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[CCearley]

I have an AF Covertible. When inflating through the spring valves with the Double-Action Hand Pump with Pressure Gauge (AE2011), the gauge needle deflects with each stroke, but goes back to zero at the end of each stroke. The twist valves show a continuous gauge readout and give an accurate pressure during the pause at the end of each stroke. Is there a way to get a pressure reading when not pumping through the spring valve?

[JCOOLEY]

A pressure gauge needs to have constant backflow into to get a proper reading. The Spring loaded valve closes when air is not being pumped into it. Therefore there is no backflow into the gauge. In order for the gauge to work, the spring loaded valve will need to stay open or in other words, be in the deflate position. You can inflate the kayak like this until you have full pressure. You will need to remove the pump and quickly close the valve. At this point you can pump a little more air into the kayak to "top" it off. If you can pick up your kayak from either end and it folds, bends or tacos in the middle, then you do not have enough air in it. It should be fairly stiff.

Jeremy