reduced — lowering the stress on the hands. Furthermore, this container doubles as a storage and carry box — enabling you to keep nozzles, guns, and hoses safely packed away.
The FLEXiO 5000 sprayer comes complete with two nozzles and corresponding cups — an iSpray head for dense mediums and large-scale projects, and a detail nozzle for thinner liquids — perfect for finishing work and precise control.
A proprietary Lock N Go feature allows for rapid dismantling and easy cleaning, while an 11.5-foot hose should provide sufficient length to tackle the majority of jobs without an extension cable.
The FLEXiO 5000 replaces Wagner’s previous top-end stationary sprayer, the FLEXiO 890. The key difference being that the new version includes an upgraded iSpray nozzle — improved to prevent dripping, overspray, and boost efficiency.
Pros:
Floor-standing turbine — reduces handheld weight.
The X-Boost feature enables variable turbine speeds.
Ideal for use with unthinned paints.
Turbine housing doubles as storage.
Two nozzles and cups.
Variable spray-width control.
Three spray patterns.
11.5-foot hose.
Suited to large projects.
Cons:
Loud operation on maximum turbine setting.
May be too large and over-specced for the average home-user.
Features and Benefits of the Wagner 5000 FLEXiO
Wagner considers the FLEXiO 5000 to be the pinnacle of its prosumer turbine-sprayer line. It’s time to put this machine under scrutiny and see if it meets those lofty claims.
X-Boost Control
‘I’ve got the power!’ sang legendary German pop-meisters Snap! back in 1990. Admittedly, they may not have been lauding the benefits of pressure adjustment in their favorite paint sprayer — but their bold and exuberant statement is perfectly apt in relation to the X-Boost control.
This feature allows you to alter the level of air pressure produced by the turbine, via means of a rotary dial. Unlike in many budget-end machines, which have just one pressure level, the X-Boost puts you in control.
Whacking it up to max delivers super-fast coverage and enables the gun to atomize seriously viscous mediums without thinning. Conversely, stepping-off the paint spraying gas is recommended for less dense liquids — reducing overspray, bounce-back, and wastage.
Floor-Standing Turbine
You demand paint-spraying power and control in your hands — but that doesn’t mean you also want to hold the entire unit in your grasp.
By incorporating the FLEXiO 5000’s turbine in a separate ground-standing box — the weight of the spray gun is reduced — meaning less fatigue and more comfortable application. This makes this machine perfectly suited to expansive projects — such as a complete house renovation (if that is your sphere of interest, check out my How to Spray a House Interior article).
Furthermore, if you struggle a little in the hand dexterity or strength department — the lightweight nature of the handheld unit may be appealing.
Admittedly, the large turbine-housing can make the entire machine a little cumbersome — but bear in mind this sprayer is designed for large-scale work. If you’re seeking a more compact power tool, check out the Wagner Control Spray 250.
Choice of Two Nozzles
The design boffins at Wagner — in their white lab coats, wearing round-rimmed spectacles, and carrying clipboards (I guess, I’ve never seen them personally) — solved a common issue in paint spraying.
Many manufacturers produce guns that come with a plethora of nozzle-ends — each designed to cope with different paint viscosities. Not only is it a hassle to be constantly changing these head-caps — but also being small, they’re easily misplaced.
Hence, the aforementioned genii developed the upgraded iSpray head — featured on the FLEXiO 5000. This nozzle can cope with a multitude of medium densities — without dripping, overspray, or bounce-back — meaning you don’t have to be constantly changing the head. Furthermore, this nozzle comes complete with a 1.5-quart container — giving sufficient capacity to cover a ten-by-twelve-foot wall.
Additionally, this model also includes a finishing head — a nozzle that’s ideal for intricate and detailed work. This, too, comes with its own cup — a compact 0.85-quart (800 ml) vessel that allows you to squeeze into confined spaces.
Flow Control and Spray Adjustment
When spray painting — you don’t want your base material to become so drenched in paint that it begins to drip. Equally, it’s not desirable to have a too-thin coat — that means you need to readdress the area with multiple passes to obtain sufficient coverage.
Hence, it’s pleasing to see that the FLEXiO 5000 from Wagner incorporates a flow control dial. With settings from one to twelve, you can adjust how much spraying medium is emitted from the gun in order to attain the optimum density.
Furthermore, a triple-pattern head not only gives you the choice of horizontal, vertical, or diagonal spray delivery — but also enables you to tailor the width of the paint jet to suit your target material.
Extensive Air Hose
Standard handheld sprayers come with a standard six-foot mains cable. In many cases, this can act as a tether to the wall — restricting your freedom and requiring the use of an extension lead.
The 5000 FLEXiO incorporates an 11.5-foot hose, leading from the turbine unit to the spray gun. This generous length should release you from your painting shackles — and allow you to tackle large expanses with ease.
What Users Say about The Wagner Flexio 5000?
With its large capacity and ability to cope with a multitude of mediums from stains through to chalk-based paints — I consider the Wagner 5000 FLEXiO to be a mighty unit suitable for the extreme DIYer who wants the ultimate turbine machine — without venturing into the industrial-level sprayers.
However, the true test of this product is how it functions in the field — as the saying goes, fine words butter no parsnips.
Hence, to gauge exactly how practical and efficient this unit is — I researched Wagner FLEXiO 5000 reviews from guys who own this high-specced unit and are using it on a frequent basis.
