Product Description : TOPEAK, POCKET MASTER-BLASTER DX PUMP A neo high performance mini road pump. Durable and lightweight full aluminum construction with high polished barrel, handle thumb-lock lever. Dia-cast aluminum pump head Padded handle with internalo bayonet handle lock and Kraton sleeve for easy gripping and handling Integrated dirt seal and dust cap I bought the Pocket Rocket DX around a month ago, after spending a long time looking for the right pump online and in stores. This is the first pump I've had, so I can't compare it with any other pump. However, I did read many reviews before buying, so you can safely assume that there are many people who agree with me!I looked for two things - first, it had to be small and light, since I wanted to be able to slip it into my backpack and use it to pump up both my bike and my soccer ball. Second, it had to do the job pumping up my (mountain) bike, otherwise it would be completely useless! Therefore, I only looked at mini and frame pumps.Having used the pump frequently (I bike to school every day), I am quite satisfied with it. It is smaller and much lighter than I expected and comes with an interchangeable Presta/Shrader valve head, so I can use whichever one I want. It takes around 150 strokes to get a tyre upto pressure, which sounds like a lot but is quite reasonable for a pump this size. The only (minor) issue is that the pump usually does not deliver the pressures I want. Now that could very well be because I stop at around 150 strokes, but I am too lazy to keep pumping beyond that, so I find myself using the pump quite often (once every week, but ideally I should be pumping once every 3-4 days).But in all, this is a great little pump for the price (~$20). I am not a bike enthusiast as such, so I'd rather not invest on a more expensive pump while this one does the job. If your needs are similar to mine, you should definitely consider this pump. Like all mini pumps, this pump requires quite a few strokes to get a road bike tire inflated.I counted 200 strokes to 90 psi for a 700x23 road tire. Another 50 strokes will get you near 100 psi. Sounds like a lot, but it only takes a few minutes to get a road tire pumped up.The pump action is smooth, and the thumb lock works very well, sealing tightly to the presta valve. There's naturally increased resistance as you get nearer to 100 psi, but it's not too bad, and the pump feels solid and well made.The water bottle boss mount is excellent, storing the pump in a convenient spot that keeps it handy, but out of the way. The water bottle boss mount features a large rubber catch that wraps around the pump, which keeps it very secure. It's not going to slip out once locked in the mount.I noticed that the pump rattles when locked, as there's some play in the locking mechanism. I solved the rattle by slipping a small rubber o-ring onto the pump shaft, into the space where the outer and inner halves of the pump meet. (1/2 id x 5/8 od x 1/16 thick rubber o-ring). Rattle fixed, and the o-ring isn't visible under the lip of the outer pump handle.Would give this five stars for overall design, quality, and ease of use, less a star for the rattle. I chose this aluminum mini pump over a similar plastic model, even though the price of this one is a bit higher. I reasoned that the aluminum model would be a bit lighter and much more durable. Besides, I just liked the look better than the plastic model.It is light. And the action is smooth. It actually is more comfortable to use and feels more efficient than the larger frame-mounted pump I've been carrying around.If you're pumping up a completely flat tire, yes, it will take a lot of strokes. Another reviewer pointed out it would take 150 or more for a large tire. But the pumping action is pretty easy and smooth. Take it in sets of 20 strokes or so, with little breaks in between, and it's not that hard to get it done.The aluminum will warm up in your hand as you pump. That's not friction. It's just an effect of compressing air.Changing the pump for use with Presta or Shrader valves is pretty easy. There's a diagram on the back of the box to show you how to flip the little bits around in the nozzle.Besides its light weight and great performance, the best thing about the pump is the size. It's only nine inches long, so it fits in smaller riding bags. And with the aluminum construction, you don't have to worry about it getting dinged up when you carry it around.Good little pump!
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