Hey Everyone.

Last weekend i was down at my local Bunnings
Whilst in the store i was talking to one of the demonstrators from Ryobi he was showing me this Air Inflator that they have for their ONE+ system and how great it is for camping and pumping up pool toys. See Bellow.



http://www.ryobi.com.au/Products/PowerTools/ONEplus/Misc/CIT1800G

This got me thinking, and i remembered seeing a couple of kite schools using air compressors to pump up their kites.
Has anyone used these air inflators before? This one was only $70 bucks so my mate and i was thinking of seeing how it goes. By looks of it, the standard hose on the inflator might need some modifying to fit the air lock adapter for my Cabrinha.

I personally have no problem pumping up my kite, i think it's a great way to warm up before heading out but was just curious what you all think

Cheers

I have a second hand Bravo and used it two times. Heavy to carry around and noisy.

This one looks promising with the Lithium batts and a cut-off...But than, Lithium are not the best for a heavy drain, would be interesting to know. Keep us posted!

Thanks for sharing!

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dbabicwa said..

I have a second hand Bravo and used it two times. Heavy to carry around and noisy.

This one looks promising with the Lithium batts and a cut-off...But than, Lithium are not the best for a heavy drain, would be interesting to know. Keep us posted!

Thanks for sharing!

No problem db.
After researching other pumps on the market i found the Island Inflatable Boat Pump.
[URL]http://www.islandinflatables.com.au/inflatable-boats-pumps.html[/URL]

Doesn't seem as good, $300 and does 12PSi of pressure.
The Ryobi Inflator pumps out 150PSI i guess you could always run a 4 Amp battery if you where worried about drain.
I should also mention i've got some Ryobi products at home, this inflator runs off one of their ONE+ batteries.
You would need to buy a starter kit for the battery and charger for $100 bucks if you don't already have a battery.

If enough of you like the idea i'll post instructions how to modify the hose and the time it takes to inflate.

My pump warms me up before a session also and doesnt need any batteries!! But might cost a bit more in maintenance

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Lambie said..


My pump warms me up before a session also and doesnt need any batteries!! But might cost a bit more in maintenance

Sounds like the best kind of pump if you ask me.
That reminds me of a music video clip i seen the other day.

Wax - Rosana

I have the previous version of the Ryobi inflator, it is a great tool to add a bit of extra pressure to your tyres after driving on the beach and pumping up bicycle tyres etc
BUT:
I found the high volume-low pressure side to be all but useless, tried inflating a few of the kids toys (2 ring splash pool) which hold less air than my 10m Switchy and gave up after 10 mins. Used the kite pump next and was good to go in under 2 minutes.

I guess a high volume-low pressure pump would have different ratios to a high pressure pump and don't think they can be combined in the same tool.

We have a little rechargeable Coleman air mattress inflator (under $50) that blows up our king size air bed in a couple minutes and still has enough to top the mattress up every night on a week camping trip without recharging. This IMHO would be the perfect pump for kite, I just haven't worked out how to adapt the different diameter hose connections to suit my Cabrinha.

Hope this helps

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steezy said..

dbabicwa said..

I have a second hand Bravo and used it two times. Heavy to carry around and noisy.

This one looks promising with the Lithium batts and a cut-off...But than, Lithium are not the best for a heavy drain, would be interesting to know. Keep us posted!

Thanks for sharing!

No problem db.
After researching other pumps on the market i found the Island Inflatable Boat Pump.
http://www.islandinflatables.com.au/inflatable-boats-pumps.html

Doesn't seem as good, $300 and does 12PSi of pressure.
The Ryobi Inflator pumps out 150PSI i guess you could always run a 4 Amp battery if you where worried about drain.
I should also mention i've got some Ryobi products at home, this inflator runs off one of their ONE+ batteries.
You would need to buy a starter kit for the battery and charger for $100 bucks if you don't already have a battery.

If enough of you like the idea i'll post instructions how to modify the hose and the time it takes to inflate.

The Island pump - there's several users at the local club... those things always seem to be breaking down, something to do with one of the compressor stages. There's a new model available here, that has (supposedly) fixed all those problems... but it too is like $200 and another $100 for the battery, depending on if you choose regular or lithium...

