Inflatable paddleboards are so convenient—easy to store, easy to transport—but then you’ve got to inflate them. Sure, you can use a hand pump, but that takes time and energy, and let’s be real… who wants to start a paddle with burning arms?
Electric pumps solve that problem, but the choices are kind of wild. You’ve got Amazon listings ranging from low-budget $35 pumps to fancy $900 models.
I wanted to know if something in the middle—in the $100s range—could actually do the job well. So I tested the Airbank Puffer Pro against the Outdoor Master Whale Pump I’ve been using for over a year. Same board, same PSI, back-to-back tests. Here’s what happened.
Table of Contents
- Affiliate Disclosure + Reader Discount
- Quick Review Summary
- Keep Reading If You Want To Know:
- Product Overview
- Features
- Alternatives
- Why This Test Matters
- Final Thoughts
- What’s Next?
Affiliate Disclosure + Reader Discount
AIRBANK sent me this pump for free in exchange for an honest review, and I’m part of their affiliate program. That means if you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
Bonus for you: Use my code WALKANDPADDLE for 5% off your purchase!
Quick Review Summary
This pump is sleek, easy to use, and rechargeable—which already checks a few big boxes for me. But how did it really perform when compared to my Outdoor Master? I put both of them to the test in the most real-life way I could: inflating the same board to the same PSI, one right after the other.
They ended up tying on a lot of things – speed, ease of use, and sound. Spoiler alert: both of them are pretty loud, so if you are looking for a quiet pump, these are not for you. I haven’t tried every electric pump in the world, but so far, when I’m out and I see other folks inflating their boards, it’s always loud.
Keep Reading If You Want To Know:
- Inflation times
- Battery and PSI performance details
- What I liked (and didn’t) about the Airbank
- Who I’d recommend this for
- How it compares to the Outdoor Master overall
Product Overview
What is the Airbank Puffer Pro?
It’s a compact, rechargeable electric pump designed for inflating and deflating paddleboards, kayaks, and other inflatables.
What does it do?
It automatically inflates your board to your selected PSI , with a shut-off function so you can step back and chill while it works. It will also deflate the board for you.
Who is it for?
Weekend paddlers, SUP beginners, families with inflatables, or anyone who wants a no-sweat setup.
Is it any good?
Short answer: Yep! It’s lightweight, easy to use, and comes in a handy carry bag where you can stow it and its accessories.
Pricing
The Airbank Puffer Pro is $120 and ships for free and don’t forget I have + 5% discount code. The Outdoor Master Whale is $179.00. So, that’s nearly a $60 difference.
Features
Fast Inflation Time
This is what most of us care about, right? I inflated my Bote Wulf Aero paddleboard to 14.5 psi with both pumps.
- Outdoor Master: 9 minutes
- Airbank: 9 minutes
Both pumps were pretty noisy, but I think most of them are. While I haven’t used too many different brands of pumps, I have gone out with groups with dozens of electric pumps, and they were all noisy. I didn’t notice either pump getting hot after filling our iSUP. I honestly thought that the Airbank would take longer to inflate our board since we have been told by others that our Outdoor Master is fast. So we were pleasantly surprised to see that it was a tie.
Rechargeable Battery
I only tested the pump on one paddleboard. It was fully charged when I started and it didn’t lose steam after inflating the paddleboard.
PSI Accuracy + Auto Shut-Off
Both pumps stopped right at 14.5 PSI, which is exactly where they should have stopped. That is the amount we always fill our boards to. Technically we can fill to 15 PSI, but we allow a tiny bit for the board to be able to expand in the sun. Since we are in Florida and the sun and temperature can be pretty intense, we feel this gives us a little wiggle room to keep the board from exploding (hopefully). This only happens out of the water. We were right here when the pump was going, and on a normal outing we would still be right there, but we would also be taking out our equipment and getting things set up. I feel confident that either pump would stop automatically even if we weren’t watching them closely.
Compact & Lightweight Design
The Airbank Puffer Pro is smaller and lighter than the Outdoor Master. It’s also easier to handle than the Outdoor Master, since it has a case with a handle and the pump itself also has a handle. The Outdoor Master has a handle, but it is a little more awkward. Both fit in our paddleboard bag. We haven’t tested a bunch of different bags, but most of them are pretty roomy.
Extras
The storage case is very nice. It’s always a mystery where to keep the hose, chargers, air nozzles, etc., and the case is still fairly small and has a convenient handle, making it easy to carry. It also came with some gaskets and repair tapes.
The Outdoor Master Whale doesn’t have a case, but it does have a built-in area for the 12V charger and cord. However, there is nowhere to put the hose (with attached air nozzles).
Alternatives
Outdoor Master Whale Pump (My Current Pump)
This is the one I’ve been using for a while, and here’s how it stacks up:
- Performance: I love the fact that it came with a 12V charger that I can use in the car and that it has survived a fall (from inside a truck to asphalt) and a bit of rough handling.
- Size/Portability: It’s pretty bulky and can be a little awkward to carry around.
- Noise: It’s pretty much the same loudness as other pumps.
- Price: It is $179.99, nearly $60 more than the Airbank Puffer Pro (the Outdoor Master Whale is only available on Amazon, they no longer sell it on their own site).
- Battery Life: Based on my test, their battery life is similar. They both inflated the paddleboard just fine.
Bottom line: Outdoor Master might still be a solid option for most users, but the Airbank is better for those who want to save money, but not lose out on performance. I think including a 12V with the Airbank would be the only thing I would add to it.
Why This Test Matters
When it comes to paddleboarding, saving time and energy before you hit the water makes a difference. I think most folks don’t know what the best pumps are or if the size or the price makes the difference. This test shows that this new pump performs just as well as a more expensive model. When we purchased the Outdoor Master Pro, we did a bit of research and chose it based on price, pumping speed, and charging options. But after this test, I think the Airbank Puffer Pro is a solid option for those who want something smaller and a bit less expensive, but still capable of pumping up a board in under 10 minutes.
Test Details
- Paddleboard: BOTE WULF Aero iSUP (10′4″ × 34″)
- PSI: 14.5 PSI
- Method: Deflated board completely between tests
- Environment: windy, sunny, 75F day
Final Thoughts
Here’s what I loved about the Airbank:
- Price
- Size
- Nested air nozzles
- Carry case
Here’s what didn’t wow me:
- It didn’t come with a 12V attachment although there is an option to get one. It would be great if it was included.
Best For:
People who paddle regularly and want to save time and energy. Especially helpful if you’ve got kids, health/mobility challenges, or just want a stress-free start to your water day. And it’s a good price for what you get. There are other budget-friendlier options out there, but I cannot speak to their performance.
Not Ideal For:
Someone who needs 12V capability but doesn’t want to spend the extra money to get the adapter.
What’s Next?
✅ Use code WALKANDPADDLE to get 5% off the Airbank Puffer Pro.
📦 Want to see all my SUP gear recs? Check out my full paddleboarding gear guide.
💬 Already tried one of these pumps? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how yours worked!