Dynaplug's Clever Tire Repair and Inflation Tool - Review

May 2, 2017
by Mike Kazimer  
Dynaplug Air review

Even with today's reinforced casings and special glitter-filled sealants, hearing the dreaded 'psssssss' of a punctured tubeless tire is still an all-too-common occurrence for many riders, amateur and pro alike. That sound is especially infuriating when it occurs during a race run, typically signalling the end of any chances of getting onto that podium. The Dynaplug Air is an ingenious little tool that's designed to drastically reduce the time it takes to fix a tubeless tire puncture by combining a tire plug and a CO2 inflator into one small package.

Dynaplug Air Details
• Aluminum body, stainless steel nozzle
• Includes 4 plugs and 2 CO2 cartridges
• Colors: black, green, purple
• Weight: 20 grams
• MSRP: $74.99 USD
• Made in USA
• www.dynaplug.com

The tool consists of a straw-sized steel tube that has a small hole on each side of it. A tire plug is inserted into one end, and the other end is threaded into an anodized aluminum body. Once all of that is together the final component is a threaded CO2 cartridge. When you get a puncture, repairing it is as simple as jabbing the tire plug into the hole, twisting the CO2 cartridge to replace any air that escaped from the tire, and then pulling the tool out, leaving the plug to close up the hole. It's sometimes necessary to wiggle the plug a little bit to stop any more air from leaking out, and a few shakes of the wheel to get some sealant around the plug doesn't hurt either.

The Dynaplug Air sells for $74.99, a price that includes four brass tipped tire plugs made from viscoelastic rubber impregnated cord and two 12-gram CO2 cartridges. The pointy shape of the plug's brass end makes it easier to get it through a tire's tough casing, but for riders who are concerned about the minuscule chance that it could damage a rim strip or rim, Dynaplug sells rounded tips as well. They also offer a different nozzle that comes with four Megaplugs for an additional $19.99. Those Megaplugs are twice as wide and have a round aluminum tip for sealing up even bigger punctures.


Dynaplug Air review
Dynaplug Air review
The Dynaplug Air comes with the smaller nozzle and pointed plugs shown in the title image, but there's also a nozzle available that accepts Megaplugs. An aluminum cap covers the nozzle and plug when the tool isn't in use.


Dynaplug Air review
Dynaplug Air review
Sidewall slices, tread punctures - with a little creativity it's possible to repair relatively large holes.


Performance

I've been having a flat-free run over the last few months (knock on wood), which means I'm still waiting for an opportunity to really save the day with this clever contraption, but I did I rig up a few backyard tests to see how effective the Dynaplug Air truly is.

I started by jabbing a thick nail into the top of a tire, simulating the type of puncture that would happen if you ran over or landed on a sharp rock. That hole sealed up using the standard sized Dynaplug tire plug, and within minutes the tire was ready to go again.

Dynaplug Air tool

by mikekazimer
Views: 13,716    Faves: 3    Comments: 2


Next, I stabbed an even bigger hole with a screwdriver, one that would be impossible for the sealant to seal. For this test, I used the Megaplug tip, and due to the size of the hole, I first used the tool to push in one plug without using the CO2 cartridge, partially sealing the puncture. I then loaded up another Megaplug, cracked open the CO2, and once again was able to get the tire fully sealed up and inflated in short order.

For the final test, I punctured the tire's sidewall, the type of hole you'd usually end up trying to fix with a dollar bill or an energy bar wrapper. The result? You guessed it - the rubber plug sealed this one up as well with minimal fuss. It's a very intuitive tool to use, and even if you've never plugged a tire before there's minimal thinking involved to figure out how it works. Of course, there are circumstances where a puncture will be so big that plugs simply won't work, which is why it's still best to carry a tube and a way to inflate it just in case.



