BA air core leaks again!

[freediver111]

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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[arthurvino]

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


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[elkeaterco]

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.

 

[Brock A]

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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[freediver111]

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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What did you switch to?


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[Brock A]

What did you switch to?


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Xtherm max.

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[freediver111]

Xtherm max.

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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.

 

[Brock A]

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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[KMT]

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.

 

[freediver111]

The Xtherms are pricey!
Any experiences with Klymit insulated static V? I have a pro deal with them.

 

[JFKinYK]

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.

 

[JPD350]

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.

 

[Mtslackcountry]

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.

 

[freediver111]

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.

 

[GotDraw?]

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.

 

[Mike7]

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.

 

[vthokee]

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.

 

[freediver111]

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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[DaveC]

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.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I have been happy with my BAIAC. It's an old one, black in color, got to be pushing 10-11 years with no problems. I have also gotten good use out of the Q Core SL.