An electric pump is more efficient than a hand pump, which is why it is the essential tool for all those who have an iSUP. Indeed, it allows an easier and faster inflation. The offer is extensive and ranges from an affordable price to very high prices. Some electric pumps have an integrated battery.
Choosing the right electric pump
You are looking for an electric pump sold at an affordable price. However, even if the price is high, take into account the adaptability of the end piece, the integrated equipment or accessories.
The best way is to invest in an electric pump supplied with a cigarette lighter adapter. Why? Because electric inflators equipped with rechargeable batteries must be charged at least once a month for 8 consecutive hours. This recharging is usually done on mains and for models that also have a cigar lighter socket. It is not able to power the pump for use if the battery is too low.
This will save you the extra expense of replacing the battery and ensure that you can always go paddling by inflating your SUP next to the car.
The pressure of an electric pump
Be careful, not all electric pumps allow you to inflate a SUP. Inflating an inflatable paddle properly means inflating to a minimum of 15 Psi. Some boards require up to 22 Psi (generally, they are race boards).
You may be tempted to use an electric pump for inflatable boats, for example. However, these pumps are not suitable for 2 reasons:
- the connection cap will not be compatible with your SUP board, which requires a specific cap to stay connected during the inflation despite the very high pressures
- most pumps will not achieve the minimum pressure of 15 PSI
Important: an underinflated inflatable SUP will be shaped like a banana and will not glide well.
Which electric pump to choose?
Here is a small comparison of 6 pumps to help you choose.
Bravo GE BP12
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 4 minutes 25 seconds
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 7 minutes 56 seconds
- Public price: 89 €
- Power supply: Alligator clips and cigar lighter
- Max pressure: 15 Psi
Aztron 12 V
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 9 minutes 13 seconds
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 15 minutes 38 seconds
- Public price: 89 €
- Power supply: Cigar lighter
- Max. pressure: 16 Psi
Sevylor 12 V
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 9 minutes 42 seconds
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 14 minutes 21 seconds
- Public price: 89 €
- Power supply: Cigar lighter
- Max. pressure: 15 Psi
Star 7
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 10 minutes 35 seconds
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 16 minutes 08 seconds
- Public price: 50 €
- Power supply: Cigar lighter
- Max. pressure: 16 Psi
Star 8
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 8 minutes 11 seconds
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 11 minutes 58 seconds
- Public price: 70 €
- Power supply: Cigar lighter
- Max. pressure: 20 Psi
Bravo 20
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 200 L : 7 minutes 14 seconds
- Inflation time at 15 Psi – Volume 350 L : 11 minutes 20 seconds
- Public price: 299 €
- Power supply: Rechargeable battery by alligator clips or cigar lighter
- Max. pressure: 22 Psi
If the electric pump is essential, the hand pump is just as essential, but not for the same reasons. The electric one is smaller, less bulky but a little heavier. It allows a board to be inflated quickly without any physical fatigue. The only constraint is that you have to have access to a source of electricity.
