Gear Review / WMFG Kiteboard Pump

[Kyle]

If you happened to be at Pismo, you probably saw a few of these pumps strewn around the beach; if you were really lucky, you won one in the raffle. Either way, you may not have gotten a chance to try them out, thanks to the efforts of the generous sponsors who launched and landed us over the weekend. Well I finally had a chance to use mine, and wanted to share with the BAK tribe why a $60 pump is totally worth it.

WMFG Size

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Before we even get into the details, a quick google shopping search suggests new standard kite pump will cost you $40-$50. So whether you're just getting into the sport, or your longtime pump is finally worn out, the WMFG Tall Pump is definitely worth the extra $10-$20.

packing the car

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We all know that FOMO feeling sneaking out of work at 4:45 to battle traffic and get to the beach for an evening session. We squeeze into our wetsuits with such excitement we risk tearing them. We say hi to our friends only after our hair is wet and our bodies and minds are satisfied. Some nights feel like a session could be made or broken in seconds as those steady thermal winds begin to slow, and pumping your kite can't come fast enough. With this consideration alone, the WMFG pays itself off in only a couple uses. On my recent annual trip to Crissy, I was able to inflate my 8m Ozone Catalyst in 25 strokes, which took me less than a minute.

Crissy Sesh

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The increased inflation speed of the WMFG is possible thanks to a high flow/high pressure valve on the barrel (and additional volume, of course). For stronger people, the valve will likely remain in the high flow position to minimize inflation time. However, for greater precision or in the case of my wife, the high pressure valve is super useful as it allows her to get her kite up to a healthy 8psi without using her entire body weight as the driving force. Opening the valve eliminates inflation on the upstroke. It is important to note that your kite valve system will also affect inflation time. If you have the bigger valve standard like those found on Ozone, you'll really appreciate the extra volume of the pump. But if you have the older inflatable pool toy style valves, it's going to take you longer to pump up your kite. The WMFG pump comes with adapters for all common valves.

inflation

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The action of the WMFG pump is nice and smooth. Not too tight, and without any lateral play. It feels solid, like closing the door of a nice car. The additional height definitely improves comfort and ergonomics, and the integrated pressure gauge is clean. The pump fits nicely along the bag of 8m+ standard kites, although I could see it looking extra large on the bag of a strutless 6m. The build quality and size results in a heavier pump, so I doubt I will be traveling with it. But for local kiting around the Bay Area, I trust this pump to get me out on the water as quickly and comfortably as possible. Looks like CaliKites is a local dealer, or check them out online at http://wmfg.co/

[sloughslut]

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Carlson pumps are$200 but worth every penny, over 6 years no issues ,lifetime warranty

[CdoG]

I went with ocean roedo's Big pump
Works good and is faster at pumping up your kite
Also can pump up to 13 lbs
Sorry bayareakite admin.....for stepping on your post
But i guess the message is to get out of your little pump blues....

[Yoda]

Carlson pumps are$200 but worth every penny, over 6 years no issues ,lifetime warranty

I can't really knock the Carlson pump, but I now feel that the tall version of the WMFG pump is an awesome trade-off that also saves you $200+. (Carlson 6" pumps now msrp for $270 and come with only a 10 year warranty)

The Carlson 6x24" is 8ltr/stroke (single stroke only).
The WMFG is 4x24" at 2.9ltr/stoke x2 = almost 6ltr/stroke since it's dual action.
When combined with the slightly shorter stroke and the dual action, your inflation time is nearly the same as the Carlson.

Some of the other nice touches on the WMFG pumps vs. Carlson are a filtered intake to prevent sand and debris from getting inside, an ergonomic grip bar and angled&slanted foot pegs for added pumping comfort, and a built-in gauge that actually works. The other nice feature is it comes with EVERY valve you'll ever need for any kite. And if needed, it has a "top-off" feature that allows the pump to convert to a single stroke action at higher pressures (as mentioned above, an ideal feature for the wife and kids).

I'm not sure what the WMFG pump warranty is, but at only $60 you can buy four of these pumps for price of one Carlson. They are also serviceable and WMFG has replacement parts available just like Carlson.

Like I said, I really can't knock the Carlson. It's bomber and proven in the rafting community. The LF Kite guys had one for their demos and praised it as well, but of course that was well before these new generation pumps had come out. For the money, I can't see any tangible justification for the Carlson now. YMMV

Edit: I couldn't tell which version Carlson is in that pic. Carlson also offers a 4x24", but it's only a single stoke action at 3.5ltr/stroke. WMFG's dual action gives you more volume/stokes, so it will inflate quicker. The 4" Carlson is $245.

[Yoda]

Looks like CaliKites is a local dealer, or check them out online at http://wmfg.co/

CaliKites and Wind Over Water (WOW Kite) are stocking these pumps.

[jjm]

I thought these all seemed unnecessary until I used a friends...

[WMFG]

Looks like CaliKites is a local dealer, or check them out online at http://wmfg.co/

CaliKites and Wind Over Water (WOW Kite) are stocking these pumps.

Thanks for the review. Boardsports also has them in stock
All 3 shops also have WMFG traction pads in stock.

Any questions feel free to contact me at info@WMFG.co

Thanks!

[sloughslut]

For some reason (wore out back) up stroke on pumps kills my back , i like the down stoke only, but maybe there taller pump is more back freindnly

[le noun]

I thought these all seemed unnecessary until I used a friends...

hey bro... can I borrow your pump?