The hand pumps that come with the inflatable stand-up paddleboards are pretty good… they work far better than they did a few years ago.
As more and more inflatable SUP’s come on the market the competition rises. Not only are the boards competitive but so are the accessories and gear that come with them such as the inflation pumps.
Consequently the pumps have improved over the years and if you don’t mind putting in the effort with a hand pump, then there’s no need to spend extra money for a different product.
However if like me you:
- plan to paddle often
- plan to deflate your board in between each use
- and you’d like to inflate your SUP with minimal effort in a fraction of the time
… Then a good electric pump is your best bet.
There are lots of different types of electric pumps and some are definitely better than others.
Over the last few years I’ve tried several of them and there are only a couple that I have found to work really well with inflatable stand-up paddleboards.
The cheap electric pumps used for inflating mattresses or small rafts, often found in the camping section of the store, tend to be uselesss for ISUP’s. I’ve tried them and I’ve even tried adding on parts and valves to make them work.
The problem is that they don’t have the proper valve adapters for ISUP’s nor do they have enough power. They aren’t capable of inflating an inflatable SUP to the proper air pressure and they are nothing but a frustration to use.
An inflatable SUP requires a good electric pump that was designed specifically to be able to inflate boards, kayaks or larger inflatable boats or rafts.
There are only a few out there that I have found worthy of your money and that actually work well with any ISUP.
BTP Electric Turbo Pump
The BTP 2-Stage Electric Turbo Pump was the first electric pump I used that actually worked well with my inflatable paddle boards. It is the one I use most often and my review for this pump is long overdue.
Before using this electric pump I didn’t really know what I was missing. I would put in the solid effort needed to manually inflate my board with a hand pump and accepted that I was a little sweaty and tired before I even hit the water.
I tried a few cheap electric pump options and didn’t get the results I wanted and ended up being disappointed and went back to using my hand pump.
However once I got the BTP Electric Turbo Pump and used it for the first time I knew there was no going back. Once you try this product you will never go back to using your hand pump.
It is so much easier to use and takes almost no effort on your part to get the SUP inflated to the proper air pressure so that it performs as it should.
Bottom line is this pump saves time and energy and gets you on the water faster.
Although there are pros and cons to using this pump, overall it works well and gets the job done quickly.
BTP 2-Stage Electric Pump Pros
It works fast.
After trying other electric pumps, I realize how quickly this one inflates my boards. It is powerful and works great. It is especially handy if you have more than one ISUP to inflate.
The time it takes to get from your vehicle to paddling on the water is very minimal.
There are several valve attachment options.
It comes with several different attachment options so it will work not only on any inflatable SUP but also works well for inflatable kayaks and other inflatable boats and accessories.
The number of valve attachments make it very versatile to use on almost any inflatable product.
For most inflatable SUP’s you will need to use the valve labeled #1.
There are two different inflation stages.
The first stage is for the initial part of the inflation process. It works in low-pressure mode to inflate up to the first few PSI.
Then it switches to the high-pressure mode to finish off the job. The high-pressure mode is slightly slower than the first stage and also noisier.
However it is critical because it allows you to get your board inflated to the proper air pressure so that it is as rigid as it needs to be to perform at an optimal level.
There is an automatic shut-off.
You can set the desired PSI level and the pump will automatically shut-off when it reaches the right level.
This is a great feature as it eliminates the worry of over-inflation and possibly ruining your board.
The automatic shut-off has worked every single time for me. It has never failed.
It has good alligator clips.
The pump comes with 8’6″ long alligator clips that can attach to the battery in your vehicle. I find the alligator clips work great.
I was initially intimidated to use the alligator clips, mostly because (embarrassingly) I didn’t really know how to properly attach them to the battery.
However once you know what to do, it is extremely simple and easy. If you have a vehicle anyone can use this pump.
There are two options for this pump.
One option just comes with the alligator clips and the other option has the alligator clips as well as a rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack option allows you to inflate your board anywhere, you do not need a vehicle close by.
I own both options. I find that I use the alligator clips most often but there are times that the battery pack is extremely useful and convenient. The battery pack option is quite a bit more expensive.
It is really only necessary if you need the option of inflating your board without the use of your car battery. If you’ll be driving your SUP to and from the water in your vehicle then you’ll most likely be fine with the alligator clips only.
If you need to inflate your board away from your vehicle then the battery pack is a great choice.
There is a 6 foot hose.
The hose is long enough so that it easily attaches to your board and there is still room to maneuver. I find it to be a good size.
It has a carry bag.
You might think this is standard with any electric pump but it is definitely not. Many don’t come with a carry bag and I like that this one does.
The carry bag fits the pump and all the attachments and accessories. It makes transporting the pump easy and it keeps all the attachment parts in one spot so they don’t get lost.
The bag has a couple of different zippered compartments to fit everything nicely. I normally keep mine in the trunk of my car ready to go.
It can inflates up to 15 PSI.
