Is the Lidl SUP pump good and cheap?
SUP pumps are a dime a dozen, and the price range is very wide. With a price of 19.99 euros, the Crivit pump from Lidl at the lower end of the scale, but shipping costs are added in the Lidl online shop. We tested whether this is really favourable in terms of performance in two ways. Firstly, we assessed the equipment and workmanship on dry land and then we put the more important part of the pump to work - i.e. inflating various boards.
The Lidl SUP pump: technical features and workmanship
The Lidl pump is based on a one-piece housing in which the feet and cylinder are "cast in one piece". This is solid, the feet are not particularly large, but offer sufficient surface area to stabilise the pump with the feet. The pump diameter is rather slim. This means that less air is transported per piston stroke, but on the other hand, slim pumps require less force at high pressures. The pressure gauge on the pump indicates a range of 3 to 21 psi. The range of 10.5 to 15 psi, which is suitable for most SUP boards, is marked in green. The pump can be adjusted in two "gears" using a lever. In the initial phase, you can pump a lot of air both when pulling and pushing (switch to 2). When the pressure increases, you flip the lever (switch to 1) and the pump only pumps when you push, which is more comfortable and easier for high pressures. There are two connections for the hose, the second connection is for extracting air, e.g. before rolling in. The handles are ergonomically shaped and easy to grip. A connection for typical SUP valves is firmly glued to the tube.
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The Lidl SUP pump in a practical test
The hose can be screwed on easily and the slim pump stands up well, although there are models with larger "feet" that are even more stable on uneven ground. Thanks to the double stroke, a decent volume is quickly achieved, after switching over you can reach the required pressure with little effort, the handle sits very comfortably in the hand. With a stroke of only 1.8 litres, the pump is not a volume world champion, but it saves energy at the end of the strenuous pumping work when it comes to the last psi. The piston runs smoothly. Tip: To keep it that way (applies to all pumps), keep the piston free of sand and dirt and wipe it clean from time to time. The pump is also easy to open, clean and re-grease on the inside. We compared the displayed pressure at 9 and 15 psi with the display on two other brand pumps, which also displayed 9 and 15 psi.
Suitability for SUP, WindSUP, Wing-Boards
The slim pump is particularly suitable for high-pressure tasks such as inflatable SUP or wingfoil boards. However, it is also ideal for inflating wings and kites thanks to its double stroke. All you have to do here is find the right adapter for the respective wing or kite, which fits onto the SUP connector on the pump hose.
Price-performance ratio and conclusion
The pump (>> available here) actually offers everything you need. More expensive and sophisticated pumps sometimes offer detachable handles and folding legs, which reduces the pack size. This pump is very suitable for normal use and shows no signs of being a "cheap product". With a display range of 3 to 21 psi, it can be used to inflate SUP boards, wing boards, kites and wings alike. However, care must be taken to use a suitable adapter if a "normal" SUP valve is not fitted. Relatively little force is required for high pressure.