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesThe price of the Dynaplug Air is a little steep, but keep in mind that it's made in the USA, and the lack of moving parts means it should last for years, assuming your riding buddies don't get jealous and steal it when you're not looking. It's definitely a specialty item, but it makes a lot of sense for riders looking for a simple, lightweight tool that can fix a puncture and get you back on the trail as quickly as possible.— Mike Kazimer





Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Tires Tools Dynaplug


Author Info:
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135 Comments
  • 181 7
 Looks like the price also received some inflation. However, with a plug from pinkbike, it'll sell.
  • 25 4
 They may see a spike in sales due to this article Wink
  • 14 7
 Lets hope long term reviews aren't deflating
  • 16 6
 This comment should blow up quickly
  • 17 4
 $74.99 that blows.
  • 9 2
 Of course it's going to be expensive, the mtb industry are knobs when it comes to tubeless tech pricing. Hopefully in a few years we will see a slash
  • 12 1
 @mikekazimer nailed this review.
  • 9 1
 @properp: It certainly stabs a hole in your wallet.
  • 4 3
 @mikekazimer has the best puncturation skills in the industry
  • 5 0
 @thinkbike: $74.99?! That's what I call gouging!
  • 3 9
flag diggerandrider (May 2, 2017 at 10:10) (Below Threshold)
 Crud, meant to upvote
  • 2 2
 Guaranteed Hole In One product!
  • 1 3
 @rockhammer: You're wrong! He screwdrivered the whole thing up. More taste!
  • 3 1
 $74.99 is making my bank account run flat!
  • 4 3
 @TheRaven: not mine I got my plug kit at the Dollar Tree. If you have psychic abilities you might be able to guess the price. I'll give you a hint. I could have bought 74 packs of them for what this one cost at the Dollar Tree.
  • 51 1
 I'll gladly leave the first comment for review. I have one of the Dynaplug pills, which don't utilize the handy air reinflating feature, but the plugs work great. Something that may not be mentioned or touched on, is that these things are, for the most part permanent. I punctured a nearly new Wtb tire on a ride in Downieville, and fixed a slice in the tread with two regular plugs side by side. The plugs held strong the entire season until the tire was worn out. Can't speak more highly of this product. And it's made in Chico, Ca!
  • 31 7
 And took too long to write, so now I'm not the first. Oh well
  • 102 0
 @malitia:
At least you can say you were the first to respond to your own comment.
  • 2 0
 Does the plug ever spike into your rim? I would think that would happen all the time?
  • 1 0
 @russthedog: not for me, it has been solid.
  • 1 0
 @russthedog: Thats why they developed the bullet tip plugs. They did a whole lot of independent testing and that was one of the recommendations.
  • 1 0
 I carry one of them as well, nice piece of kit
  • 29 2
 For more than the cost of a new tire this will fix your worn tire.
  • 4 0
 touché
  • 8 3
 Except it can be re-used and the replacement plugs aren't $75...... (Stupid facts)
  • 13 2
 It does not "fix your worn tire". It plugs the hole in whatever tire,( including the brand new one you just paid $80.00) so you can finish your ride from 30 miles out before the sun sets when you have no light, and the wolves are hungry.
  • 3 2
 @Viper13: this - a lot of guys commenting who do not even ride or ride such short distances that they always have hours on hand fix punctures - I have had 4 times where I was left stranded hours from home due to multi punctures - a product like this would be a godsend.
  • 26 3
 $74.99!!!!!!!!! USA USA USA
  • 19 2
 automotive tire plugs are like $5 for mulitiple fixes, don't have a stupid metal tip on them that could potentially damage your rim tape. If you really need anodized aluminum this badly......
  • 3 1
 I don't understand the tip either, surely they don't need it?
  • 9 1
 But..... it's purple anno.....
  • 17 0
 But... Plug?
  • 6 0
 Gidigdy
  • 22 11
 @dtm1 and you automatically assume everything made in he USA is quality? Made in USA nowadays means just an excuse to overcharge for everything. See it appeals to the nationalistic sentiments that people have. Not that that's wrong. But please defend overpriced stuff just because 'merica! Seen this with a lot Brits too. And its not like this is some super completed tech that anyone can't produce for cheaper.
  • 39 15
 Suck a dick, you commie. 'Murica!
  • 7 4
 @therealtylerdurden: AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!! That made my day. Wolverines!
  • 2 2
 @therealtylerdurden: laughed
  • 2 0
 @COSrider: Beer Wolverines?
  • 1 0
 @therealtylerdurden: haha champagne comedy.
  • 1 0
 @Arnjiman: ah! Thanks! Big Grin
  • 9 0
 How on earth is this worth $75? I just bought Shimano XT trail pedals (with cleats) and had them shipped for less than this.
  • 5 2
 Because it takes 45 seconds and you are back on the bike shredding.I just got one and used it twice on my buddies bike and it works amazing.
  • 5 2
 When you get a hole in new $75 tire, this gadget just payed for itself.
  • 2 2
 @cppcboy: right?!? or you could just run DH casing..three years on 2 sets of Butchers and no punctures yet.
  • 8 2
 When you blow a flat that would leave you with an hour + hike out can you plug that hole with your XT pedals?
  • 4 0
 @warmerdamj: Love it. I'll get down voted with you!
  • 2 0
 @asboites: 3 years on 2 sets . You don't ride much do you :-)
  • 8 0
 I bought a tire plug kit at the Dollar Tree. $1 has fixed three tires so far without issue.
  • 5 0
 Glad to see tire plug systems advancing, however I think I still like the "Sahmurai Sword" system better. Simply because i can plug the hole so fast with Sahmurai that, there is a good chance I can finish the race stage without needing to add air! In the event that air is needed, yes I have Co2 ready to go. The other thing that really helps out is to ride TCS Tires from WTB, no punctures in the first place! Maybe in the future Dynaplug can make a system that fits into handlebar (including co2) for speedy access.
  • 13 9
 No disrespect, but this is a stupid product.

