Paddleboard Rechargeable Electric Pump Review: Outdoor Master Shark 3
If you’ve spent any time paddleboarding and own your own inflatable SUP, you know that inflating your board can feel like a workout all on its own. Trust me, after months of using manual pumps, I knew I needed to find a better solution, especially when we started going out more frequently and helping friends with their inflatables too.
Enter the OutdoorMaster Shark 3 rechargeable electric pump. This little powerhouse has been a game changer in our SUP adventures, and after several months of using it, I’m here to share my experience with you.
This Electric Pump was not our first and doubt it will be our last as technology improves but I would never leave home without one now and often think why I never brought an electric pump sooner. You can read more on different Pump types and the pros and cons of each here Electric vs Manual SUP Pumps
Whether you’re paddling on your own or inflating multiple boards for a group, the Shark 3 promises ease and efficiency. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this pump, from first impressions to long term performance
First Impressions of the OutdoorMaster Shark 3
Unboxing and Setup
When I first received the OutdoorMaster Shark 3, I was impressed by how compact the SUP Pump was.
Inside the box, you’ll find the pump, a hose and a variety of nozzle attachments. The first thing that stood out to me was the quality of the pump where on looks I was getting something that was thoughtfully designed, not just thrown together. The second thing that was very noticeable was the weight, although fairly compact in size at 32cm (L) x 17cm (W) x 16cm (H), it does weigh in at 2.9kg more on this later.
Setting it up for the first time was quick and painless. All I had to do was attach the hose, select the right nozzle for my SUP’s valve, and press the power on button. Within minutes, I was ready to go. No complicated instructions, no fumbling around, just plug and play.
Personal Experience
I remember the first time I used it, we had travelled to Bala Lake where all you could here was the sound of huffing and puffing by people pumping up their SUP’s. I hooked up the pump to our first board and within minutes, and very little effort the first board was fully inflated and it wasn’t long before people were coming over asking what pump I was using.
I’ve had other pumps before that took over 10 minutes to inflate a board, but the Shark 3 inflated a 11’6″ touring board to 18.5 PSI in 5 minutes! That speed and convenience was a big win for me and we were on the water in record time.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the OutdoorMaster Shark 3 is its sleek, modern design. It’s fairly compact, durable, and feels solid but it is a little on the heavy side. The hose and attachments are sturdy, and the entire unit is made from durable plastic that feels like it can handle some wear and tear.
It has a beautiful large display which is very easy to read and looks cool with the 4 larger battery power bars around the outside. However, there is an element of style over function here because although it looks great when outdoors with the reflection of the sun on the display it is hard to read. I think it’s because of the clear surface finish over the display that reflects sunlight, and you will find yourself cupping your hands around it to check what PSI you’re at.
Portability
For me, portability is key. I like to throw my gear in the car and head to the water whenever I can, so having a pump that’s easy to transport is important. The Shark 3 takes up little room in the boot with the only negative is its weight. It weighs in at 2.9kg and when I purchased it initially, I thought I would be able to put it in a dry bag and carrying it on the paddle board when going on longer touring adventures.
Unfortunately, due to the weight it just isn’t an option and still have to take a manual pump on those longer trips. However, it is certainly portable enough to carry to the waters edge which is what it was designed for and it is perfect for this although disappointing not being able to carry it on a paddle board.
Not having to use a car cigarette lighter and being confined by the length of the power cable is the reason why you would by a pump like this and this is where it excels in portability and use. No more worrying about parking where I can get the board close to the car to inflate it like previous wired electric pumps.
The only little disappointing for me is the overall weight but it is horses for courses I guess as the large capacity battery is required to enable it to pump 3 boards on a single charge where the bulk of the weight comes from.
Performance and Features
Inflation Power and Speed
The OutdoorMaster Shark 3 is a beast when it comes to inflating a SUP. With a powerful motor, it can inflate a standard-sized board (about 10-12 feet) in roughly 5-8 minutes. Compared to using a manual pump and other electric pumps I have used the inflation time is quick and a breeze.
What I love most is that it has an auto-stop feature that kicks in once your board reaches the desired PSI. You simply set the pressure (most SUPs range anywhere between 12-20 PSI), and the pump shuts off once it’s reached that point. No more guessing or having to constantly check the pressure gauge so you can prep your other gear while it is inflating your SUP. It really makes inflating your paddle board effortless!
Personal Experience
Before using the Shark 3, I would spend 10-15 minutes manually inflating my board, arms burning and sweat dripping especially on those hot summer days. Now, I just hook it up, press a button, and let it do its thing. It’s so nice to have a few extra minutes to get my paddle ready or put on sunscreen instead of struggling with a manual pump.
Rechargeable Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Shark 3 is its rechargeable battery. This pump runs on a built-in battery and Outdoormaster claim can inflate three to four SUPs on a single charge, depending on the size of the boards. In my experience inflating our touring boards it is more like two SUP with enough juice left to extract air or half inflate a third.
This is more than enough for us, especially if you’re inflating just your own board. The only downside is the battery takes a long time to charge and I usually charge the Shark overnight. I find a full charge takes somewhere between 6-8 hours from a fully depleted battery. This only causes a problem when I go away wild camping touring Scotland as I don’t trust my car battery having a pump charging off it all night due to it being rather small.
If you have a camper with a leisure battery though you will be just fine and I will experiment next summer with solar charges to see if that works and update this post.
The pump comes with both a charging cable for your car cigarette lighter or USB which is the way we usually charge the power pack.
