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Inflation Devices

You've come to the right place if you're looking to add air to any of the following: * Bike tires * Balls (soccer, football, basketball, volleyball,...) * Car and motorcycle tires * Air mattresses * Beach and pool floats * Inflatable rafts and kayaks Many pumps will inflate any and all of the above, but not all work as well for each use. And still there are some that specialize in emergency use and are not meant as maintenance tools.

Quick Picks

General Pumps

Floor pumps and air compressors will inflate anything you need, provided you have the strength and accessories.

Floor Pumps

Sometimes called track pumps, floor pumps are standing devices that you pump vertically while using the ground for leverage. They're the "traditional" bike pumps. '''Things to consider''': * '''Seal''': Air leaks waste energy, making you work harder. A well-built pump will form a seal and not let air escape, even with repeated use. * '''Compatibility''': Most pumps these days work on both Schrader and Presta valves. To inflate a ball you'll need a ball needle, which comes with many models or costs well under a dollar a piece. * '''Gauge''': You'll want to know how inflated your item is before you start, how much you're progressing as you pump and when it's inflated to the PSI you want (the recommended PSI, or pound-force per square inch, for a tire, ball, or device is usually noted near its valve). A good pressure indicator dial is well noted, easy to read from a standing distance, and located in a position on the pump that will be convenient to look at while you're at work. * '''Base''': With floor pumps you'll have to keep the pump upright by keeping a foot (or two) on the pump's base. There are a few things more annoying than a pump that keeps falling over as you use it. A wider base will provide more stability, though the pump's portability may suffer. * '''Portability''': If you want a pump to take with you on bike rides, look into the frame models below. Otherwise, most floor pumps will fit in cars, if you'd like to keep it around in case of auto tire emergency. * '''Handle''': This is the piece of rubber you'll be gripping and pressing down on for inflating good, comfortable grips are best, though not absolutely necessary. * '''Barrel''': Larger barrels, the manufacturers of larger barrels will tell you, produce more air per stroke. Yet your ideal should not be maximum pressure per stroke but a balance between high pressure and ease of pumping. Better to pump twenty times and breathe easy then pass out trying to master ten heavy, powerful strokes. * '''Dual action''': An invention of the '90s was the model that pumped air both on the down stroke and up stroke, as opposed to only on the down stroke, presumably doubling your output on the same amount of effort. Reviews are mixed. Tests show little difference, but newer models are making strides.

Electric Pumps

'''''' Electric air pumps or compressors automatically fill inflate at the push of a button, with little to no work from the user. '''Things to consider:''' * '''Price''': Some models cost as little as floor pumps, some even less, with all tire compressors falling into the $20 to $70 price range. * '''Power''': Models, mostly 12V, are powered by wall outlet, cigarette lighter, or batteries though you might get a model devoted to those purposes anyway. Batteries give limited power and clearly won't last as long as traditional power outlets. * '''Compatibility''': Two types of electric air inflators are usually marketed: One for automobile tires and another for air mattresses and inflatable flotation devices. Both types can often (and easily) be adapted to bicycles and balls given the proper accessories, which many times come with the pumps. Car pumps can also be used many times for blow-ups, though usually not the other way around; this would be why the former are more expensive. * '''Portability''': Most models these days are built to travel you'd like to fill your tires enough to get to the nearest station if you get a minor puncture, and you don't want to inflate a kayak ''before ''you put it in the car. But you'll want to consult the weight anyway to see if a given compressor is something you can carry, and the size, to see if your trunk can accommodate it. * '''Deflation''': If taking all the air out of a gigantic blow and you don't have the time to waste on squeezing plastic, make sure your air pump has a deflate function, which is usually as easy as maneuvering the pump's hose.

Additional Pumps

Bike Pumps

Ball Pumps

Foot Pumps

Related Articles

* Bike Pumps * Tire Pressure Gauges * Pool Toys and Floats * Bike Tires * Automobile Tires