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We all start a painting job with such enthusiasm, but we are lucky to get through the first wall without losing our patience. Looking around, you then realize that you still have to paint the outside of your home and of course all the fencing. Do all this on a regular basis, and it’s time to invest in a paint sprayer.
We are going to compare the Graco LTS 15 vs X5. We will look at all of their features from the spray gun to the spray tips in order to decide which is the best spray painter. To help the decision, we will add a side-by-side chart and some pros and cons of each.
The Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 are practically identical, so we will begin with what they have in common.
Graco LTS 15 vs Graco X5 – Similarities
Quick Glance
The comparison chart below has all of the specifications of the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 for a quick recap.
Graco LTS 15 |
Graco X5 |
|
| Image |  |
 |
| Size | 14.9 x 12.8 x 18.7 inches | 14.5 x 12.75 x 19 inches |
| Weight | 19.4lbs | 19lbs |
| Pump | Stainless steel piston pump | Stainless steel piston pump |
| Spray Gun | SG2 spray gun | SG2 spray gun with TrueAirless Spray |
| Suction Tube | Flexible, spray directly from 1 or 5 gal containers | Flexible, spray directly from 1 or 5 gal containers |
| Power | 1/2 HP | ½ HP |
| PushPrime | Not stated | Yes |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 3000 PSI | 3000 PSI |
| Compatible Tip Size | Maximum tip size- 0.015 inches | Maximum tip size- 0.015 inches |
| Reversible Spray Tip | Yes | Yes |
| Gallons Per Minute (GPM) | 0.27 | 0.27 |
| Hose Length | 75ft | 75ft |
| Power Flush | Yes | Yes |
| What’s Included | 25ft DuraFlex hose, 515 Reverse-A-Clean spray tip, pump armor storage fluid, operational DVD, quick start-up guide | 25ft DuraFlex hose, 515 Reverse-A-Clean spray tip, pump armor storage fluid, quick start-up guide |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
| Price |
The Pump
The pumps of the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 are stainless steel piston pumps, making them more dependable and last for longer.
The Suction Tube
For the simplest of uses, the suction tubes of the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 are flexible and can be placed directly into a 1-gallon or 5-gallon paint container.
Power and Pressure
Both the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 have a ½ HP motor. There is a dial knob so you can adjust the pressure. The maximum operating pressure is 3000 PSI, which is the higher end of the average for a spray painter.
Compatible Tip Size
You can use a range of different spray tips with the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5. The maximum tip size for each is 0.0015 inches. You will need to buy other tips separately.
Reversible Spray Tip
The reverse-a-clean spray tip with the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 allows for you to revere the tip if clogged so you can carry on painting.
Gallons Per Minute (GPM)
The Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 use 0.27 gallons of paint per minute. It is recommended that you run the spray painters at 70% of the maximum GMP for better results and to prolong the life of the pump.
Hose Length
The Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 come with a 25ft hose but they are compatible with hoses up to 75 feet.
Power Flush
For easy cleaning, you can attach the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 to your garden hose and flush out the paint sprayers once you have finished using them.
Now that we have looked at all of the similarities, we will go over what sets the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 apart.
Differences Between Graco LTS 15 and Graco X5
Appearance
They look almost identical as they are both blue with large black legs and a black carry handle on the top. There is a fraction of the difference in the size.
Graco LTS 15
This spray painter is 14.9 x 12.75 x 19 inches and weighs 19 pounds.
Graco X5
It measures 14.5 x 12.75 x 18.7 inches and weighs 19.4 pounds.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Graco X5 vs Graco X7: Which Airless Paint Sprayers are Better?
The Spray Gun
The actual spray gun is the same, but one has additional technology for better performance.
Graco LTS 15
It has an SG2 spray gun.
Graco X5
It also has an SG2 spray gun as well as TrueAirless Spray Technology. With TrueAirless Spray, you can use different coatings at any pressure with superior spray results.
The Winner Is- The Graco X5
Read next – Graco Project Painter Plus vs Graco X5: Which Airless Paint Sprayers are Better?
What’s Included
Depending on your project, you may need additional tips. However, you have everything you need to get started.
Graco LTS 15
In the box, you will find a 25ft DuraFlex hose, a 515 Reverse-A-Clean spray tip, pump armor storage fluid, an operational DVD, and a quick start-up guide. There is also a one-year limited warranty.
Graco X5
You get everything that comes with the Graco LTS 15 except for the DVD.
The Winner Is- The Graco LTS 15
Read next – Graco LTS 17 vs X7: Which Airless Paint Sprayers are Better?
Pros and Cons
As the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 are so similar, it might be down to the pros and cons to make a final decision.
Graco LTS 15
Pros:
- The DVD is very helpful for beginners
- Good choice for latex paints
- It’s slightly cheaper
Cons:
- Not always great with high viscosity paints
Graco X5
Pros
- Consistently good results with different paint types
- Ideal for oil-based stain
- It’s easy to use and clean
Cons:
- It’s not quite out of the box ready
The Final Verdict
It is important that with the Graco LTS 15 and the Graco X5 that you read the instructions carefully. It’s great that the Graco LTS 15 comes with a DVD, but you can find the same videos online. Following the instructions will prevent many of the issues people have with the paint sprayers.
We felt that the Graco X5 was the better paint sprayer. For design and use, there was little difference. They are both easy to use with the same paint capacities. The Graco X5 produced better results and more consistently, and was worth the little extra money.