Black Burn Airstick SL Review
Initial Impressions:
When initially holding the Blackburn Airstick SL, the lack of size and weight are what jump out at you. At only 68grams this pump is no heavy weight. It is small enough to fit into most medium sized saddle bags, and comes in a variety of colors. For a non-race situation this pump will make you question carrying C02 as your main source of emergency inflation.
Performance:
Despite the Airstick’s size, Blackburn claims it can produce 37% more stroke volume than pumps of a comparable size due to its duel chamber system. Many companies throw stats at users with non-tangible percentages, so to get to the point, does it pump!?
The answer is yes. Very well in fact. The first time I used the Airstick Sl, I was pleasantly surprised. It is by no means as efficient as a floor pump but for fixing a flat, or inflating tires after a flight while on vacation or at a race, it is very capable. Its ability to fit inside most saddle bags is a huge feature for this pump as it takes some of the worry away should a first flat happen.
I would like to mention I would classify this as a road or touring only pump. I think inflating a mountain bike tire would be painful, but do-able if absolutely necessary.
Gripes:
Despite the performance of the Airstick SL, it is not perfect. Most of these reasons stem simply because of its size! It is a presta specific pump, and is a little tricky to stay on the valve effectively. While pumping I was very aware of not to pump too erratically so to not break off the valve and be in a worse spot than I was initially. Also, because the pump itself is so small it is sometimes hard to control in the later stages of the pumping when air pressures go above 90. Blackburn claims the pump can go up to 160, but around 110-120 is difficult enough to be satisfied with that pressure. That being said as a means to get home this is plenty for most people.
Conclusion:
Overall Blackburn has made a fantastic product with the Airstick SL. It comes in many colours, has a sheik look, is a great price, and is small enough that it is unnoticeable in a jersey, or saddle bag(it does come with a frame mount also).
After 3 months of use, the pump has continued to work as intended with no issue.
However, it is not perfect as its connection to the presta valve is sometimes finicky when pressures go up.
4/5 Hearts.
US $24.99