The goal of tubeless is to run low pressures, why the hell would anyone put a large pointy plug into their tire and have it sitting there waiting to damage the rim?

www.amazon.com/Genuine-Innovations-G2650-Tubeless-Repair/dp/B000P1RP48
Car version make smaller for bikes and $8.00
  • 9 4
 Did you not read the review? There's round tipped plug available, and the whole plug isn't metal, it's mostly rubber impregnated rope. This ain't gonna hurt shit.
  • 4 5
 No disrespect, but you are an idiot. Do you know what shape the X-section of a rim looks like?
  • 2 1
 @felinesexy: Apparently you don't
  • 4 5
 @therealtylerdurden: The end is metal, pointy or rounded doesn't matter.

If you hit that spot on the tire on a root or rock that flexes the tire in, that metal can hit the rim.
  • 3 1
 So that looks nifty for people in a hurry (racers, dentists, whatever), or people who ride in puncture prone places (deserts with lots of spiny plants and such). For the rest of us - any recommendations for a good, easy to use, small, reasonably priced plug tool/kit?
  • 4 0
 There's a standard non-air version for like $30 that works great. These things will have you back on the trail long before you could get a tube replaced!
  • 8 0
 Genuine Innovations UST Tubeless Plug Patch Kit:
www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=tubeless+plug+kit&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=182439188846&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3568911969357165283&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061078&hvtargid=kwd-126477050914&ref=pd_sl_1na4wox18r_b

