When a motor needs to start smoothly, the first fork in the road is whether you simply need gentler starts or full variable-speed control. That choice separates the Stellar SR22-09 Soft Starter from the Leeson 174264 Adjustable Speed AC Motor Control. Both sit in the motor-control family, but they solve different problems and work with different supply voltages.
A soft starter ramps voltage to the motor over a short window, cutting inrush current while still ending at full speed. A VFD does more: it converts the incoming AC to a variable frequency and voltage, letting the motor run faster or slower. That difference in capability is why the Leeson unit is the higher-priced item here. The Stellar is built for a 480V AC line and 9 FLA; the Leeson accepts 120V in and delivers 0-230V out. Your motor's voltage and your need for speed control will point you to one.
Quick Verdict
If your motor's supply matches the soft starter's input and you only need to limit inrush current during startup, the Stellar SR22-09 is the straightforward, lower-cost pick. If you need adjustable speed from a low-voltage supply and can work with a wider output range, the Leeson 174264 VFD gives you that capability. The table below shows the key numbers side by side.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Price | Key Specs | Relative Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stellar SR22-09 Soft Starter | $94.99 | 480V AC input, 9 FLA, soft starting | |
| Leeson 174264 VFD | $229.99 | 120V input, 0-230V output, 1/2 HP, adjustable speed |
Where Each Wins
The Stellar SR22-09 wins when your process is straightforward. A pump or conveyor that just needs a soft start and then runs at full speed is a perfect fit; you aren't paying for frequency control you won't use. The Leeson 174264 wins when you need to adjust speed while the motor is running. That might be for gradual acceleration, slower processing, or matching output to load. It also wins if your facility only has a low-voltage supply available, since its input side is designed for that.
Product Notes
Stellar SR22-09 Soft Starter
The Stellar SR22-09 is a used unit, which makes it a candidate for a budget-conscious project where you're comfortable inspecting a pre-owned component before wiring it in. Its job is soft starting: it ramps the motor up rather than giving you an adjustable-speed range. If your process only needs controlled acceleration to full speed, that's exactly what this box does. The trade-off is that you won't be able to dial the motor speed down during operation, so it's not a substitute for a VFD when you need variable flow or torque.
Leeson 174264 VFD
The Leeson 174264 is listed as new open-box, so you get a step up from used without paying the full retail price. As an adjustable-speed AC motor control, it lets you vary the motor's speed, which makes it a better match for applications that need more than a fixed start. The obvious limitation is that it's the higher-priced option in this comparison, so you'll want to confirm that your budget can absorb the extra cost and that the motor you're driving falls within the control's rated output.
Final Choice by Use Case
Pick the Stellar SR22-09 when you want the lower-price route to smoother starts and you're shopping in the $94.99-to-$229.99 range. Pick the Leeson 174264 when you need run-time speed control and are willing to pay the extra $135 for it. If your application is a fixed-speed motor that only needs easier startup, the Stellar's simpler design saves you money. If you need to match speed to changing conditions, the Leeson pays for itself by giving you that control.
