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Why are pump bases flat?

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Peter_Frank
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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby Peter_Frank » Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:57 am

It is actually a very good question, eventhough it migh sound "funny" at first !

The answer is "low cost and simplicity" IMO.

As a pump that would work perfect for a kitesurfer (or anyone using a handpump), should be angled slightly forward in order to give a good and ergonomically comfy stance :thumb:

Meaning, with todays pumps that unfortunately are flat: when you pump your kite, you always try to find a little slanted/tilted area on the ground, in order to put the pump a bit forward :naughty:

In sand there is no problems of course - but as many or most dont rig up in sand, a slight forward canted pumpbase makes perfect sense 8)

:D Peter

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby murph68 » Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:19 am

Seriously? I've seen some stupid topics but this tops them all!!!

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby ronnie » Sat Mar 10, 2012 12:29 pm

Peter is right and presumably that is what the OP means. Maybe someone tiny who kept their back straight and bent their legs to pump might find it more comfortable. Spork made a pump that was designed right, but it was a lot bigger and had an extending shaft.



The ideal pump would be one you stuck your feet into 2 straps and marched on the spot to pump the kite up, but that would be a lot more expensive. Would be cheaper than a full pressure electric pump though.
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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby KiteboardingTampaBay » Sat Mar 10, 2012 2:34 pm

My friend has a pump that is huge (like 3' tall) and seems to work well. His only pumps on the downstroke and he says he loves it. A guy in texas is selling them I think.
Do a search on "ultimate kite pump" to find the info to either build one yourself or to buy one.

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby edt » Sat Mar 10, 2012 2:51 pm

If the base is not flat, you will snap the handle right off, the force has to applied directly down and up. Go ahead and mod your own pump, add a bevel on the bottom you'll see what I mean.

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby consumer » Sat Mar 10, 2012 3:32 pm

The fact is: our bodies do not move in a perfect vertical line when we pump. We actually move in an arc. It's not ridiculous to think that modifying the angle of the base might make pumping less awkward.

You guys have any idea how bonkers people go over a sliding spreader bar or a new safety leash?

This is simple question with an even simpler solution. Why are people so quick to flame?

Peter Frank described it perfectly.

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby SupaEZ » Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:00 pm

consumer wrote:The flat base of a pump is so awkward when trying to pump a kite up. Maybe a slanted base - either toward or away from you would make more sense.
Are you also perplexed why the beavers tails are flat? :roll:

Have you also asked yourself
Why do they call it Ovaltine :?:
The mug is round,the jar is round....they should call it Roundtine :!:

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby 14ToeSide » Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:38 pm

:congrats: :desperado: :desperado: :desperado: :desperado: :desperado: :desperado: :soap: :protest: :protest: :protest: :pump: :pump: :pump: :pump: :pump: :pump: :pump: :pump: :pump: :pump:

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby Ned Divine » Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:34 pm

consumer wrote:The fact is: our bodies do not move in a perfect vertical line when we pump. We actually move in an arc. It's not ridiculous to think that modifying the angle of the base might make pumping less awkward.

You guys have any idea how bonkers people go over a sliding spreader bar or a new safety leash?

This is simple question with an even simpler solution. Why are people so quick to flame?

Peter Frank described it perfectly.
People are quick to flame in order to quickly show how clever, witty, macho, important, fun, cool or what have you they are. Kiteforum gives them a chance to quickly show off their importance to fellow KF users. Respect. :baby:

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Re: Why are pump bases flat?

Postby Pietro_2003 » Sun Mar 11, 2012 10:08 pm

KiteboardingTampaBay wrote:His only pumps on the downstroke and he says he loves it.
Good point. My back doesn't like the compressions of the upstroke.

Has anyone pulled apart a cheapo standard pump and seen if it is easy to disable the upstroke pump action?


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