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The Procraft Thruster Essential is the classic entry-level pump, as found - with slight variations in terms of features - in the range of numerous accessory suppliers. It is quite compact and is largely made of low-quality plastic. For just under 25 euros, you shouldn't expect too much. A narrow base, angular handle and a slightly raised but very small pressure gauge, the scale of which does not show the current pressure in much detail.
The pump head of the Thruster is almost identical to that of the Merida floor pump and automatically adapts to Presta or auto valves, but does without the practical drain valve.
The most important information about the Procraft Thruster Essential
| Procraft Thruster Essential | |
| Weight | 1.01 kg |
| Size (min./max.) | 60.5 / 103 cm |
| Hose length | 78 cm |
| Maximum pressure | 11 Bar |
| Pressure gauge size | 4.7 cm |
| Strokes from 0.5 to 2.5 bar | 42 |
| Deviation at 2.5 bar | -0.10 bar |
| Valve types | Presta, Schrader, Dunlop |
| Equipment | Combi valve head for Presta and Schrader valves |
| Price | 24,95 Euro >> available here |
Favourable with weaknesses
The Procraft floor pump is the classic representative of the low-cost accessory pumps that many brands offer as OEM products. However, the test quickly shows that the low price is accompanied by clear compromises in terms of workmanship, ergonomics and precision.
Ergonomics & processing
Overall, the pump appears simple and of low quality. The plastics used are cheap, the transitions are angular and many components feel wobbly. Particularly noticeable is the very low overall height, significantly lower than all other pumps in the test, the small base, which offers hardly any stability, and the angular handle, which is uncomfortable to hold when pumping. The short hose also restricts freedom of movement.
Effort & pumping behaviour
The Procraft only delivers a small pump volume, which is why you need a lot of strokes to pressurise a tyre. At the same time, the effort required is high, which quickly makes pumping tiring.
Due to its low height and small base, the pump is quite wobbly. Especially at higher pressures, it tips forwards or to the side - a clear disadvantage in everyday use.
Weaknesses of the manometer
The pressure gauge is the smallest in the entire test field and is also poorly designed: The tiny scale and the unusual intermediate values (e.g. 0.27 instead of 0.2 bar) are particularly noticeable. As a result, the pressure gauge is barely legible except in full bar increments and measures slightly too little pressure. The pressure gauge is therefore of little use for sporting or precise applications.
Valve head
The valve head clamps Presta and Schrader at the same time, which is basically practical. However, it is angular and does not sit well in the hand, and air can easily escape when it is fitted if you do not work very cleanly.
Conclusion
| Category | Grade |
| Handling (40%) | 3,2 |
| Valve head (30%) | 2,6 |
| Pressure gauge (30%) | 3,5 |
| BIKE NOTE | 3,1 |
The Procraft floor pump is a typical entry-level model: inexpensive, functional, but with clear weaknesses. High effort required, a wobbly stand, a less than usable pressure gauge and overall simple workmanship prevent a recommendation. OK for emergencies or infrequent use - there are much better alternatives for regular pumping.
Strengths
- Very favourable price
- Valve head for Presta and Schrader
- Compact design
Weaknesses
- Extremely wobbly stand
- Very small, imprecise pressure gauge
- High effort required
- Small pump volume, many strokes required
- angular handle
- Short hose
- Overall simple, low-quality workmanship
Stefan Frey
Editor
