Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000 09:39:47 -0400
From: Joe <yojoe@whataguy.org>
To: balloon hq <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: re: manual inflating (mouth blowing)

I've been inflating these things by mouth for the past 21 years. Back
when I started all the twisters used Ashland balloons. They had 260a’s
which were average strength, and 260e’s , extra strength. I used 260a’s
until I had the lung power to use 260e’s. Also there were no practical
pumps available.

The Granger 260’s, (T Meyers has them), are very similar to the 260a’s.
I suggest anyone wishing to build up enough strength to mouth inflate,
buy a couple bags of Grangers, and use those at their next multi hour
gig. That should help.

Re: pumps

I have 3 electric pumps, 2 T Meyers pump 1’s, a Cheezo convert-a - pump
, 3 qualatex hand pumps for the 260’s and 2 qualatex hand pumps for the
160’s. You think I ever use any of them ? ’Course not. I hate the noise
of the electric pumps. The pump 1’s are too bulky to lug around,
although they work great. ( I do keep one in my trailer.) The hand pumps
just get in the way.  I usually have the convert-a-pump with me in case
I'm tired, or sick. It breaks down nicely and is very portable, but I
still rarely use it.

Joe