Advanced Elements Double-Action Hand Pump with Gauge

I've been through two of these in less than a year of owning an advanced elements kayak. It's fine for a few months of use, then the shaft snaps at the lower threads. And even before it snaps and permanently breaks, I periodically have to open it up and screw in and snap on all the parts, as they unscrew and come loose periodically. Sad because advanced elements spends MUCH more care and attention to making their kayaks.

I have only used the pump once so far, but I had some immediate observations.Pro: the pump works well to inflate my Advanced Elements tandem kayak quickly. The Boston valve adapter worked flawlessly. I appreciate the "deflate" option, to get the kayak completely flattened.Con: When the pump arrived, the needle on the gauge indicated "12 psi." Apparently, 12 is the new Zero. I will use the pump, but to get the chambers to 2 psi, I will just have to look for "14 psi" on the pump gauge, or memorize the number of strokes to get each chamber properly inflated.The pump is awkward to use, my back is sore after bending over to inflate the kayak fully.The locking pins on the valve heads are tiny and appear fragile. I do not expect them to be very durable.The loop ... MoreI have only used the pump once so far, but I had some immediate observations.Pro: the pump works well to inflate my Advanced Elements tandem kayak quickly. The Boston valve adapter worked flawlessly. I appreciate the "deflate" option, to get the kayak completely flattened.Con: When the pump arrived, the needle on the gauge indicated "12 psi." Apparently, 12 is the new Zero. I will use the pump, but to get the chambers to 2 psi, I will just have to look for "14 psi" on the pump gauge, or memorize the number of strokes to get each chamber properly inflated.The pump is awkward to use, my back is sore after bending over to inflate the kayak fully.The locking pins on the valve heads are tiny and appear fragile. I do not expect them to be very durable.The loop for the assorted valve adapters is short, and they tend to get in the way when I'm trying to attach the appropriate adapter.None of those are insurmountable, but they are annoying. In particular, I have seen numerous reviews that have mentioned the issue with a faulty gauge, and given Advanced Elements' repeated warnings about precise inflation pressures, it seems like something they should address as a priority.

The pump works as it will blow up my inflatable kayak but the gauge does not work. I called Advanced Element & they told me I need a part that doesn't come with the pump. They sent it to me at no charge but the gauge still will not show any PSI's. I went to LL Bean & William helped me, he called Advanced Element when I was there and they told William the same as me but It doesn't work with the part they sent me. LL Bean staff member William was very helpful & tried to help me but it just can't be done if the pressure gauge isn't working. I give up on the gauge & will have to guess the pressure when filling it up. I wouldn't buy this one.