Compressor

[danlar]

Hola todos, I would like to know your thoughts about using a small portable compressor. Anyone using one ? Battery compressor or maybe with a small thank to fill up a kite. Thanks

[Mossy 757]

Just be careful you don't over-pressurize your kite, the battery powered pumps I've seen for SUPs and stuff all go up to the high teens in pressure and most kites are designed for 8-10psi.

[leeuwen]

Hola todos, I would like to know your thoughts about using a small portable compressor. Anyone using one ? Battery compressor or maybe with a small thank to fill up a kite. Thanks

Doesn’t make sense to me. Even the bigger kites these days are quick to pump with the low resistance/big valves.
Also it’s a good quick warmup imho.
A compressor is quite a bit heavier to lug around, needs charging and probably doesn’t like getting wet.
Unless you have severe back issues I don’t see any reason to go electric.
Maybe if you can pump the kite at the car (so you don’t need to lug around a compressor) it would be worth it but that’s not possible at any of the spots I am going to.

[Kiter_from_Germany]

Hola todos, I would like to know your thoughts about using a small portable compressor. Anyone using one ? Battery compressor or maybe with a small thank to fill up a kite. Thanks

in a kite selling session I had to pump a lot of kites.
I used the lidl/Aldi Akku based low pressure pump system.
They don't fill to pressure, but pumping my 17m with just 10strokes or so was a charming experience.

But the weight argument counts for single inflation, I agree.

[Herman]

A few years back I bought a Sevylor compressor,. Seems cheap, good value, and effective, although I would not rely on the auto pressure cut off. Needs a separate 12v battery. It has low and high pressure cycles.

I rarely use it for kites as it does not seem worth the hassle even though it is readily available, unless I know I will be inflating several kites. I sort of like the warm up before riding. Being an old dog I know there is no rush. Most of the pumping requires minimal effort as long as you are not trying to force the air through the pipe and valve too quickly. The only time it requires real force is when the kite is filled and you begin to pressurise it. Makes me laugh when I see guys using quick short tiny strokes. Premature fatigue!!!

[TheJoe]

I use a compressor and I love it. I do not use one of those portable 2 stage ones for kites or sup boards. Those vs the modern 2 stage hand pumps I would choose a hand pump. If your not inflating large lightwind kites then the hand pump is fine.

As far as compressors go I have onboard compressors in my kite van with a 13 gallon air tank. Really the only way to use compressed air is to use a tank. I love having onboard air it is super convenient not just for kiting but just in general. My old system I had in my old truck will be put into my new truck which I don't even use for kiting. Just having it to air up a tire is worth it.

A real air compressor with a tank rules. Secondly a new high flow pump. Then maybe a 2 stage compressor but really only would I get one if I had an inflatable board or raft.

Oh and screw pumping up as a warm up. It sucks it is not enough work to be called a warm up and I hate it!

[nothing2seehere]

Oh and screw pumping up as a warm up. It sucks it is not enough work to be called a warm up and I hate it!

Just getting into one of those front zip wetsuits is enough of a warmup anyway

[downunder]

Only if mowing the lawn

[SMJ]

I use a battery-powered leaf blower and finish it off with a kite pump. Nice and light & works great. The leaf blower doubles as a pre-inflator for foil kites as well.

[richy-c]

Due to a dodgy shoulder and pumping up a lot at the moment ive just started using my 12 volt sup pump to pump my kites and Its fantastic! Digital pressure gauge and auto cut off works great. I bought an extension lead so cam pump 10 meters away from my bus. Only works if i can get the bus near the beach though Thinking of buying a small gel battery to power it from now for when i cant.