Thanks for the link Roberto.
I had already fitted a toggle switch to avoid the auto low pressure to high pressure switching as the gate used to trigger that used to stick sometimes.
I couldn't get the low pressure stage in the UK and had difficulty trying to find out how to buy it and for how much from Scoprega in Italy, so I bought a Coleman inflator for £10 and wired it to the switch. Looking at the price of the replacement Scoprega part, I saved myself a lot of money.

Toby, I am curious as to what specifically seems to be bad quality on your Bravo. If it's an older model the plastic impeller on the low pressure pump is prone to failure. But they did improve that part from my experience. I have had this particular pump for over 5 years.

I agree that these pumps arent military grade, but mine has lasted pretty well and seen a lot of use. I am very careful to keep it dry, minimize exposure to salt-air, minimize sand getting into pump. I keep it in the clear liner bag + the black nylon bag and never leave it sitting on the beach. At the moment I need a new battey right now but the pump still works well.

The new design from Scoprega sounds good, especially witht the new battery technology. I am trying to figure out a better system for maintaining the battery because I only have the cig lighter cord and I don't drive enough during a typical day to put a long controlled charge on it.

I still don`t get it!
If you use a power pump to inflate you kite, you can not do anything alse in the mean time since you have to avoid your kite+pump being draged down the beach or into the water. Power pumps are not any faster than the reciprocating manual piston pums. So there is absolutely no time saved, thus power pumps are kind of a useless gadget!

aeberl,

You are Swiss? Different temperatures to where we kite. I don't want to be stinking and sweating hot prior to heading off kiting. Some people are in the age where we can afford a little bit luxury.

Cheers
Caesar

nah, you put a small sand bag on it and walk away to lay out lines or whatever.

Ever pumped an 18 in 32C air temp?
All my sun protection is off by then.
And I need my energy on the water!

I stretch meanwhile or enjoy watching others.

Yes, I need a pump. Be happy if you don't need it.
Or why do you use a car? Use a bike or walk! Same same, no different!

I would say it takes the same amount of time to inflate with a Bravo pump - so for me it's not about a race to inflate. So no argument there. I still use a standard hand pump many times, (for smaller kites and when travelling on planes, or when the battery is drained) but there are more days when its much more convenient to use the electric pump, especially for big kites and/or when I have to pump 3 or 4 kites up the same day. For me there is nothing exciting about using a hand pump...if you want to "warm up" there are better/healthier ways to do that...and the thrill of using an un-ergonomic device (hand pump) left me a long time ago. It's pretty nice to effortlessly get consistent 6-8+psi in your kite every time.

As far as cost efficiency - OK, the pump is a little pricey (but what does a chiropractor cost?) and it seems like many riders burn out their hand pumps at least once/year. A new battery for the pump costs around $30 and if properly maintained can last 3+ years. Maybe someone can come up with a less expensive/more rugged product...bring it on!!

You can also buy the pump at Defender in Conn.

I slide my board through the carry strap on my scoprega to hold it down. It has held down my 17m easily through the whole inflation cycle.
I can run out my lines, change into my shorts-harness, and get completely ready to ride while my little battery pump does it's job. Pumps my kites 'til the tubes "ping"...

I'm always on the water in minutes. All those who think it's better to pump up manually, hey have at it. I don't mind you getting that good warm up while I'm riding.

Have fun out there!