insertion tool is VERY small
  • 3 0
 @Bliss503: same type of kits are available at the Dollar Tree for guess how much? $1
  • 3 0
 I also use the Genuine Innovations stuff for like $7 and a normal CO2 cartridge inflator.
  • 1 0
 @Bliss503: I also carry a medium sized tire plug for cars as well ($3US for 5 pcs plug pack). Bigger size works better for side wall slice. Genuine Innovations kit is great for small punctures that sealant can't handle.
  • 1 0
 I've had good luck with the panaracer kit. Cheap. You do have to cut and glue but trailside it takes like 5 min and all my repairs have been permanent. Even this kit could be cheaper once you have a set of sissors and insertion tool. Just get some cement/glue and a large patch and done.
  • 3 2
 It's called a tube and maybe a patch kit to seal the inside of the tire.
  • 1 0
 @shawnca7: Need a review of the two products against each other!
  • 1 1
 inner tube
  • 7 4
 What about pointy metal things left inside your tire? If they are engineered to stay there, what happens if you roll over a rock just wrong and it presses the plug right into your precious rim?
  • 3 1
 Yeah I'd be a little skeptical using the pointed one with a set of nice carbon wheels.. who cares about the rim tape! I care about my actual carbon rim getting damaged
  • 3 1
 That's why they make rounded tips, although I'd say the chances of the pointier tip damaging your rim is really, really slim.
  • 2 0
 These work pretty well to repair a tubeless tire in most cases, but I've been 50/50 on repairing the sidewall with one of these, i usually have to plug and then spin tire to force some Stan's fluid to mix in it with it and then it seals
  • 6 1
 Why not just make the tips a stiffer rubber? I'd never want any type of metal inside my tire
  • 1 0
 because then it would cost 129.99$
  • 3 0
 I've plugged many a car/truck tire. So my question is, if the bicycle tire is flat it is usually limp like overdone pasta. How do you ram the plug through if the tire is truly flat?
  • 7 3
 you use common sense.
  • 2 0
 How does the CO2 discharge not blow the tubeless plug out and entirely into the tire? I assume the "straw" in which the plug resides has a "stop" or bottom plate on it, and the c02 escapes through those two little holes and never pushes on the tubeless plug?
  • 1 0
 yup!
  • 1 0
 This seems like a decent concept, but doesn't eliminate any other equipment in your pack. If you get a puncture that does seal from the sealant, but let's enough air out to make the tire squirm, you'll still need a CO2 inflator. Will this also screw into the presta valve without the plug insert? If not, I'm not tempting fate by cramming a plug into a puncture that seems to have sealed without it.
  • 1 0
 Hello Pinkbike User, my name Is Eric and I had the pleasure of meeting Dynaplug Man out on the trails while at the Jamaica Fat Tyre festival. While out on the trails someone had a blow out and Dynaplug Man came to the rescue. With his cape flapping in the wind he shouted "Don't worry everyone, this looks like a job for.....Dynaplug Man!" (To be honest he spoke in the same fashion of Powder Toast Man.) He unzips his utility belt pulls out this magic bullet looking device that shined in the hot Jamaican sun. Pulls it apart, retrieves the tools required to plug the tire and presto the tire is sealed before anyone can even light up a.....! Everyone stands in awe and asks about this magical device all stating they all must have this "Dynaplug". Suddenly out of the bush a man with a machete and coconuts emerges asking if anyone wants fresh coconut milk and rum. They all say yes and cheers to Dynaplug!

