Tachikara TP20 Dual-Action Inflation Pump

I coached girls soccer for ten seasons, have done some boys basketball, and am now into youth rugby, and one of my consistently frustrating problems has been to find a compact ball pump that can go into a ball bag or a kit bag and emerge to perform on the spot to blow up a ball or two. Sure, you can lay out $20 or more for compact pumps that may or may not work, but how hard is it to make a pump that will last? My experience has been that the interior valve goes out, the mating between the pump and the hose doesn't seal, the hose breaks at either end, or the mating with hose fitting and needle either doesn't work from the start or loses its seal.I'm happy to report none of these have yet to occur with any of the five pumps I purchased, and we're well into the spring rugby season. This thing lasts, and that's the key.It's small/short, sure, and to pump a flat ball will take a good 30 strokes. But that's no big deal when there are no leaks and the pump is actually doing its job.I'm so warm, so mellow and oh so content; I've found my compact ball pump home with Tachikara.

I bought this pump awhile ago so I wanted to give it some time and adequate use before reviewing. My sons participate in soccer, basketball and flag football, and I'd find it frustrating to have flat or partially flat balls when we would go to practices. I researched many pumps and came across the Tachikara TP20. It is great. We've been using it for 18 months now, and it works beautifully and quickly. We've even had other parents ask us where we got it because it's effective and the portability makes it a great choice. We have never had an issue with it.I also like the compartment for the needle. We usually leave the needle on, but if you want to store the one that comes with the pump (it will be in the compartment when you get it), or you want to store spare needle, there is a place for it. Highly recommended! I would purchase again.

I bought this pump after my cheap-o freebie pump that came with a volleyball set went ka-put on me. I wanted something still small, but maybe a little more durable but yet also not costing an arm and a leg (Under $20).I think in this little pump I got all those things. I blew up a basketball, volleyball, a football and many miscellaneous rubber balls with it and had no trouble. It was powerful enough for the job and the basketball seemed like it would be a challenge.The needle is metal so unlike my last plastic one I think this is much more sturdy. Everything stores neatly together so you won't lose parts then wonder where they went later when you dig it out. I would say if you want something small and inexpensive but want something that will last a long while - choose this pump.

Besides being small and portable (easily fits inside ball bags or side pockets of sports bags), the construction materials on this pump are high quality. The pump feels very solid in your hand during use and the dual-action works so well that I am able to pump my basketballs in little time with a relatively low effort.This pump solves the problem of lost needles as the top handle of the pump has a compartment for storing the needle. However, most people entirely overlook this hidden compartment and assume that there is no needle. To make matters worse, when you first open your new pump, a sticker is placed over this compartment leading many people to believe that they got a different pump or that there really is no needle. Simply remove the sticker and you will see the cap of the hidden compartment. The needle is hidding inside.The only drawback is that this pump does not have a latch, a groove or a compartment for storing the hose and so it loses half a star.I have both the Tachikara and the Nike (not available at Amazon) dual-action inflation pumps and this is the one I prefer. I've had it for over six months and it still performs without any leaks, just as when I first got it.

This is an excellent pump for easy, everyday use. This past weekend, I inflated 3 basketball, 3 backyard just-to-kick-around balls, and 4 tires on my kids bikes in a little more than 5 minutes. It was super easy and quick. I used to use the electric air compressor that we have for filing the car tires, and that took forever because it is big and bulky and needed to be plugged in with extension cord. It was a pain and much more powerful than I needed. This portable one is quicker and easier to use and actually saves time.The pump comes with a short attachment for the bike tires so you can get in between the spokes, and YES THERE IS A NEEDLE for basketballs and the like. The needle is tucked under a rubber insert on the top of the pump. Just pull on the little tab and grab the needle, or flip it over if you can reach out. It's a great way to package it because it keeps the needle with the pump and safe from being bent. The plastic wrap it comes in I'd study so you can keep the bike attachment and pump together. It snaps closed. Some and safe all together.I originally returned my first one because of no needle. When the 2nd one came with (I thought) no needle, I figured it has to be me, and fumbled around til I found it. I highly recommend this. I got another one and keep one in the garage with the bucket of balls, and one in the car in case we are traveling with bikes. For the price, size and convenience, can't beat it!