PeteFree.comColeman QuickPump 120v versus Embark 120v — air mattress inflating pumps — a review
© 2017 Peter Free
18 May 2017
Coleman QuickPump 120v works well — Target's Embark not
Those who have repeatedly inflated air beds with lung pressure will understand the value of having one of these air mattress pumps.
Our sample of the Embark is, however, exceedingly slow. It moves minimal air. It took me about at least 15 minutes to only partially inflate the Embark "Double High Twin" mattress that came with it.
The Coleman QuickPump blew the same mattress up in about 2 minutes. And then filled two (one-third the volume) others almost immediately.
Price-wise, the Embark is not really a bargain. It seems to be an example of devoting resources to making something just useful enough to sell, without being complete trash.
Nozzles
The Embark pump came with three. The Coleman, two.
Although the Embark's inflating nozzles do not lock onto the pump like the Coleman's do, their press fit attaches more securely. The Coleman nozzle came off twice, while I was wrestling with a stodgy mattress fill valve.
The Embark's three nozzles also look to me like they would fit a wider range of mattresses than the Coleman's two.
The moral? — Coleman QuickPump wins
The Coleman does a good job. Its nozzle fit looseness is not a big deal under most circumstances.
Target's Embark, on the other hand, tests patience due to its interminably slow fill rate. I cannot recommend it, unless you have no choice.