#dynaplug
#Kylewarner
#JFTF2017
#jamaicasport

www.dynaplug.com
www.singletrackjamaica.com/fat-tyre-fest

Eric Joyal
  • 4 0
 I saw a thread a while back mentioning a shred of a cotton T-Shirt and some sealant is the money. Anyone try this?
  • 2 0
 It does work, but a much slower process.
  • 3 0
 @JDFF: second that
  • 3 0
 It works really well for just the right size puncture in my experience. The $6 genuine innovations kit is more foolproof and can be done trailside if necessary.
  • 1 0
 @acali: I also carry a medium sized tire plug for cars as well ($3US for 5 pcs plug pack). Bigger size works better for side wall slice. Genuine Innovations kit is great for small punctures that sealant can't handle.
  • 4 0
 Don't need to carry a knife for protection anymore now that you have a shank!!
  • 1 0
 i imagine the CO2 injection would hurt a lot.
  • 3 1
 Why they not use plastic/nylon tip instead of metal, even though they said small chances to damage my precious rims, and for 79$ tire repair kit "no thanks" i will definitely buy inner tube by schwalbe/maxxis for only 5$
  • 4 0
 I'll just find a stick and jam that condom I've been meaning use in there and hope for the best.
  • 2 0
 Imho this is genius. We all have seen a lot of those tubeless repair kits over the last years, but this one is fo sure the best solution. Ok, the price is hot, but the idea is great.
  • 1 0
 I wonder, what happens if for whatever reason the tire loses pressure and you hit it hard with that metal plug inside your tire?
Will it hit the rim? Will it scratch it? will it dent it? I have only two times needed to use plugs, those two times I used that little thing that looks like a fork, to get the little strip in the whole, and sealed just fine without any metal thingy inside my tire.
  • 2 3
 its not an issue. in the time it took you to write this comment, you could have read the dozens of others where this was addressed. have a blessed day
  • 1 0
 I think that I few years earlier there was something cheaper and with a glue and a scissor, and with a rubber band,that make the same effect ,except that you have to inflat your tire with a trail pump ,and very effective also ,Just dont remember the name ,but I think that the dechatlon stores used to sold that
  • 7 4
 Garbage .25 cent piece of pot metal made by some grunge hippy in chico. No thx
  • 1 0
 lol
  • 20 20
 For that price it should include 3 co2 canisters and the additional megaplugs. Who cares if its made In the USA. Since when has being made in USA been synonymous with quality.especially for a basic device such as this. Its a globalized world. Mtbiking is a rip off for sure.
  • 24 11
 Since about 1776 friend Wink
  • 5 6
 @dtm1: 'Murica!!
  • 10 0
 Day dook errr jerbs!
  • 1 0
 That's over $100 Canadian. Think I'll just carry a spare tire in my pack for that kind of money. And actually a car tire plug kit would prob work just as well for 1/4 of the price.
  • 1 0
 Have the plugs ever been known to damage the rim where the sharp or round part is? So after you plug the hole, you drop or hit something with so much force that the plug hits the inner rim. Just curious
  • 3 3
 @therealtylerdurden iam not a communists but iam informed on it. maybe educate yourself on the ideologies of communism before you just bash communists just because your government has brainwashed you to. Maybe actually realise that nothing is inherently good or bad. And just because you live under the illusion of freedom doesn't mean you are free. But what do I expect from someone that's response to a logical argument is to tell someone to suck a dick. Your parents taught you well. Real classy. Shows your intelligence and level of intelligence.
  • 1 0
 Backstreet car tyre places have been using this method to puncture repair for years. $3 a repair.

Ontop of this how many punctures will need this solution on the trail? Eff all.
  • 1 0
 For those complaining about the price, here's a much less expensive (and less shiny) version:

www.dynaplug.com/carbonbike.html
  • 2 0
 Anyone have those spikey ends piece your rim tape, or ever damage a rim? Im just wondering
  • 2 1
 nope
  • 2 0
 It would be quite difficult to puncture the rim tape unless you were super unlucky to land on a root or rock that was the same inner width of your rim. Otherwise it's the rim walls that are going to take the impact which would then see the brass tip push into the well of the rim, but not far enough as to do any damage.
  • 5 2
 cost of plug is more than new tire. ridiculous!
  • 2 1
 *Plug kit, including tool with inflator. The plugs themselves aren't cheap, but less than $5/each.
  • 1 0
 Genuine Innovations kit is cheaper and great for small punctures that sealant can't handle. I also carry a medium sized tire plug for cars as well ($3US for 5 pcs plug pack). Bigger size works better for side wall slice. Saved my ass few times.
  • 3 0
 $74.99 for a $25 bit of kit... yeah, I'll pass.
  • 2 0
 Hang on a minute.... In the stans video you can ride over a bed of nails all day it seals everyone.
  • 2 0
 ha ha good point lol
  • 3 0
 i'll just keep rolling with my staple gun in my pack
  • 1 1
 ????????????
  • 1 1
 kkkkkk
  • 2 0
 Kazimer, you should have become a hand model instead of a bike NERD.
  • 2 0
 74.99 for a BJ? seems legit
  • 2 0
 for the rider that has purple hope gear
  • 2 0
 $75? I'm not a bloody dentist.
  • 2 0
 At that price id buy a new tire.
  • 1 0
 but what about the next time... and the next time... and the next time?
  • 3 1
 @felinesexy: troll much?
  • 1 0
 Auto parts store plugs $5, bike shop CO2 inflator $20, saving $50 for 5 minutes of extra repair time...priceless
  • 8 6
 Buy a tube and a patch?
  • 3 0
 race much?
  • 2 0
 as much as most of the pinkbike users
  • 1 0
 Looks really cool, but not sure about that price.
  • 1 0
 Removing comment, thanks.
  • 1 0
 Jeez, just use inner tubes boys....
  • 1 0
 Tubes are shit tho
  • 1 1
 all *too* common ...
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