Silca  Pista Plus Floor Pump

I love looking at this pump, touching it’s carved wooden handles and solid body is a pleasure every time it’s used. I love the slim design because it can fit almost anywhere, but doesn’t look out of place even by the front door or living room. I would recommend this product, but with that being said, two issues leave me frustrated enough that I still consider returning it. The biggest problem using this pump is the gauge. It’s low contrast black on red dial is frustratingly difficult to read because the needle is also black. This is made worse by large gap between the dial and the glass cover. The edges of the glass are covered by a metal frame and the edges cause shadows to be cast across the dial. Using my iPhone flashlight is neither an acceptable or great solution because the amount of space in the gauge still allows for shadows. At $150, it’s simply a shame that pulling out my iPhone is necessary every time I want to read the dial, and the black text/markings with the black dial make it very tough to determine if the needle is above, below, or at the desired pressure. Also, why is there no storage for the presta attachment? I shouldn’t need to worry about losing it and having to search around to find my presta attachment every time I use the Schrader valve. Both these issues have been addressed on the more expensive models with a magnetic space for storing the presta attachment and the gauge using red/white high contrast colors on the dial. The fact that it’s got fully replaceable parts (including the dial) with an exceptional warranty make this still a 4-star purchase. On the silca website they sell replacement dials for the significantly more expensive model, it wouldn’t be so difficult I imagine for silca to adopt those dials as a solution to the SuperPista Plus. Finally, the heirloom quality is what makes this pump most desirable. The carved wooden handles that will certainly develop a unique ‘patina’ as they are used and become worn. Unfortunately, the packaging is about as far from this type of experience. Charging premium prices and advertising “heirloom-quality” but they can’t even cover the wooden handles with a simple protective bag or foam to prevent damage during shipping. I love and appreciate the character and story that can come from extended use... but that’s the right of the customer. Unfortunately when mine arrived there were marks, unacceptable damage and chips in the handles. The packaging was simply zipties around the almost entirely exposed pump, tying down the shaft, holding it tight to the cardboard. This didn’t inspire confidence that a replacement pump would arrive safely. I really love this pump so much but I am frustrated to see the issue solved with newer pumps but no solution for the SuperPista Plus. The pump is still a fantastic pump, with fantastic warranty, fully serviceable parts and a clean, unrivaled appearance. Maybe these issues are easily overlooked for others. Personally, I haven’t decided yet.

I am very disappointed with this product, especially in light of the price. I bought it to replace my lezyne floor pump which was excellent while it worked. I was interested in trying something different because I thought the Lezyne gave out too quickly) . Straight out of the box, the Silca did not work as promised. The presta chuck at the end of the hose (the connection to the presta valve) does not hold. I have to hold it in place with one hand while trying to pump with the other. The feat of gymnastics is unnecessarily challenging for the price. Also, the pressure gauge swings wildly with each pump (which might be due to the unstable connection). I would not recommend this for the price.