MXA TEAM TESTED: POLISPORT PRO OCTANE UTILITY CAN

WHAT IS IT? If you are wondering why they call it the Polisport Pro Octane utility can instead of a gas can, the reason is simple. Several states have very strict laws dictating how gas can be carried under the Federal Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act. So, gas can manufacturers call them “utility cans” to leave the impression that they might be full of water. The Polisport utility can does meet Euro gas can standards, though.

WHAT’S IT COST? $58.99.

CONTACT? www.polisport.com or your local dealer. 

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Polisport Pro Octane utility can.

(1) Transport. The Polisport gas can holds 5 gallons of fuel. Because of its smaller footprint, the Pro Octane utility can is capable of squeezing into smaller areas than the typical plastic gas can but makes up for it by being much taller.

(2) Unique feature. It has two handles, one on each side of the body, to make it easier to manhandle the 30 pounds of gas in it. The cap has a dial that you can spin to indicate exactly what is in the can. The choices are “no oil” and six different pre-mix ratios. Embossed on one corner of the gas can are gallon marks to let you know how much gas is in the can (and, strangely enough, the same gallon markings are listed on the next corner upside down, so you can tell how much fuel you are pouring if you use the quick-fill spout). The most unique feature is a plastic pre-mix bottle that plugs into a recess in the gas can, allowing you to carry pre-mix oil in a separate 8.5-ounce bottle.  

(3) Durability. The most common failure of traditional-style gas cans occurs at the seal around the top of the can, where the cap threads on, or leakage at the spout. The Pro Octane utility can’s spout and cap seal are much more durable than on other gas cans. The Pro Octane can comes with a five-year warranty against leaks or cracks.

(4) Performance. A gas can is a simple device. It holds gas, has a spout that transfers the gas from the can to your bike’s tank and, well, that’s about it. The Polisport’s Pro Octane can offers a unique tall-boy shape, which has pluses and minuses when it comes to pouring gas into a bike, finding a place for it in your truck and lifting it up. All that aside, it holds gas, doesn’t leak and has two handles, one of which you can run a bungee cord through. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK?  We had three issues: (1) The plastic pre-mix bottle is labeled in the European percentage system as opposed to 20:1, 40:1 or 60:1. (2) Additionally, the 8.5-ounce pre-mix bottle is too small to mix 5 gallons at a 40:1 ratio, which requires 16 ounces of oil. (3) Since the handle is amidship, it is difficult to balance out the weight of the gas can when carrying it.

MXA RATING: The Polisport Pro Octane gas can is a different take on the conventional dimensions that we have come to accept, but it works flawlessly.