quietest return pump?

[mseepman]

I believe the biggest difference is between A/C versus D/C control. The Red Dragons, etc...have always been good power savers versus the output.

[MarkoD]

So the dc pumps are more efficient?

[sphelps]

Pump efficiency is based on many things like the type of motor, bearings, impellers and overall design. Red dragons use high quality motors, special ceramic bearings and are designed for the specific purpose. Many other pumps are just modified utility pumps or from other applications where efficiency is not of high concern. The RDs are also quiet as a result of being balanced better so they produce very little vibration which also adds to efficiency. I use a RD pump and you can hardly tell it's on even when used externally. I don't have any complaints but I think before I would invest in another one I would consider the much cheaper water blasters which seem to have similar design and specs.