SKS Air-X-Plorer Digi 10.0 pump review

The SKS Air-X-Explorer Digi 10.0 is designed for mountain bike and road bike tyres, with a steel cylinder and base that give it a solid feel.

The pump took 25 strokes to inflate a 29x2.4in mountain bike tyre to 25psi, which is more than some other mountain bike-specific floor pumps.

However, it didn’t struggle to seat a tubeless tyre, which can be the downfall of other bike pumps.

SKS Air-X-Plorer Digi 10.0 pump spec and performance

The large gauge features an orange LED digital manometer that is easy to read and operate. One button is used to turn the gauge on and to set the unit measurement, which the pump remembers the next time you use it.

In the past, I’ve found pumps with digital gauges to be slow to update the pressure when inflating tyres, but the Air-X-Explorer Digi 10.0 does a good job keeping up with even the most spirited pumping and measured accurately compared to a Topeak JoeBlow, my benchmark pump.

The plastic MV-Easy head features an individual hole for Presta and Schrader valves and works equally well on both types.

The lever’s head pushes down towards the pump to lock onto the valve rather than being pulled back as on many other pumps. I found this easier to set the head, especially on smaller wheel sizes, reducing the chance of bending the valve core.

I was initially alarmed when using the pump because the barrel features a top-out spring that gives a disconcerting click that can be felt through the handle at full stroke length. Although I got used to it, it gives the pump a somewhat clunky feeling.

The handle features a rubberised finish, adding decent levels of grip even with wet or sweaty hands.

A forward pumping technique is encouraged by the handle, with the oversized base plate offering plenty of stability.

Overall, I found the feel of the handle and pumping motion makes using the Air-X-Explorer Digi 10.0 less of a chore than other track pumps.

The 1,200mm hose extends up from the base plate and secures the handle as it routes through two clips at the top of the cylinder. A separate clip is attached to the hose and keeps the head from hitting the pump.

SKS offers a variety of replacement parts, making the Air-X-Explorer Digi 10.0 fully serviceable. Internal valve rubbers are available for €0.99 and replacement MV-Easy heads cost €9.99. Even the digital manometer can be replaced at a cost of €34.99.

SKS Air-X-Plorer Digi 10.0 pump bottom line

All in all, the SKS Air-X-Plorer Digi 10.0 proved to be efficient on both high-volume and high-pressure tyres.

It's a sturdy, well-built floor pump, with a clear and user-friendly digital gauge, and the price is reasonable.