Really, is pumping that bad? :D

This is the better model...

www.lesailes.jp/webshop/pump/detail_electric_pump.html

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Kamikuza said..

steezy said..

dbabicwa said..

I have a second hand Bravo and used it two times. Heavy to carry around and noisy.

This one looks promising with the Lithium batts and a cut-off...But than, Lithium are not the best for a heavy drain, would be interesting to know. Keep us posted!

Thanks for sharing!

No problem db.
After researching other pumps on the market i found the Island Inflatable Boat Pump.
http://www.islandinflatables.com.au/inflatable-boats-pumps.html

Doesn't seem as good, $300 and does 12PSi of pressure.
The Ryobi Inflator pumps out 150PSI i guess you could always run a 4 Amp battery if you where worried about drain.
I should also mention i've got some Ryobi products at home, this inflator runs off one of their ONE+ batteries.
You would need to buy a starter kit for the battery and charger for $100 bucks if you don't already have a battery.

If enough of you like the idea i'll post instructions how to modify the hose and the time it takes to inflate.

The Island pump - there's several users at the local club... those things always seem to be breaking down, something to do with one of the compressor stages. There's a new model available here, that has (supposedly) fixed all those problems... but it too is like $200 and another $100 for the battery, depending on if you choose regular or lithium...

Really, is pumping that bad? :D

Hey Kamikuza.
I guess for the price i thought it would be a interesting DIY project and to see how it goes.
I'm yet to test this but i'm thinking you could get some conduit piping, and attach the thicker end of the piping to match up with the kites pump adapter. You would then have to cut that piping to screw lock onto the kites adapter.
Would be nice if you could buy these adapters from somewhere, would be a lot easier.

BCF have some very light and portable rechargeable hi volume/low pressure air pumps for $50-$80
I used one once and was great to pump up my 17m.
Just connect it up and start running the lines out. By the time you have done that the Kite is pumped up.
BUT
Did require a few manual pumps to get it up to the required pressure.

Haven't bothered buying one tho. Don't mind blowing my kites up

I have had a supper Bravo for 6 years
replace 2 batteries about $30.00 each in that time still going strong.
use it about 150 times a year.

The Ryobi and all those pumps/compressors that are designed to pump car tyres are low volume and high pressure, way too slow to pump a kite up. The Bravo pumps have improved over the last couple of years, but they are still not as good as the locally designed Island Inflator pump, and I have to say that although we have seen a number of Island Inflatable pumps fail, every single one has been replaced under warranty, even pumps that were a bit beyond the standard 12 months warranty. The latest version has an all metal high pressure compressor, and ball bearings in the crank/conrods.

I purchased my Island Pump from my local kite shop. (Soon after I purchased my 17 metre Zephyr)
The spring loaded mechanical switch to changeover from the low pressure fan pump to the high pressure piston pump is very unreliable.
My email was referred on to the manufacturer. Waste of time.

Bypass the auto switch which a manual change over switch.
Or better still stick with your manual pump

What Rob said is the problem we have here...

One of the other guys here got a cheap-as electric pump that only does low pressure and mostly fills his kites with that, then tops it off by hand. May as well just do it by hand I reckon :D

Anyone tried using a compressed tank?

I have a Rechargeable Colman Airbed pump which fills the kite with enough air to give it basic shape(by time lines are set). Still requires 20 or so pumps of a normal pump to get proper psi. Would only consider using it if I had a 17m, otherwise it's not worth it's weight.

I use the bravo model. I have broken my back so pumping isnt a great exercise for me. I found a place in ontario canada where they sell it at150 dollars so i guess when they sell it at 250 or 300 it is a ripoff. It can be reliable but you have to let it cool down after 15 min of use. I burnt mine but we were pumping 3 or 4 kite in a row. Still it lasted 2 years. I will get another one for sure.

I use the bravo model. I have broken my back so pumping isnt a great exercise for me. I found a place in ontario canada where they sell it at150 dollars so i guess when they sell it at 250 or 300 it is a ripoff. It can be reliable but you have to let it cool down after 15 min of use. I burnt mine but we were pumping 3 or 4 kite in a row. Still it lasted 2 years. I will get another one for sure.

