Working in hydraulics pneumatics often means choosing between a cylinder that travels far and one that is built for industrial pressure. The Air Cylinder 16mm Bore 300mm Stroke and the PARKER 1" Bore X 2" Stroke Pneumatic Cylinder Series 2A are close in price: $28.99 versus $29.95, with the Air Cylinder's list price about 3% below the PARKER's. They solve different problems, so the better buy depends on whether you need long reach or high pressure in a compact envelope. This guide compares them on travel, pressure, and construction.
Quick verdict
If you need long-stroke, light-duty motion in a compact package, the Air Cylinder 16mm is the straightforward pick. If you want a compact tie-rod cylinder with a 250 PSI rating and steel construction, the PARKER Series 2A is the better fit for close-range fixtures.
Price, bore, and stroke at a glance
| Cylinder | Listed price | Price indicator | Bore | Stroke |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Cylinder 16mm Bore 300mm Stroke | USD 28.99 | 16 mm | 300 mm | |
| PARKER 1" Bore X 2" Stroke Series 2A | USD 29.95 | 1" | 2" |
Where each option wins
- Air Cylinder 16mm wins for reach. Its 300 mm stroke is much longer than the Parker's 2-inch stroke, which makes it the right choice for moving a part a longer distance. The package also includes a Y connector and four pneumatic quick fittings, so you can get a simple rig running without buying extra connectors.
- PARKER Series 2A wins for pressure and construction. It is a double-acting tie-rod cylinder built with steel and rated for 250 PSI. That combination gives it a clear advantage in a compact fixture where a higher air pressure can be used.
Product notes
Air Cylinder 16mm Bore 300mm Stroke
The Air Cylinder's long travel makes it the easy choice when your mechanism needs to move something across a wider range. The 16 mm bore keeps the whole assembly small, and the double-action single-rod design gives you controlled extension and retraction. The package includes one MAL16 x 300 air cylinder, a Y connector, and four pneumatic quick fittings, so you can set up a basic small rig without hunting for extra parts. The aluminum alloy body is treated with a hard oxidation process to improve wear resistance. What holds it back is the narrow bore: this is a light-duty cylinder, not a high-force unit. If your project is built around long travel and compact size, this is the one to start with.
PARKER 1" Bore X 2" Stroke Pneumatic Cylinder Series 2A 250 PSI
The PARKER Series 2A is the option to pick when you need predictable force in a short, dense package. It is a double-acting tie-rod cylinder built with steel and rated to 250 PSI, so you get industrial-style construction in a 1-inch bore. The steel build also includes extra-long tie rods on the rod end, a 1/2-inch rod diameter, male 5/16''-24 rod threads, and 1/4-inch NPT ports, which gives you useful mounting and porting choices for a compact fixture. The limitation is stroke: its travel is significantly shorter than the long-stroke Air Cylinder, so it is best for short-cycle, close-range applications.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Air Cylinder 16mm Bore 300mm Stroke for long-stroke, light-duty jobs where the small diameter keeps the layout simple. Choose the PARKER 1" Bore X 2" Stroke Series 2A when you want a higher-pressure steel cylinder with a compact stroke for a fixed, close-range fixture.
