04-21-2010, 04:23 PM
I agree with Michael. Although the gauge are a little $$ they are a must. It is like trying to guess the air in a car tire. And like a car tire, not having equal air pressure can and does make a difference.
I can get behind the electric pump with a gauge however. They aren't that accurate. I heard of a Skykomish exploding TWICE because of one of those and the owner finally realized that.
My heavy duty pontoons and tube I air up at 3. And to guess that 3...well not even close.
Another tip if you cannot afford the gauge. Put the tube IN the water while you gear up, then check the air and adjust before setting out. Let the tube climatize with the water.
Same is true on travel. Never inflate your tube to max before traveling. Altitude will also effect the air pressure.
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I can get behind the electric pump with a gauge however. They aren't that accurate. I heard of a Skykomish exploding TWICE because of one of those and the owner finally realized that.
My heavy duty pontoons and tube I air up at 3. And to guess that 3...well not even close.
Another tip if you cannot afford the gauge. Put the tube IN the water while you gear up, then check the air and adjust before setting out. Let the tube climatize with the water.
Same is true on travel. Never inflate your tube to max before traveling. Altitude will also effect the air pressure.
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