You can set the PSI level that you need on this pump and it can go up to a maximum of 15 PSI.
In truth I would love this pump to be able to inflate up to at least 20 or 25 PSI. However for the large majority of inflatable SUP’s 15 PSI is enough.
If your ISUP allows you to go a little higher you can always top it off with your hand pump, the K-Pump or the Slingshot – all of which work great.
BTP 2-Stage Electric Pump Cons
It is a little noisy.
The pump is noisy, no doubt about it. It is one of the noisier pumps I have used.
However it is also one of the most powerful, so I guess the noise is a consequence of that extra power. Don’t let the noise deter you from buying it however.
It is not a big deal, and it is not extreme. Just don’t expect it to be whisper quiet.
I usually have to hold the hose to the valve.
What I mean is when I connect the hose with the valve on my SUP I have to hold the hose in place while it inflates.
If I don’t hold it in place once it reaches the noisy high-pressure mode the valve attachment can get pushed out, which can be kind of annoying as you will then lose air and have to reattach it and start again.
So I suggest holding the hose in place with your hand around the valve attachment, especially when it is in high-pressure mode.
I haven’t had this issue with other electric pumps and I’m not sure if it is caused by the extra power or the valve attachment itself.
Valve attachment # 1 does secure to the hose well and to the valve.
It inflates very quickly, so as long as you don’t mind holding the hose to the valve, it works really well. Although it would be nice to not have to hold it I really don’t find it to be a big deal. It is just something to be aware of.
Specific Instructions
Due to quite a few comments I would like to include some specific instructions on attaching the valve attachment to the hose and to the board and how to use this pump most efficiently.
Some people (including myself) have tried attaching a Halkey-Roberts valve adapter to the hose valve attachment so that it could securely attach to the pump – similar to how your hand pump secures to the valve.
This can work but the problem is that because this pump exudes so much air pressure you can get some leakage around the gasket at high-pressure. The air leakage causes the inflation process to be much slower. Therefore it is not an ideal solution.
Instead what you will want to do is find adapter #1 in your electric pump package. Press it on the gray tube until it is about 1/4″ from the bar.
Rough up the shiny outside with a piece of sandpaper.
Push the adapter straight in, no twisting. Then when you are done inflating the board remove the adapter by knocking the hose to the side and it will spit out the valve.
Make sure you hold on to the hose and the valve adapater when you knock it out. You want to make sure the white valve attachment gets knocked out and not just the grey hose.
Where To Buy The BTP Electric Turbo Pump
I got mine at Sea Eagle when I purchased a board. They have electric pump package options when you buy one of their ISUP’s, which I found to be the best deal.
However you can also buy it on its own and use it on any inflatable stand-up paddleboard.
Click here for the best deal on the BTP 2-Stage Electric Turbo Pump at SeaEagle.com.
Click here for the best deal on the BTP 2-Stage Electric Turbo Pump at Amazon.com.
Did You Know?
By clicking on any of the above seller links you can help keep ISUPworld.com growing. When you make a purchase after clicking on our links, the retailer will contribute a portion of the sale to help support this site. It won’t cost you anything extra and it’s a simple way to help us fund our gear reviews. Thanks!
2024 Best Electric Pumps For Inflatable Paddle Boards
OutdoorMaster Shark II Electric Pump For Inflatable SUP’s Review
Airhead SUP High Velocity 12V Pump Review
Bravo BP12 Single-Stage Electric Pump
Late in the game but the only place I could find to write a review. I bought it from Sea Eagle and they don’t have reviews on their site. Horrible pump. All the cons you said, PLUS I didn’t find it very fast. If you’re inflating more than 1 board, you need to let it cool off significantly between each board – otherwise, the motor burns out. I made the mistake of filling a third board without letting the pump cool off sufficiently and the motor was toast.
I just bought a pump from Isle that is cheaper and FAR SUPERIOR!
Hey Tara, Thanks for your comment! I am definitely glad that there is so much more choice these days for electric pumps for SUP’s and happy you found a good one! I haven’t tried the Isle electric pump yet but it’s good to hear that it works well!
This pump is amazing when it works… Unfortunately, after not even a few uses, I went through two. First one I was able to exchange where I purchased, second one was too long between uses – and I didn’t even use it twice. Will never buy again – not at all reliable – will not recommend. I may try to take it apart and fix it but will need to find some references before doing so otherwise it is in the bin.
Thanks for the comment Keith. They do seem to burn out quickly, which is really unfortunate considering the price. I’ve been using the Shark Electric Pump for the last year and haven’t had a single issue with it. I think it’s a much better pump.
Hi! I am looking at iSUP pumps and have seem this one a rated highly in a few places. The description says it can go to max 14.5 PSI, but you said it can go to 15? How so? I am new to iSUP so perhaps there’s not really a noticeable difference between 14.5 and 15 PSI, or one that matters? Thanks for your help!
