A straightforward guide to picking the right air cushion machine for your business. No upselling, no jargon — just the information you need to make a confident decision.
Air cushion machines all do fundamentally the same thing: inflate flat film into protective cushions. The differences between models come down to speed, film compatibility, control features and accessories. Here's what actually matters for your decision.
This is the biggest factor. An entry-level machine running at 5 metres per minute is perfect for a business shipping up to about 50 parcels a day. A mid-range machine at 16m/min handles 50-200+ parcels comfortably. A high-speed model at 30m/min is built for distribution-centre volumes where speed is critical.
All three of our machines produce cushion pillows, bubble film and tubes. The difference is that the Navy Seal can produce bubble film up to 800mm wide (one metre, effectively), which is important if you're wrapping large fragile items. If your products fit in standard-size bubble quilts, any of the three machines will serve you well.
The Shadow Boxer Mk2 has adjustable sealing temperature and air fill — the two controls you actually need. The Silver Pack Mk2 adds pre-set dispense length and adjustable speed, which matter when you want consistent cushion sizes across a team of packers. The Navy Seal has all of the above plus the ability to run multiple hoppers for different film types simultaneously.
| Feature | Shadow Boxer Mk2 | Silver Pack Mk2 | Navy Seal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See shop | See shop | See shop |
| Speed | Up to 5m/min | Up to 16m/min | Up to 30m/min |
| Produces | Bubble, Pillows, Tubes | Bubble, Pillows, Tubes | Bubble up to 1m wide, Pillows, Tubes |
| Pre-set dispense length | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adjustable speed | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sealing temp control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air fill control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Winder compatible | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple hoppers | — | — | ✓ |
| 800mm bubble | — | — | ✓ |
| Warranty included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spare parts included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ideal daily volume | Up to ~50 parcels | 50–200+ parcels | 200+ parcels |
If you're not sure, start with the Shadow Boxer Mk2. It's the cheapest entry point, it produces everything you need, and if your business grows to the point where you need a faster machine, you'll know exactly why — because the Shadow Boxer will still be working perfectly, just not fast enough. At that point you can upgrade to a Silver Pack or Navy Seal and keep the Shadow Boxer as a backup or second-station machine.
The Silver Pack Mk2 is the sweet spot for most growing businesses. The 16m/min speed and pre-set dispense length make a real difference to consistency and throughput, and the winder compatibility means your packing area stays organised as volumes increase.
The Navy Seal is for operations where speed and versatility are non-negotiable. If you're running a distribution centre or a high-volume fulfilment operation, talk to Tom about specifying the right setup.
All machines come with warranty, spare wearable parts and optional free installation. We also offer rent and free-loan options depending on your requirements. Contact us to discuss →