I have the Island pump. I can pump 5 kites ( not at the same time ) with one charge. Best $300.00 I ever spent. I run my lines out while the kite is being pumped up.

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thorn said..

I have the Island pump. I can pump 5 kites

2 metre training kites don't count.

We have had lots of customers in talking about different alternatives they have tried.Would appear to me that the Island Pump is the only one that reliably does the job.

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Rob S said..

I purchased my Island Pump from my local kite shop. (Soon after I purchased my 17 metre Zephyr)
The spring loaded mechanical switch to changeover from the low pressure fan pump to the high pressure piston pump is very unreliable.
My email was referred on to the manufacturer. Waste of time.

Bypass the auto switch which a manual change over switch.
Or better still stick with your manual pump

Select to expand quote

Rob S said..

I purchased my Island Pump from my local kite shop. (Soon after I purchased my 17 metre Zephyr)
The spring loaded mechanical switch to changeover from the low pressure fan pump to the high pressure piston pump is very unreliable.
My email was referred on to the manufacturer. Waste of time.

Bypass the auto switch which a manual change over switch.
Or better still stick with your manual pump

Weird, I tried to PM you but that function was not working on seabreeze just now??
I am certain that your Island Inflatable pump will be replaced if its not too old now, did you go back to the shop where you purchased it?
They had some issues with those switches, but every single pump we had issues with has been replaced no questions asked by the supplier.

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Kitepower Australia said..

Rob S said..

I purchased my Island Pump from my local kite shop. (Soon after I purchased my 17 metre Zephyr)
The spring loaded mechanical switch to changeover from the low pressure fan pump to the high pressure piston pump is very unreliable.
My email was referred on to the manufacturer. Waste of time.

Bypass the auto switch which a manual change over switch.
Or better still stick with your manual pump

Weird, I tried to PM you but that function was not working on seabreeze just now??
I am certain that your Island Inflatable pump will be replaced if its not too old now, did you go back to the shop where you purchased it?
They had some issues with those switches, but every single pump we had issues with has been replaced no questions asked by the supplier.

Steve, Thanks for your interest. Perhaps my earlier post was a bit abrupt.

Tax Invoice # 38 dated 29/07/10
Paid $299
Switching problem started November 2011
Exchanged emails with shop owner and Garry at Island pumps between November 11 through November 16, 2011. (In my email archive)
I received advice on ways to free up the mechanical switch and the shop owner said that Island Pumps might be willing to have a look at it even though it was out of warranty.
I got it going for a few weeks and informed the shop owner. But then it continued to stick in the blower mode again. I could get it to work a few times and then it would stop switching again.
Finally, I have to admit I just put it aside and didn't bother perusing warranty. By then nearing 1 3/4 years old. My intention was to replace the automatic mechanical switch with a simple manually operated change over switch. I don't want a warranty replacement. When I extract the digit I will install a new manual switch.

Just a quick question for those that use the battery operated pumps - how do you secure the kite so it doesn't blow away while you are setting up your lines? Obviously a hand pump you attach to the kite with the short pump leash but an electric pump? Sit it on the kite? is it heavy enough to act as an anchor?
I've wondered about using my Coleman 12 volt inflator ( corded jobbie) for the 'bulk air bit' as it does a good job with ski tubes, air beds etc but Im 100% sure the kite will get some shape and a gust of wind will grab the kite and reef the plug out of its socket ( yes I often self launch off the 4WD bulbar).
So how do you hold the kite down while unattended?

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Lambie said...
Just a quick question for those that use the battery operated pumps - how do you secure the kite so it doesn't blow away while you are setting up your lines? Obviously a hand pump you attach to the kite with the short pump leash but an electric pump? Sit it on the kite? is it heavy enough to act as an anchor?
I've wondered about using my Coleman 12 volt inflator ( corded jobbie) for the 'bulk air bit' as it does a good job with ski tubes, air beds etc but Im 100% sure the kite will get some shape and a gust of wind will grab the kite and reef the plug out of its socket ( yes I often self launch off the 4WD bulbar).
So how do you hold the kite down while unattended?

