Comparison Graco Ultra / UltraMax / QuickShot / QuickShot II

Which Graco cordless airless sprayer for finishing?

Are you hesitating between the older Graco Ultra / UltraMax / Ultra QuickShot models and the new Graco Ultra QuickShot II coming soon? Here’s a clear, “real-world” comparison to help you choose the right cordless airless sprayer based on your jobs, with the technical differences that truly matter.

In short: Ultra/UltraMax are all-in-one handheld sprayers (compact, super simple). QuickShot models are the “precision finishing” generation with an electric gun + hose (better control, less spitting). And the QuickShot II pushes productivity even further (faster cleaning, improved filtration, fewer clogs), plus the ProConnect system that makes gun maintenance easier.

The 4 models in one sentence (to understand the lineup)

• Graco Ultra 17M366: a cordless handheld “finishing & touch-ups” sprayer mainly for water-based materials, ultra portable.

• Graco UltraMax 17P258: same handheld format, but designed for broader material compatibility (including solvent products per Graco).

• Graco Ultra QuickShot 20B476: “mini finishing unit” format: instant-response electric gun + 1.8 m hose, excellent control and anti-spit performance.

• Graco Ultra QuickShot II (new): the same QuickShot philosophy, with Quick Flush (2× faster cleaning) + Easy Out Filtration (fewer clogs, more consistent flow) and ProConnect to simplify gun maintenance.

Discover all Graco Ultra products in the Airless Discounter shop

Comparison table (the specs that keep coming up)

Note: max pressure (138 bar) and max tip (0.016″) are very similar across the range. The real differences are mainly about material type, ergonomics, and finishing control.

The differences that really matter (jobsite explanations)

1) Handheld (Ultra / UltraMax) vs QuickShot (QuickShot / QuickShot II)

Ultra & UltraMax (handheld)

• You hold an “all-in-one” tool: compact, fast to deploy, great for touch-ups and small areas.

• Graco emphasizes “small jobs / small projects” with quick setup.

QuickShot & QuickShot II (electric gun + hose)

• You gain spray control thanks to the instant-response electric gun (goal: dramatically reduce spitting/splatter).

• The 1.8 m hose improves reach and comfort, and the system keeps very little material in the gun + hose (useful for color changes / fast cleaning).

• And on the QuickShot II, Graco highlights even more productivity: Quick Flush (faster cleaning) + Easy Out Filtration (fewer clogs) and ProConnect that makes gun maintenance easier.

Practical conclusion:

• If you mainly spray doors, trim, furniture, woodwork, small zones, QuickShot models often feel more “pro-finish” (control + cleanliness).
• If you want the minimum bulk and the “grab it and spray” approach, Ultra/UltraMax remain unbeatable for simplicity.

2) Material compatibility: Ultra vs UltraMax (the biggest handheld difference)

• UltraMax 17P258: Graco states it’s the only handheld that can spray water-based and solvent-based architectural coatings and mentions protection against static discharge/sparks.

• Ultra 17M366: is presented as oriented toward water-based paints.

Key takeaway: if you regularly spray lacquers/solvent paints (or have material constraints), UltraMax is generally the safer pick.

3) Motor: Ultra vs UltraMax

On Graco spec pages:

• Ultra 17M366: “DC motor”.
• UltraMax 17P258: “brushless, DC”.

In practice, a brushless motor is often valued for endurance and consistency, especially if you use the tool frequently (many small jobs).

Why the QuickShot II is the most advanced

Graco clearly positions the QuickShot II as an upgrade to the original QuickShot concept, with improvements aimed at time saved + flow reliability — and ProConnect that makes gun maintenance easier:

1. Quick Flush: 2× faster cleaning (Graco also mentions “1/2 the water”).

2. Easy Out Filtration: fewer clogs, more consistent flow, meaning fewer stoppages.

3. The instant-response electric gun remains for reduced spitting and a clean finish.

4. ProConnect: simpler, faster day-to-day gun maintenance.

If you do many small jobs (doors, frames, kitchens, premium touch-ups), the QuickShot II targets those “micro-losses”: cleaning, color changes, clogs, rework and gun maintenance is simplified with ProConnect.

Which model should you choose? (simple use-case guide)

Choose Ultra 17M366 if…

• You mainly spray water-based materials, small touch-ups, small volumes.
• You want the most straightforward, lightweight, minimal handheld.

Choose UltraMax 17P258 if…

• You want a handheld, but with material versatility emphasized by Graco (including solvent).
• You want a brushless motor.

Choose Ultra QuickShot 20B476 if…

• You want “pro finish” performance: electric gun + 1.8 m hose, fine control, less spitting.

Wait for / switch to Ultra QuickShot II if…

• You like the QuickShot idea, but you want even less downtime: faster cleaning + improved filtration and ProConnect that simplifies gun maintenance.

Product links at Airless Discounter

FAQ

Does the QuickShot II replace the QuickShot 20B476?
Graco presents it as delivering “the same professional results… with improved features” (Quick Flush, Easy Out Filtration) — and the maintenance-friendly orientation via ProConnect reinforces the idea of an evolution of the QuickShot concept.

Do the max specs (pressure / tip size) really change?
They remain very close: 138 bar and 0.016″ are indicated across the relevant Graco specs.

Why do QuickShot models often feel better for fine finishing?
Graco highlights the instant-response electric gun (anti-spit) and on-demand flow control for fine adjustment. On the QuickShot II, Quick Flush, Easy Out Filtration, and ProConnect add time savings on cleaning and gun maintenance.

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Questions or queries?

For any further questions or if you would like to get your hands on one of these products seen in this article, you can contact us on +49 (0) 30 220 15436, fill out our contact form or email us. If you wish to purchase one of the products mentioned above, you can check them out in our online store. You can also visit us at our service base during office hours.