Definitely not much of a difference between 14.5 and 15 PSI so I wouldn’t worry about it too much but mine does inflate my boards right up to 15 PSI. It’s a decent pump, definitely one of the better ones out there for ISUP’s.
We just bought the BP12 single-stage pump Sea Eagle includes in their electric pump package and it works well, but be warned; it’s very loud. It took 5 min and 20 sec to inflate the 11 ft Longboard SUP. We sanded the valve adapter, as you advised, and did not need to hold on to it while inflating. It stayed in place until we removed it. We wiggled the hose while gripping the adapter, as you suggested, and the air pressure spit out both still attached together. We love the convenience of the optional battery pack too. Overall we are very pleased; I just wish the pump was quieter. We’re going to pack some ear plugs to dampen the noise.
Thanks for the great comment Chantal. I agree it is a bit loud although I’ve gotten used to it now. I haven’t found another pump that works quite as well that is any quieter however so I figure the noise is worth the convenience 🙂
Regarding the issue of the valve adaptor not staying in place while pumping up your SUP. My family and I just purchased our 1st ISUPs, haven’t even had them in the water yet but have pumped them up manually. I couldn’t believe after reading many reviews and posts that none of these ISUP “specific” pumps have the right adaptor, so I did a quick search and after a few seconds found the answer. Although the advice from “Jerry at Sea Eagle” is good, there is a better way; just Google twist lock adaptor or halkey adaptor. In fact, they even have one on the Sea Eagle site called the recessed valve adaptor. One of the 7 adaptors on the ring that comes with the BTP 12 will connect the twist lock adaptor to the inflator hose. Hope this solves many a dilemma.
Awesome info thank you!
I ordered the recessed valve adaptor from Sea Eagle and just got to try it this summer… still does not directly connect to the hose end, I had to use another adapter as a makeshift collar. I have since purchased an NRS earl that uses the C7 Leafield valve and NRS sells the C7 valve adapter which works about the same way; holding it at the connecting point or the inflation intake is essential because of the pressure – but because of the speed and efficiency of this pump’s inflation it’s definitely worth it!
Thank you so much for this review! I love my SUP but I find once I inflate it I am exhausted! Even when I put all 115 lbs of my body weight into inflating it with the pump it’s difficult. I am definitely checking out this pump. If it works as I hope I see a lot more paddleboarding in my future! My SUP requires over 15 PSI so I will look into the K pump too!
Thanks for the comment Liz! I totally agree, an electric pump just makes life easier. I found that I started paddling a lot more often once I got mine.
The valve adapter can be made to behave better than you’re experiencing. There’s a raised ring in the adapter where the gray tube goes in. The ring is hard to see but the gray tube must be pushed past this ring. This requires some force. Grip the tube tightly, push the adapter against the floor and rock it back and forth slightly until you feel it push past. You’ll have to put your weight into it and push hard. If the tube is not pushed past the ring, the adapter will stick in the valve and the air will escape. It’s frustrating, but this fixes that. No more pliers.
Next take sand paper or emery board and rough up the shiny surface of valve adapter. This will increase friction so it will hold in the opening better. You’ll still have to hold the hose towards the end of the pumping cycle while the pump finishes the job. You don’t have do this step, the adapter will get rougher with use.
Push the adapter straight into the opening, no twisting. To remove the adapter from valve, wiggle the hose and the pressure will “spit” it out. There are a couple of problems with the hook adapter at higher pressure.
Please contact me so we can replace the power cord that gets hot! I’ve seen this once before and the problem is that the wire was crimped but not soldered onto the clip. Pull the rubber insulator back and check for solder. 800-748-8066
I have this pump, including the battery and it is worth every penny of the $99 more for the battery pack! The carry bag even has a separate compartment for the battery along with compartments for each of the other parts, so like ISUPworld said the carry bag being included is great!
So on to the real reason I’m writing, I have to disagree (sorry) with the attachments being mentioned as a Pro. Yes, it’s great to have them but they are really not great 🙁 When you finally find a ring that fits you do have to hold it every time or it will blow off, and then after using it a couple of times it wants to stay wedged in the opening so I’ve had to pack plyers in my SUP stuff now in order to pry the adapter out. I have even thought of cutting the end off of an old hand pump hose and heat melt it together with the end of the electric pump hose but that’s too risky. I mean even the Slingshot High-Pressure SUP Inflator has a cap end that has the little trigger to move the valve to open or closed position, it baffles me why this pump does not have that same push down, screw in design as one of the adapters offered. Simply put – the adapters are cheaply made plastic rings and have to be held in and are not always easy to pull out… but I do love the pump! I’m going to continue to look for a SUP type pump cap adapter for this because it is so fast and convenient!
I agree with you Lorraine, the plastic valve adapters could most definitely be better. I’ve never had to pry mine out with plyers but I know exactly what you mean. Although it’s nice to have all the different adapters in case you need them for different boards or other boats, it would be really great to have a proper screw-in adapter that stays put for the majority of ISUP’s. Great comment, thank-you!