Better than a mini pump any day. The lock is nice but a partially used co2 will still leak out over time.
Really, they should show this inflator next to some similar inflators because it is HUGE. I'm sure it works well, however I had to return it because it just wouldn't fit in my seat bag. There are equal or better units out there that are much more compact.
It is a must tool to go out for a ride. Some times the seal fails to work perfectly and a leak occurs when you pierce the CO2 cardrige.
Update to my previous review. I thought I was losing my mind after having my second brand new Ultraflate Plus fail when using an unbranded 16g unthreaded co2 cartridge. I heard a loud pop and then no air. Tried again, and it worked. Innovations has made the cup holder narrower on the new Innovations Plus. The cartridge holder will only accomodate untreaded Innovations brand cartridges. If you use another brand, the co2 cartridge most likely won't screw all the way in and won't break the seal on the cartridge. You can use threaded cartridges if you don't use the cup holder. I have an old Innovations Plus at home and noted the difference. I put the old cup holder on the new valve head. I guess Innovations wants you to use their cartridges, which are pricey. If you use 16g threaded cartridges I'd suggest looking at an another co2 innflator.
Note- Genuine Innovations just calls this The Ultraflate now, not Ultraflate Plus. They scaled down the size of the connecting valve and the cartridge holder seems a little lighter. Out of the sea of co2 inflators, this is the most reliable and easy to use. Won't work with 12 gram unthreaded unless they are Innovations brand. Not long enough unless you drop a small coin (a dime) at the bottom of the catridge holder. I use either 16g threaded or unthreaded. I had a failure once, loaded up a 16g threaded and went to inflate my tire and it blew up. I guess I neglected to screw in the cartridge all the way until I heard the hissing sound. It was a hot day and I was tired. Blew off the valve head. Luckily I had a small mini pump so I managed to get some air into my tire. These things are not bullet proof, but neither are frame pumps. I've had two co2 applicators fail in the past 17 years or so. Not bad odds..
I bought this 8 months ago and I've used it several times. No problems at all and it does use both threaded and non-threaded cartridges. Great product
The construction seems a bit cheap and it does not feel secure when I try to use it. My older inflator gave me many good years of service, but apparently they don't make that style any longer.
I have three of these inflators and the oldest is the only one functioning. The last two inflators broke at the valve seal retaining ring. The newest broke at the same location on its first use. The retainer that holds the orange o-ring fractures and breaks off from the knurled nut where the inflator engages the valve on the tube. The o-ring blows out and the inflator cannot seal off the CO2 cartridge from leaking around the valve. The gas escapes to atmosphere and does not make it into the tube when you need it the most. Disconnect the inflator and the broken ring and o-ring fly off rendering the inflator useless. This is a poor design with inherent problems.
Had an older model and used it a few times. Haven't had to use the new one yet but I'm sure its as good as the previous model.
The market is full of very clever super light inflators which are nearly impossible to use under pressure at the side of the road. If your going to bother bringing an inflator with you on group ride, which you should this is the one it should be, it works. As a bonus you can inflate two tires with this in a pinch because its valve actually works.
Really Nice
Great item. Works as it should.
Had to use it several times unfortunately. Life saver. You're already ticked when you get a flat but this thing works as advertised.
This is the one I use, 16 grams will fill a 700-23 tire rigth back to road riding pressure.
Store it tip down so you can screw the top on without puncturing the seal before you need it.
I tried using a pump, takes too long. Take only a few seconds to fill tire.
My first inflator, and I'll never carry a pump again. It's easy to use and very light.
The need was for a pump which takes both 12 and 16 gm threaded and non-threaded cartridges. This works perfectly.
I can not lie - I bought this because I left my pouch unzipped and my other one fell out. I an thankful that I have never nad to use it but wouldn't ride without one.
this inflator will reside in my tool pouch until needed, the price was ompetitive
A great pump to have on the go very compact and easy to use
I haven't had a chance to use this product yet (no flats), but it looks like it will do the job. I especially like how you can store fresh CO2 cartridges in the shell by putting the cartridge in upside down. An added bonus is that it will take both threaded and unthreaded cartridges.
