Umarex High-Grade CO2 vs. NitroAir N2: Which Powers Your Air Gun?
By Amis Thains Published 5 min read
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On this page (8 sections)
You are trying to decide if you should keep buying cheap 12-gram CO2 or switch to high-pressure nitrogen for your Umarex airguns. This breakdown tells you exactly which gas keeps your gun running smoother and lasts longer in the field.
In short: For most modern Umarex PCP and high-grade airguns, NitroAir N2 is the superior choice because it provides consistent pressure regardless of temperature. CO2 is best for traditional gas spring or blowback models that are specifically designed for 12-gram cartridges, but it loses power in the cold and gains power in the heat.
Quick picks
Our shortlist for this job · tap one to see today's price
Pairs a PCP rifle with the consistent, regulator-controlled N2 cartridges that prevent fouling.
Offers tested clean CO2 that protects valve seals in classic Umarex gas blowback designs.
The differences at a glance
| Feature | Umarex High-Grade CO2 | NitroAir N2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure type | Varies with temperature | Stable, regulated |
| Best for | Gas blowback, standard 12g slots | PCP rifles, precision shooting |
| Shots per fill | 12-30 (varies by gun) | Fixed by regulator design |
| Residue | Can leave oily trace | Cleaner, less valve wear |
NitroAir uses a sealed high-pressure vessel and an internal regulator. This means every shot releases air at the same velocity. CO2 is a phase-change gas; its pressure rises when it is hot and drops when it is cold, causing your muzzle velocity to fluctuate. The other half of this decision is choosing between daisy and umarex.
Accuracy: Why NitroAir N2 wins for target shooters
If you are chasing tight groups on paper, N2 is the only logical choice. The regulator in an N2 cartridge system smooths out the energy transfer. You do not have to dial in your turrets to account for gas expansion changes that happen every 10 or 20 shots.
With CO2, the pressure in the cartridge shifts as you shoot. The first shots are high-energy, the middle shots drop off, and the last few can be significantly slower. This requires you to constantly adjust your aim to keep rounds on target.
N2 wins this factor. For competitive or bench shooting, the consistency of the cartridge beats the rolling average of a gas expansion system.
Pro tip: When using N2 cartridges, always wait for the regulator to settle after the first few shots. It gives you the truest baseline for your zero.
This bundle includes the Komplete NCR, a PCP that uses N2 for the stable performance described here.
- Experience the future of shooting with our .22 caliber Komplete Nitrogen Cartridge
- Compatible with the Umarex Komplete NCR .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle (item number 2251558)
Speed and velocity consistency in changing weather
Weather is where the two gases completely diverge. CO2 follows the laws of physics: heat makes the gas expand and cold makes it contract. A 12-gram cartridge can give you 300 feet per second on a sunny day and 240 feet per second in the morning chill.
NitroAir N2 is an inert gas stored under pressure. It does not rely on phase-change expansion. Whether it is 35 degrees or 95 degrees, the regulator holds the pressure steady. You get the same velocity for the entire magazine or cartridge life. We cover sig mcx virtus vs umarex n2 in a guide of its own.
N2 wins this factor. If you hunt in the early morning or shoot outdoors in winter, N2 keeps your energy stable where CO2 would drop below the threshold to be effective.
Ease of use: Which is simpler to load and maintain
CO2 is the simpler technology. You pop a 12-gram capsule into the slot, break the seal, and shoot. It works in a vast number of older Umarex pistols and rifles that were designed for it before high-pressure nitrogen was common.
NitroAir N2 requires a cartridge piercing mechanism, usually located at the bottom of the rifle stock. You insert the N2 cartridge and twist it to pierce the seal. It is very similar to loading a pre-charged pneumatic tank but requires more torque to open.
CO2 wins for casual shooters. If your Umarex gas blowback is your main plinker, the standard CO2 capsule is faster to load and easier to find in any hardware store.
Safety first: Never store CO2 cartridges in a hot vehicle or direct sunlight. The pressure inside the sealed metal shell can build up to dangerous levels.
These Umarex High-Grade cartridges are the direct fit for the gas slots on most classic Umarex blowback airguns.
- CO2 quality is critically important to the health of your air gun - Ensure a lifetime
- Tested and proven clean: Doesn't dirty your air gun valves
Value and long-term gun health
While both gases cost money to run, the real value is in what happens to your gun parts. CO2 comes from compressed liquid and can leave a thin film of carbon dioxide and residual oil on the valve seals and transfer tube. Over several years, this can cause seals to harden or fail. For the detail, see our notes on daisy 426 reviews.
NitroAir N2 is dry, compressed air. It does not leave residue on the internal components. Because it uses a dedicated regulator, the parts it touches are designed to handle high pressure without wear.
N2 wins for long-term value. It protects the integrity of your airgun’s seals and reduces the need for cleaning the transfer tube between seasons.
Which should you buy?
- If you shoot a PCP rifle or an N2-compatible Komplete model: Buy NitroAir N2. The consistency and clean nature of the gas are the whole point of the rifle’s design.
- If you shoot a classic Umarex gas blowback pistol or rifle: Buy Umarex High-Grade CO2. Your gun is built specifically for 12-gram expansion, and N2 will not fit the cartridge slot.
- If you want to practice in all weather: Get an N2 setup. The velocity stays stable when the temperature drops below freezing.
The bottom line
Buy NitroAir N2 if you want the most consistent shots for target shooting or hunting, or if you own an N2-compatible PCP like the Komplete NCR. Stick with Umarex High-Grade CO2 if you own older gas blowback models that physically require 12-gram capsules for the valve to function.
- Experience the future of shooting with our .22 caliber Komplete Nitrogen Cartridge
- Compatible with the Umarex Komplete NCR .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle (item number 2251558)
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Umarex High-Grade CO2 in a NitroAir N2 rifle?
No, you cannot. The physical cartridges are different sizes and use completely different piercing and release mechanisms. A 12-gram CO2 capsule will not fit into an N2 cartridge chamber, and it lacks the pressure and regulator to operate a PCP system.
Does NitroAir N2 need a regulator?
Yes. NitroAir N2 cartridges are high-pressure vessels that must be paired with an internal pressure regulator in the airgun. The regulator takes the high pressure of the cartridge and drops it to a consistent, safe level for the barrel.
How many shots do I get from a NitroAir N2 cartridge?
The number of shots depends entirely on the airgun’s pellet or bullet weight and the specific regulator design. A .22-caliber PCP rifle typically gets between 100 and 150 shots from a single N2 cartridge.
Is Umarex High-Grade CO2 better than standard store-brand CO2?
Yes. Umarex designs this gas for its own airguns. It is filtered to remove moisture and impurities that can cause valve sticking or seal damage in high-precision gas blowback systems.