BA air core leaks again!

Joined
Jan 23, 2014
Messages
561
Location
John Day, OR
Is anyone happy with their insulated air core pad? This is my second one and it's leaking like crazy. They replaced the first one after I sent it in. I plan to send this one back and see what happens. No pinholes that I can see with soapy water.
Is there a good lightweight inflatable pad that doesn't leak? I used to use thermarests a long time ago and they were always good. Only problem was the bulk since I used the bigger self inflating ones. At least they lasted and never leaked.


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Maybe you had bad luck? Thermarest xtherm packs small and lightweight


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I have been starting to have issues with BA pads as well. I don't know if the new line up will fix this issue or not. I sent 2 pads in last week with no word back. I was unable to find the leaks with the bathtub method as well.
 
I went through 5 of them over the course of 4 years. 4 leakers, sold the 5th one before I used it. All were coming from the valve.

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Happy? I'm sending this one back and see what they say. I might go another direction though since so far I see no reason I should have the hassle of going through 2 at this point.
Yep. Love it. Bought a 2nd for my girlfriend.

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No problems with mine after two years. But every brand will eventually leak. And 99 out of 100 times, the leak won't be found.
 
I'm on my second IAC. First was an older one about 10 years ago and was a mess. Ended up with hundreds of small leaks. Something must have de-laminated inside. Second is holding up great after a few years, even though I'm leery of it and baby it. I don't store it rolled up, but loosely inflated and folded in half. I also don't use it on every trip but rotate with other pads when weight isn't a premium. Maybe that helps.
 
My BA pad didn't hold air either, I switched to an Exped Synmat UL 7 three years ago and have been happy so far.
 
I went thru a bunch of BA pads. After a float trip in AK where I slept with no pad for 7 days because that ****er failed and I couldn't find the leak after trying for 2 hours I bought the synmat 7. Its heavier but super tough.
 
Well, called and talked to BA. They said since it's my second pad with the same issue to just cut the valve, send them a pic with the date written on the old pad showing the cut off valve, and they'll send me a new one.

I asked about a different model since I'm over the IAC. They said I can have a credit of $130 and go with any pad I want. Against my better judgment, I decided to try the Q-Core SLX (newest model). Different valve system so maybe it will help. They charged me $30 for the price difference and I went with the regular-long model.

I'll let you know how this one holds up.
 
Same issue RE dozens of micro-holes in my BA Insulated Air Core in one section of fabric. It was never abused or abraded. It appears the liner must be degrading. I am sending mine back for exchange. hope the new on is better. Love it otherwise.

One lesson I have learned is NOT to store them rolled up. Store you pads unrolled to relieve long term stress on the liner.
 
I had a BA air core for a few years and it gradually started holding air less and less. No holes, just the valve always leaked. I sent if back and they replaced this old maroon one with a light blue version. My wife has used it twice inside of a car camping thick bottomed tent, and both times the pad leaked horribly. I though WTF...another valve? So I put it in the tub this week to check it out, and it has dozens of tiny holes diffusely all over the lower/foot end of the pad both on top and on bottom. There are far too many to patch...it's like breathable nylon material trying to hold air. I will try sending it back again to see what they say.

My thermarest X-therm has been the best pad I have ever had so far.
 
Not liking what I am reading. I picked up one of these to replace the cheap thin military issued inflatable pad I was issued. I will have to try it out at home before I take it to the mountain. Mine is the blue insulated air core.
 
I had the older maroon colored one, then when that leaked they replaced it with the blue one. The blue one leaked after a few months. It was worse than the maroon one. My buddy has one and he said it's leaking too and he's only used it a couple of times.
Got the new one yesterday. It's the new Q core SLX. Yellowish/green colored one. First impression is comfy, not as loud as the IAC, and I like the new valve system. Dislike the width, and not sure how it will last. It kind of reminds me of an inflatable pool floating mat. I had the long/wide pad before. This one is the long, but standard width. It's a little skinny for me (6' 200 lbs).


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Same issue RE dozens of micro-holes in my BA Insulated Air Core in one section of fabric. It was never abused or abraded. It appears the liner must be degrading. I am sending mine back for exchange. hope the new on is better. Love it otherwise.

My wife had an older, all-black IAC which was flawless for years until a rock put an unfixable hole in. In the last two years shes had two blue/grey IAC, both have developed a ton of little pinholes in the top/blue fabric after minimal use. I think it's a bad batch of fabric.

Moving on to Klymit.
 
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