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review
Pumps & CO2 inflators
Meqix Slam Co2 inflatorMeqix Slam Co2

Meqix Slam Co2 inflator

5
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jul 5, 2013

0
£19.99

VERDICT:

5
10
Has the looks and style but the Meqix Slam struggles when the pressure's on.
Weight: 
60g
Contact: 
www.raleigh.co.uk
How we test

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The Meqix Slam CO2 inflator looks great, but its function doesn't quite match its looks.

If you're unfortunate enough to suffer a puncture all you want to do is get is get back on the road with as little fuss as possible.

There are plenty of options to help you on your way once you have checked and or replaced the necessary bits. Inflation is key. Labouring to pump up your tube is the last thing anyone wants.

Enter CO2 cartridge inflators. The idea is simple: use the gas to inflate quickly and efficiently removing the need for a lengthy hunch over your wheel inflating by hand.

The Meqix Slam CO2 is a nice looking piece of kit. With a machines, full alloy body it looks neat and functional. To use it, you remove the body and screw in the cartridge to the head unit, then attach the body. The Slam has a head that will fit either presta or schrader and the gas is released by using the one press button on the back of the head unit.

The premise is simple but the execution isn't quite as good. The head fitted reasonably well to the presta valve and felt secure. However, when I pressed the button to begin the inflation process there was as much air going into the tube as escaping.

Having spent the cartridge I checked the tyre with a track pump and the pressure gauge showed just below 60 psi. Not quite what you would be running on tarmac but with the additional use of a pump certainly enough to get you home.

As a piece of kit for individual use you would be a little concerned with the valve fit and therefore the Slam's ability to sufficiently get you back on the road. This is a nice idea, a good looking bit of kit but ultimately slightly lacking when the pressure's on.

Verdict

Has the looks and style but the Meqix Slam struggles when the pressure's on.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Meqix Slam Co2

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

For any road cyclist who suffers a puncture, you want to be back on the road with the minimum of fuss. The use of CO2 cannisters is one way to reduce the time you spend on the side of the road, unfortunately the head doesn't fit snugly enough to prevent air escaping.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

The use of the Slam is nice and easy, the one press button on the head unit is simple to use. It also means if you don't need to use of the gas then it can be stored to use at a later time. How effectively the Slam would retain the gas without any seepage hasn't been tested.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

This is a well made alloy CNC's pice of kit, looks good too.

Rate the product for performance:
 
5/10

When you suffer a puncture you want to get everything fixed with as little fuss as possible. The idea is sound but the execution is lacking.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The build would suggest this is a long term piece of kit that won't provide any problems.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

The Meqix Slam is compact so will fit easily in any jersey pocket and given its size it doesn't weigh enough to concern any rider.

The value is good but the performance undermines it.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The Slam looks the part until you have to use when it underperforms.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The basic design of the Slam and build is great.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Too leaky to be effective on its own.

Did you enjoy using the product? The Slam is simple to use which is the plan.

Would you consider buying the product? Unfortunately not.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Not unless the valve was improved.

Overall rating: 5/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Meqix Slam Co2 inflator

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