Generally, the opinions were seriously positive. These hardcore spray enthusiasts praised its air pressure control, applauded its separate turbine unit, and commended its user-tailorable spray patterns.
Admittedly, there were a few disapproving comments. The main criticism being the number of variables (turbine pressure, flow control, spray pattern, and width control) made it somewhat complicated for the newbie user. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that this unit is angled to the hardcore and experience consumer — not guys who will only bring out their paint machine once a year.
If you’re intrigued by the views of these owners and want to discover more about the capabilities of the FLEXiO 5000 — take a minute to check out what they have to say.
Alternatives to Wagner Flexio 5000
Despite its impressive capabilities, it may be that you feel this machine isn’t suitable for your particular needs. Perhaps it lacks features that you consider essential in your ideal unit — or maybe, it incorporates characteristics that you’re never going to use.
If that’s the case — don’t be downhearted! I’ve sourced some stunning alternative options that may be more applicable to your requirements.
Fuji 2202 Semi-PRO 2 HVLP Spray System
The FUJI 2202 is a professional-grade machine. Incorporating a metal spray gun and turbine container — in contrast to the plastic nature of the Wagner 5000 — it’s a heavy-duty sprayer that offers impressive durability.
- Eye-wateringly lengthy 25-foot hose, the FLEXiO’s measures 11.5-feet.
- Smaller cup than the 5000 model, one quart as opposed to 1.5-quarts.
- Harder on the wallet than the Wagner 5000.
Wagner FLEXiO 890
The 890 model is the MK.1 version of the 5000. Slightly easier on the bank balance yet incorporating many of the same features of its upgrade — its tried-and-tested nature may provide peace of mind.
- Has an old-style head, in contrast with the upgraded iSpray of the FLEXiO 5000.
- Like the 5000, features X-Boost, three spray patterns, and an 11.5-foot hose.
- More liable to dripping and overspray than the 5000 FLEXiO.
Wagner Control Spray 250
The Control Spray 250 is ideal for novice spraying DIYers or those planning on completing small to medium-scale jobs. Without width levers or X-boost, its remarkably easy to use.
- A handheld sprayer, unlike the floor-turbine feature of the FLEXiO 5000.
- Much lighter on the wallet than the 5000 model.
- It incorporates three spray pattern settings — identical to the 5000 Wagner.
Conclusion
The variable X-Boost control combined with the innovative iSpray head allows the unit to cope with a vast swathe of coating mediums — without having to thin the paint or change nozzles.
Three-spray pattern settings and a width control user put you in control of your material delivery. And, once the job is complete, its Lock N Go feature promotes rapid dismantling and easy cleaning.
By incorporating the turbine into a floor-standing casing — the gun is lightweight, allowing for effortless manipulation. And, for tidiness and safety — this box doubles-up as a storage container.
To be fair, the abundance of user-controllable variables may make this machine unappealing to the novice or intermittent DIY user.
Yet, for those who want a high-specced turbine sprayer from one of the most respected manufacturers in the market — the Wagner FLEXiO 5000 is a mighty machine.
Wagner Flexio 5000 FAQs
What’s the Difference Between the FLEXiO 890 and the FLEXiO 5000?
The 5000 FLEXiO is the upgraded version of the 890 model — featuring an improved iSpray nozzle that’s more efficient and produces less dripping and overspray than its earlier incarnation.
How Does the FLEXiO 5000 Work on Solid Stain for Decks?
The 5000 FLEXiO from Wagner is ideal for staining decks. Utilize the iSpray nozzle, crank the X-Boost up to max and reduce paint flow for the ultimate in atomization. Spray from around six to ten inches away.
What’s the Difference Between the FLEXiO 4000 and FLEXiO 5000?
The 4000 and 5000 models offer the same power and performance. However, the FLEXiO 4000 comes with a 15-foot hose as opposed to the 11.5-foot of the 5000 — and also includes a soft bag to store nozzles and accessories, in comparison to the hard case of the FLEXiO 5000.
How Much Does the 5000 FLEXiO Cost?
The Wagner 0529091 FLEXiO 5000 from Wagner is a powerful turbine sprayer that features X-Boost variable control and an upgraded iSpray head. To check out the current cost of the FLEXiO 5000.
Can I Use The FLEXiO 5000 Sprayer to Apply Kilz 3?
Yes. If you’re using the detail finish head, thin to around 20 percent — for the iSpray head reduce to ten percent.
Uses for the FLEXiO Wagner 5000?
You can utilize this machine for an abundance of jobs, including spraying materials such as:
- Treehouses and clubhouses.
- Wooden fencing.
- Window sills.
- Doors and frames.
- Furniture on your patio.
- Wooden decking.
- Exterior walls.
- Tool sheds.
- Workshops.
- Interior ceilings and walls.
- Gates and picket fences.
- Rowing boats.
Uses for the FLEXiO Wagner 5000?
With its iSpray head, variable flow control, and X-Boost feature — this sprayer is ideal for stains, enamels, varnishes, oil, chalk, and latex-based paints — usually without thinning. You can utilize this machine for an abundance of jobs, including spraying materials such as:
- Treehouses and clubhouses.
- Wooden fencing.
- Window sills.
- Doors and frames.
- Furniture on your patio.
- Wooden decking.
- Exterior walls.
- Tool sheds.
- Workshops.
- Interior ceilings and walls.
- Gates and picket fences.
- Rowing boats.
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