automatic pump vs. manual

[big buddha]

hey guys i am really interested in getting an automatic pump instead of my kaplan hand pump...i would really appreciate some input on the pros and cons of automatic vs manual and possibly a good recommendation as to which pump to get if it is indeed worth it.
thanks much all!
Nate

[PocketPool]

hey guys i am really interested in getting an automatic pump instead of my kaplan hand pump...i would really appreciate some input on the pros and cons of automatic vs manual and possibly a good recommendation as to which pump to get if it is indeed worth it.
thanks much all!
Nate

First, by automatic, I presume you mean electric.

The big pro on an electric pump is you don't have to keep pumping to maintain the vacuum. The quality of the seal between the tube and your groin is a lot less critical, as the pump should be able to handle a reasonable amount of leakage around the seal. I find I can pump without shaving at all if I want. I use a PumpToys seal on an ASTJ, which is also quite forgiving in the sealing area as it is big and soft. I like not having to fool with a manual pump during a session.

The cons of an electric pump are several, but they don't overwhelm the pros for me. A big con is the price. I see the VacuTech pump is now over $300. What I did was buy what was an essentially unused Gast industrial vacuum pump (Model 1531, 1.5 cfm) on eBay for $35 plus shipping. I added a cord, switch, some plumbing, and a vacuum gauge (also on eBay) for a grand total of under $60. If you are mechanically and electrically inclined, this definitely gets the cost down.

Some other disadvantages of electric pumps... They are noisy, some more than others. You definitely can't pump in the privacy of your bedroom with one of these running without others in the apartment or house hearing it. They also can be quite hazardous for wet pumping and may self destruct if provisions aren't made for it. I am using an acrylic storage container of about 1.5 quart capacity as a water trap in the vacuum line to catch any water. Invariably water gets in the line, either when putting the tube on and moving around, or I've pumped up and my balls have grown so large they have displaced all the remaining air in the tube.

The pros and cons are kind of the reverse of the electric pump. They are cheap, they are relatively quiet, they are safe to use around water. The main con is the effort to maintain the vacuum level, particularly if the seal against your body isn't great for whatever reason.

With an electric pump, I think a vacuum gauge is critical, and I guess most commercial pumps for the purpose come with them. It's harder to overdo it with a manual pump because you have to expend some effort to generate the vacuum.

[mRuss]

I agree with Pocketpool's advice. A vacuum gauge is critical when setting up an electric pump system.

Electric pumps don't have to be expensive, I got my Thomas Industries pump used for 50 bucks, and it's just as good as any of the Major Label pump systems that can cost well over 300 USD. Of course you have to set up the tubing and connectors yourself but that's not all that difficult to do.

I also recommend using a pulsator for guys who have an electric pump system. Again, it's another expense but in the long run it makes pumping far more enjoyable. I got mine from BB5T, a new company, for 250 bucks and it's well worth the investment.

[PocketPool]

I also recommend using a pulsator for guys who have an electric pump system. Again, it's another expense but in the long run it makes pumping far more enjoyable. I got mine from BB5T, a new company, for 250 bucks and it's well worth the investment.

Tell me more... maybe this has been discussed before on this site but I missed it due to only visiting here sporadically... couldn't find anything here using a search.

Is this pulsator the same thing as for milking cows? That's the main reference I came across using google. I guess there could be some similarity in purpose!

Not that it's in my budget right now.

[mRuss]

A pulsator will rhythmically drop the pressure and then re-establish it. It works the same as a milking machine pulsator would, making the vacuum level go up and down.

Having a variable pressure during pumping is better than having a constant pressure. Of course, if you've just got a manual pump, a pulsator isn't going to do you any good, but with an electric pump the level of vacuum quickly re-establishes every time.

Honestly, for my money, it's as good a feeling as when I first started pumping years ago. Seriously.

[alongeasy]

Better u use a manual pump. Its because of u can also use it outside your home during driving on the road. But make sure u wear a loose trouser. I think that people will staring at your biggie boy of your.

[gerardt]

dudes,

i bought a ctc-1000 and i really enjoy it. but i have seen more posts hating it than my opinion. it has a suck/release function to it and i pump wet constantly. you just gotta pay attention. its so nice to see that your stuff has displaced all the water! hehehehehe!!!!! anyway if the pulse system costs 250 and the parts 75 or so = 325 so whats the great savings other than time perhaps. my ctc did take FOREVER to get!!!!!!!!! other than that i wood recommend it to all of you!
just my thoughts....

jerry