Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Genuine Innovations Proflate 16 CO2 inflator

9
£21.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Doesn't look very trendy, but very well designed and very easy to use
Weight: 
114g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

The Genuine Innovations Proflate 16 may not look the smartest, but it's a very cleverly designed CO2 pump that instills trust and makes you feel in control. It uses 16g non threaded cartridges (which are slightly cheaper than their threaded equivalents) and works on both Schrader and Presta valves.

The Proflate 16 has a host of really well designed features: it auto-detects whether you're intending to connect it to a Schrader or a Presta valve; it's got a little indicator that tells you if the cartridge is punctured and the pump is therefore charged; it's got a trigger, protected by a security catch; you can store cartridges upside down in the body avoiding the risk of accidental puncturing (this is designed such that you can tell if there's a full cartridge in there without opening the body); there's a security feature that protects you from accidentally unscrewing the body with a charged/punctured cartridge AND it's got an automatic dirt/water shield.

The thick plastic body might not have a high quality feel, but it does do a very good job at protecting your hands from the cold generated by the CO2 escaping the cartridge. At just over 100grams (that includes one cartridge) it's not heavier than similar models I've tested either.

It's very straightforward in use: unscrew body, pop cartridge in the right way around, screw body tight, security pressure thingy pops out and unscrew protection is engaged. Lift water/dirt shield using the button at the back, which also releases the trigger, pop on the valve and squeeze the trigger to pump up the tyre as much or as little as you want.

The Genuine Innovations Proflate 16 is definitely my favourite/the best CO2 pump I've ever used. I have an inherent distrust of pressurized containers, but this pump puts me completely at ease and makes me feel completely in control. Some might think this pump is designed for newbies, I say this can only be a good thing. A definite two thumbs up, this pump will get a regular spot in my saddlebag.

Verdict

Doesn't look very trendy, but very well designed and very easy to use.

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Genuine Innovations Proflate 16 CO2 inflator

Size tested: n/a

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
10/10
Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes, the nicest CO2 pump I've used so far

Would you consider buying the product? Definitely

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Wholeheartedly

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 32  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: All of them!  My best bike is: Cervelo Dual

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, club rides, fixed/singlespeed, Audax

Latest Comments