Wow if you could build a kite like that that had a lighter weight, better weight distribution, better durability, better resale value, improved power for a given size and better more efficient upwind you would have a pretty amazing kite I would say. Keep dreaming.

My $40 Walmart Slime brand 12v pump is pumping again. If only we could get some wind.

There are some manufacturers who make that kind of kites. I'm not dreaming, I'm using those kites

Plastic shafts are best, the don't heat up and chew the seals, they don't stick to the rubber, they last way way longer as long as you don't break them,
not good for one armed kite surfers, as they will break them,
Or for 2 armed kite surfers that hold the kite with one hand whilst pumping with one arm, mad!

Yeeeeharrrrrrr

all kite pumps are double action like on NSI site.

My design would have 2 cylinders each with about 1/2 the area of existing pumps, each cylinder would be 50% longer. it would have manual switch valve to decouple one of cylinders for high pressure pump at end of inflation of kite.

pump would give faster and easier volume pumping with better ergonomics, thru a more upright body position. it would be 50% faster at beginning of pump, then by switching to only one cylinder would require less power to pump last 10-15 strokes.

it's not that complicated but would cost 2x single pump. but hell, I buy a kite for 1000 bucks x 3 kites, but can only get toy pump for 20 bucks. I'd pay 40 for a significantly better product.

if I get 100 votes, I might do a design and put it on kickstarter.

It may not so much be about the pump but the kite you are pumping with it...specifically the inflate orifice, and how the pump is cared for

I just started using the new Core XR2 kites and the inflate process is SUPER easy and this will definitiely extend life of a pump IMO. Hardly any resistance on a 15m kite until the last 15 strokes. Liquid Force also had a system with a proprietary hose but the Core system uses a standard hose that 99% of kiters own.

I've been kiting 12 years and I would say I've retired 1 pump/year max and I do around 200 sessions a year in all conditions including snow. I try to take care of the pump (keep it out of the sand, elements, clean it occasionally). So that's a start.

I've had plastic shaft and aluminum shaft...not sure I can say which is better, but the aluminum shafts don't break very easily.

Sand in the shaft seals is the #1 culprit with failures. I suggest putting your pump in the kite bag or better in your car when not using it. The sand will find its way into all the crucial parts of the pump f you leave it on the beach. And once sand gets into the shaft seals...fughetaboutit.

I've found that a dishwasher drain hose makes a really good replacement hose for a pump. around $10-$12 at any home improvement or discount store. Holds up in heat or cold.

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_019W334482110001P?sid=KDx01192011x000001&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=33-43310795-2

The only issue is the diameter is a touch bigger than the pump fittings, but i used a small piece of plastic tubing on the fitting to match the size of the dishwasher hose.

Maybe i'm a bit fucked up, but i clean my pumps and lubrificate them with vaseline oil... the one i use now i got 2007 and have been using since nov. 2010...

I think TomW's ideas makes a lot of sense.
2 questions: would the extra parts make it less durable & wouldn't it take much more than 100 orders to pay for R&D, molds etc?
I would definitely buy one. Hey, if it's a good product I'd buy ten for x-mass gifts.

For those who didn't get the idea, it's a bit like adding gears to a bike so you don't waist your energy pedaling in too low a gear downhill (pumping volume) and forcing too much in high gear uphill (pumping pressure).

Clean and lube your pump regularly. ie 10 sessions or so. Im on the same pump for 4 years with a few trade outs on the hose and this pump does dbl duty for me and my GF

as far as dbl action. Get a coleman high volume electric pump for $20 at walmart (hate to admit I shop there but its sold there). Inflates 6+ kites on a charge to low volume (stiff enough to lift wing tips slightly) then its to your pump for high pressure

Hello Roberto
SUPER Well said
For the 17M it is (about) the last 18 strokes
For the 19M it is (about) the last 21 strokes

I've been kiting 13 years / about 200 sesh year (but ZERO " white or yellow snow)
During those years i did give my pumps a rest (many many sessions on self inflating foils)
This year with the advent of the Riot 19M XR2 i only own " EZ by hand one pump kites"