Review of the Air Box Electric Pump by Kitesurfing Magazine
Revolutionizing the Kitesurfing Experience
The Air Box electric pump, introduced at the AWSI trade show, is more than an upgrade; it’s a revolutionary advancement in the world of kitesurfing. Its debut was a standout moment, establishing new benchmarks for what we expect from a kitesurfing pump. With its capability to fully inflate a kite in an astonishing three minutes, the Air Box has transformed efficiency and convenience in kite and wing inflation.
Unmatched Speed and Innovation What truly sets the Ride Engine Air Box apart is its unparalleled speed. It inflates kites and wings twice as fast as our previously favored Avro e-pump. This incredible time-saving feature means more time on the water and less time on the shore, a dream come true for any kitesurfer. The pump’s lightweight design and sleek digital readout enhance its appeal, combining functionality with aesthetic elegance.
Navigating Initial Challenges Though we encountered intermittent issues with the two-stage pump during our tests, especially with specific North and Ocean Rodeo kites and wings, the response from Ride Engine was prompt and effective. Upon reporting this to Ride Engine, they acknowledged the issue and identified the pressure sensor’s sensitivity, especially to atmospheric changes during shipping, as the root cause. Their suggested solution – a RESET process involving the simultaneous pressing of the (+) and (-) buttons – is a straightforward fix that appears to address the issue effectively. This minor hiccup does little to diminish the overall excellence of the Air Box. Please remember that after taking you pump on a flight, it’s a great idea to recalibrate the pressure gauge sensitivity. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that when traveling, the pump should always be carried on board with you and not placed in checked luggage, due to its lithium battery.
Feature-Rich and User-Friendly The Air Box is not just a pump; it’s a testament to the technological evolution in kitesurfing gear. It boasts features like a maximum pressure of 20psi / 1.4bar, a dual two-stage inflation system with auto-stop, and a durable, shock-resistant design. The inclusion of various nozzles ensures compatibility with all industry-standard kites, wings, and inflatable SUPs, making it a versatile addition to any kitesurfer’s toolkit.
Package Contents Ride Engine’s attention to detail is evident in the comprehensive package that includes the Air Box pump, a protective case, a 3-foot hose, four nozzles, three washers, a USB-C charger, and a 12V car charger.
Conclusion The Air Box by Ride Engine, with its rapid inflation time, ease of use, and technological superiority, stands as an essential tool for anyone serious about their time on the water. It’s not often that a product comes along that so thoroughly transforms an aspect of a sport, but the Air Box has done just that, ensuring its place as a must-have for kitesurfers everywhere.
$199 MSRP