Fill your helmet with sand and semi bury it. Attach your board leash to this improvised sand anchor and then to your usual pumping attachment point. If you want some added security, fill your seat harness with sand and create a secondary sand anchor. This innovative system will get you sorted. Set up your Gopro at an angle where you get the best view of your speedos as you stride out your lines also, so you can enjoy the momentsover and over again.

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craggers said..

Lambie said...
Just a quick question for those that use the battery operated pumps - how do you secure the kite so it doesn't blow away while you are setting up your lines? Obviously a hand pump you attach to the kite with the short pump leash but an electric pump? Sit it on the kite? is it heavy enough to act as an anchor?
I've wondered about using my Coleman 12 volt inflator ( corded jobbie) for the 'bulk air bit' as it does a good job with ski tubes, air beds etc but Im 100% sure the kite will get some shape and a gust of wind will grab the kite and reef the plug out of its socket ( yes I often self launch off the 4WD bulbar).
So how do you hold the kite down while unattended?

Fill your helmet with sand and semi bury it. Attach your board leash to this improvised sand anchor and then to your usual pumping attachment point. If you want some added security, fill your seat harness with sand and create a secondary sand anchor. This innovative system will get you sorted. Set up your Gopro at an angle where you get the best view of your speedos as you stride out your lines also, so you can enjoy the momentsover and over again.

but what if i use a reel leash?
does your method still work.
lol.

I unpacked my kite today and realised I had my pump but had left my b****y hose on the work bench where I was experimenting on how to connect it to the Coleman air bed rechargeable.

One of the local guys offered me his Island kite pump (not to keep unfortunately) and I have to say: I was impressed!
Mate had already pumped up his 17m and 13m, I then pumped up my 10m in less than a minute.

Set the pressure you want, hit the power button and the pump starts a fan drive which is very effective. When the pressure gets a bit much for the fan, automatically switches over to a piston pump and then shuts down when it reaches the pressure you set. The standard hose was the perfect fit for my Cabrinha but there were also about 5 other attachments.

@Lambie: I left one end of my safety leash on my harness and connected the other end to the kite then stood on the leash at the length I required, worked well for me.

BTW, as I was leaving mate was pumping his 17m up for a 2nd time (packed up 17 because the wind picked up nicely) but then it dropped off again later. Island pump therefore did the 17m twice, a 13 and a 10 without slowing down or re charging.

I am impressed and if tomorrow was Father's Day instead of Mothers Day his pump would be on my wish list.

I bought an island type.pump of.eBay retail in shop 300 rechargable it never recharged from.New had it on charge turned it on and power point sparked so now won't recharge and has issues then the eBay seller said he only gives two weeks warranty so have to find someone to fix electronics hard to find someone so better of to.spend.the 300 and get the years warranty

We now use my dual cylinder 4wd tyre pump and take a.small.battery and.it.pumps.3 kites up.pretty quick

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surfingboye said...

craggers said..

Lambie said...
Just a quick question for those that use the battery operated pumps - how do you secure the kite so it doesn't blow away while you are setting up your lines? Obviously a hand pump you attach to the kite with the short pump leash but an electric pump? Sit it on the kite? is it heavy enough to act as an anchor?
I've wondered about using my Coleman 12 volt inflator ( corded jobbie) for the 'bulk air bit' as it does a good job with ski tubes, air beds etc but Im 100% sure the kite will get some shape and a gust of wind will grab the kite and reef the plug out of its socket ( yes I often self launch off the 4WD bulbar).
So how do you hold the kite down while unattended?

Fill your helmet with sand and semi bury it. Attach your board leash to this improvised sand anchor and then to your usual pumping attachment point. If you want some added security, fill your seat harness with sand and create a secondary sand anchor. This innovative system will get you sorted. Set up your Gopro at an angle where you get the best view of your speedos as you stride out your lines also, so you can enjoy the momentsover and over again.

but what if i use a reel leash?
does your method still work.
lol.

No. It doesnt. The kite reels out along the leash line until it reaches the end of its reel and then decides to deathloop down the beach, taking out your Speedophile arze. ( not YOUrs, boye, `yours' the lazy pump bum...)

Oh too much technology!! LOL - I think I'll stick to the organic option!! at least the pump I dream about will also pack down the kite and hand me a beer!!

Totally gay, the day I tart using one of these is the day is question my sexuality, man up you ******s and pump