Been using the new extended longer body pump fro a while now. Just did its first service. Mine is a SUP pump I purchased direct from bravo pumps Australia and modified for around $85 aus. (Added an ozone nozzle and kite leash). There now is a kite version. A few companies (core etc) are bringing these out this season. Its my preferred pump to do all my kites atm.
The advantages are
-obviously it's taller so you don't have to bend. Second photo shows it comes up to about 1 metre, compared with an older cabrinha. In fact I don't use the full range of stroke.
-It's way easier. There is no pressure felt while pumping. The little red clip can be pulled to go to single action to put more pressure in, but I have never needed it. I can easily pump to 10 psi on dual action. In fact you have to keep an eye on the gauge to make sure you don't put too much in.
-It's quicker. Although it pumps at about the same speed as a wide bodied pump... because it's easier you get there quicker. Especially on larger kites, and kites with small struts that you really need to work towards the end to get decent pressure.
-It's high pressure. I have all 3 strut kites and I like them hard to maintain structure
-hose connect is screw rather than bayonet and it's a good quality hose.
the disadvantages are
-initial cost
-it's tall so can fall over easier in the sand
*this applies to nearly all pumps from all brands I have had lately; the original grease chalks up (goes hard and chalky) The second photo shows the grease I have found that I like to use. You do need to apply it more often though as it is softer. If you don't service your pump it won't last; especially round here in fine sand.
Short and fat pump - low pressure/high volume.
Tall skinny pump - high pressure/low volume.
Am I wrong? Wouldn't this pump take longer to pump up your kites?
Short and fat pump - low pressure/high volume.
Tall skinny pump - high pressure/low volume.
Am I wrong? Wouldn't this pump take longer to pump up your kites?
I should have filled them up with water when I had them apart to see volumes. It seems about the same volume to me, but because there is no pressure I can pump kites faster with the taller pump (with no need to stop). It's definitely quicker, but you may be correct in that it could have slightly less volume. It feels obviously easier and quick when you use it. Everyone I have lent it to is impressed. I still travel with a short pump for ease of packing. ![]()
You don't need water to calculate volume. Just need the height and radius:
www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=volume+of+a+cylinder
Plug the radius and height into the calculator at the top of that page to get the results. Interested to see what they are.
You don't need water to calculate volume. Just need the height and radius:
www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=volume+of+a+cylinder
Plug the radius and height into the calculator at the top of that page to get the results. Interested to see what they are.
Ok.. I have just done my maths
and the results are the same as what it felt.
In third place is the old cabrinha pump in the picture with 2,100 cubic centimetres. This pump i like to pack for travelling and feels smaller.
In second place (but they are virtually equal) are the slightly larger new kite pumps with the dome top. ie cabrinha, bravo alu red, ozone, liquid force. 2227 cm cubed
The tall bravo SUP 3 pump does have slightly more volume at 2280 cubic centimetres (which is 2.28 litres). It really just feels the same volume but is easier.
I would count how many pumps with each pump, but I'm prone to losing count and someone more enthusiastic and energetic can do that experiment
Bugga I won't be able to reach the blue one!
^^ we could dig a hole and half bury the pump^^ ![]()
Was there a maintenance advice with the pump as in what lubricant to use and when ??
Silicon grease seems to be the standard.
Was there a maintenance advice with the pump as in what lubricant to use and when ??
No advice. It's been trial and error for me with the grease. Marine style of greases and vegetable based, seem to gum up after a while. Someone said online the spray silicone can do more damage than good; I believe this is true as well. Had a pump I used only spray on and while initially it felt good, the gaskets started to leave black stains, then perish. The silicone grease I have is from an australian company chemlube. It's handy you can use it on multiple other things.. auto, plumbing etc and my tub should last me a lifetime. I think it would be better if it was less viscous, in hot climates. If anyone else has a better recommendation for grease, I'll try them both. So I use it about twice a season. I like the handle of a pump to freely slide down if you pull it up. You could keep any pump going for a long time if you keep the 'lube up'. Funny how many spend thousands on a high performance kite and don't put enough air in it. Especially three strut kites with narrow struts. Plus, If your pump is in good condition, it's no dramas to change size of your kite quickly.
ps pet hate someone 'borrowing' your pump; leaving the handle extended and throwing it in the sand. ![]()
One of my mates puts a small piece of thin kitchen cloth (Chux) over the intake with an elastic band. Low pressure drop across the material so no added load on the suction side of the pump but the cloth is fine enough to work as a filter and keep out any sand and no real maintence required on pump.
One of my mates puts a small piece of thin kitchen cloth (Chux) over the intake with an elastic band. Low pressure drop across the material so no added load on the suction side of the pump but the cloth is fine enough to work as a filter and keep out any sand and no real maintence required on pump.
I do this and put a cork in the outlet side when I take the hose off. Heaps less sand in the pump.
One of my mates puts a small piece of thin kitchen cloth (Chux) over the intake with an elastic band. Low pressure drop across the material so no added load on the suction side of the pump but the cloth is fine enough to work as a filter and keep out any sand and no real maintence required on pump.
You can also use a fine mesh water filter taped to the inlet. (you can find them for free in the tap end of old washing machine hoses) see photo. I also drill a couple of holes on underside of handles so kite leash can clip in. You can then wind hose up neatly and kink free, and tuck it in for ease of carrying
I find sand getting stuck on the shaft and making it down to the O ring on the top of the pump to be a killer. This is what when you hear squeaky pumps on the beach.
I stopped using grease on my pumps, gets tacky, I use engine oil, so smooth.
I find sand getting stuck on the shaft and making it down to the O ring on the top of the pump to be a killer. This is what when you hear squeaky pumps on the beach.
I stopped using grease on my pumps, gets tacky, I use engine oil, so smooth.
Great tip! Cheers
Since we're all talking about pumps, stupid question, but why are these SUP pumps thinner and taller than a standard kite pump? Just for austhetics, or is because SUPping is for the older folk?
Hey lofty
Its all about dia and length of stroke,nothing personal......
smaller dia for higher pressure but length has to increase to compensate.
I have one of these,not sure if its quicker,but is easier so would be easy to burst a bladder
as u don't feel any resistance so if your looking around when pumping up could be not good.