Real-World Use
In my experience, the battery has been incredibly reliable. I’ve used the Shark 3 on outings where I’ve inflated two or three boards in one go, and the battery held up just fine. It’s also nice to know I don’t need to charge it every single time if I’m only inflating my own board. Over the months I’ve used it, the battery life hasn’t diminished, which is a good sign of its durability so far.
One thing I will point out is that the pump does require a significant amount of power to drive the pump. This works flawlessly on battery but via the cigarette lighter I found on my vehicle I needed to have the engine running to get full power. Without the engine running the pump is not working as hard and inflation time seemed almost treble but as soon as I started the car it was back to the same as running off the internal battery.
This is something that might just be specific to the current delivery of our car auxiliary socket but worth baring in mind. You also can not use the USB charge port to power the pump while inflating which is important to note!
Noise Level
Now, let’s talk about noise. The OutdoorMaster Shark 3, like any electric pump, isn’t silent. It does make a noticeable sound while it’s running, but in my opinion, it’s certainly not as loud as my previous electric pumps.
If you’re inflating your board in a peaceful setting, you’ll definitely hear it from quite a distance away, so you need to consider your surrounding and other people when inflating. You don’t want to be using any electric pump early hours in the morning or late at night next to people that might be sleeping!
The pump goes through a two-stage inflation process, the first phase is quieter than the second longer phase as the pump works hard to get to those final higher PSI’s. Overall I think the noise level is pretty standard for a pump of this type and many others on the market are definitely louder.
Key Advantages of the OutdoorMaster Shark 3
Convenience
The main advantage of the Shark 3 is the sheer convenience it brings to your SUP routine. After months of use, I can confidently say that it has made my outings more enjoyable. Gone are the days of arriving at the water already worn out from inflating my board manually. With the Shark 3, I’m more relaxed and ready to paddle, not exhausted before I even get started.
Two power Sources
This is where a Battery electric pump shines with the convenience of running the pump off its own internal battery or car auxiliary power socket. You have the best of both worlds and was a real game changer for me personally.
Versatility and Compatibility
Another big plus is the Shark 3’s versatility. It comes with multiple nozzle attachments, so it’s compatible with different SUP valves, inflatable kayaks, and even boats. I’ve personally used it for more than just my SUP, including inflating an inflatable kayak, and it worked perfectly every time.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After several months of regular use, I can confidently say the Shark 3 has held up extremely well. The motor still runs smoothly, the hose and attachments haven’t worn out, and the battery remains reliable. I’ve transported this pump in and out of my car, dropped it a few times (oops! And wouldn’t recommend it), and taken it on road trips, and it still performs like new.
Any Downsides?
Price Point
At around £140, the Shark 3 isn’t the cheapest pump on the market, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. Keep your eye out on the Outdoor master website as they do have special offers from time to time so you can grab a pump at a discounted price.
When you consider the convenience, durability, and the fact that it inflates multiple boards on a single charge, the value becomes clear. However, if you’re a casual paddler who only goes out a few times a year, you might not need such a high-end pump.
Recharge Time
The recharge time is about 5-8 hours, which needs planning in advance, but if you forget to recharge it before a outing, you will run into trouble. It’s not a huge deal as you could just run it off the car battery via cigarette lighter.
Noise Concerns
As mentioned earlier, the pump does make a noise, and is something you need to be aware of and plan for by being mindful of other people and wildlife around you. This unfortunately is the downside of every electric powered SUP pump I have tried and something you just have to live with.
In those rare situations where you need to be quiet then you will just have to use a manual pump!
Comparison to Other Pumps
Manual Pumps vs. Electric Pumps
Having used both manual and electric pumps, I can say without hesitation that the Shark 3 is a huge upgrade in terms of convenience. Manual pumps are fine for the odd trip here and there or if you don’t mind getting a bit of a workout, but for frequent paddlers, an electric pump like the Shark 3 saves so much time and energy. It’s the difference between starting your session already tired and starting fresh and ready to go.
Other Electric Pumps on the Market
While there are other electric SUP pumps out there, the Shark 3 stands out for its rechargeable battery, durability, and ease of use. I’ve tried a few others that didn’t feel as well-built, have the internal battery for convenience or just lacked the power giving long inflation times, which is something I’ve come to really appreciate with the Shark 3.
Who is the OutdoorMaster Shark 3 Best For?
The Shark 3 is perfect for a few different types of paddlers:
- Frequent Paddlers: If you’re on the water regularly and want to make the process of inflating your board easier, this pump is for you.
- Group Paddlers: Anyone who often paddles with friends or family and inflates multiple boards will love the time-saving convenience of the Shark 3.
- Casual Paddlers: Even if you only paddle occasionally, the Shark 3 adds a level of ease that makes each outing more enjoyable. It’s especially useful for people who may struggle with manual pumping.
Final Verdict
After months of using the OutdoorMaster Shark 3, I can confidently say that this pump has become an essential part of my SUP routine. It’s convenient, powerful, and reliable, and it saves me both time and energy on every outing. Whether you’re a regular paddler like me or just getting into Paddleboarding, the Shark 3 is a fantastic investment that will make your paddling life easier.
Would I buy it again or recommend it to friends? Absolutely!
Please note this post is not sponsored by Outdoor Master and our pump was purchased with our own money and is used regularly during our SUP adventures.
About Us
SUP Funk was born from a shared passion for water, adventure and style with a desire to break away from the mundane. Founded by husband and wife duo (Nigel & Kiriaki), the brand is dedicated to creating bold, eye-catching, and functional high-quality clothing for the modern paddleboarder.
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