The "best" tire plug system?

I've had good results with Dynaplugs. That said, I don't typically deal with outright tears.

If you have tears, I don't think you're going to find any type of plug to be effective. You might want to consider a curved upholstery needle and some hefty thread. That'll probably do a better job of keeping a tear from growing than any plug can.

Dynaplugs definitely look better than bacon, that's for sure. While I've handled them in person I've not seen them used in the field.

You're right though, I don't think they would address a tear. Some of the style plugs that fan out more in the tire might but I've never handled or used those either.

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WHALENARD said:

Dynaplugs definitely look better than bacon, that's for sure. While I've handled them in person I've not seen them used in the field.

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When I've used the Dynaplugs, they've been fast. Shove it in the hole and the little brass tip keeps the plug from moving or pulling back out. They say you can use multiples for larger holes, but I've never needed to. So can't comment on how well that works. I have the two tip sizes for smaller and larger holes, though.

All I know about Stan’s Darts is I’ve seen all the “feathers” get peeled off the plastic central plug as the Dart is inserted, meaning all that’s left to plug the hole is a plastic stick.

IOW Dart = fail.

I’ve used bacon with varying results.
=sParty

I’ve also had good results with Dynaplug. I’ve used two plugs side by side on occasion. Some people patch tires when they get back, but Ive just left the plugs in place. Cutting them flush with the tire helps them stay in place.

They sell quite a few kits and products. I think the Pill is the most useful. It holds several plugs, along with tools to prep the tire and cut the plug off (if you’re not racing and have the time). I think Dynaplug also sells a bar end kit now.

Sparticus said:

All I know about Stan’s Darts is I’ve seen all the “feathers” get peeled off the plastic central plug as the Dart is inserted, meaning all that’s left to plug the hole is a plastic stick.

IOW Dart = fail.

=sParty

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Good to know, thanks.

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In addition to Innovations bacon strips, I carry a few auto plugs... one of the auto plugs I'll prep by stripping off a little of the sticky off so it'll fit a 'medium' size tear.

Not a system per se... but cheap and functional.

I figure if these plugs don't work, it's time for boot+tube to get me out.

Not sure what tyres and terrain you are riding, but if you are getting tares, your only real option might be to invest in tyres with a heavier rear case like a maxis DD or an exo+. I literally never get flats on the front, but out back is were the action happens and heavier rear tyre has stopped tares for me.

I use the Dynaplugs too. The only downside that I've encountered is that if the plug doesn't work (it's happened to me just once, I think) and you need to throw a tube in, you've got to snip the metal part of the plug out, which I've found is tricky out on the trail.

I wouldn't attribute your issues to the plug kit you've been using. Any appropriately sized tool with appropriately sized plugs should work as well as any other. I cut car plugs to size just because I have a bunch on hand. Plug tool came from eBay for 8 bucks I think. I've only had one tire where double plugs wouldn't do the job, but you will run into odd tears where plugs just aren't going to work. There's no kit that's going to guarantee you can just ram some rubber in the hole and ride on. Tube'n out is unavoidable sometimes.

I used the Stans once and it worked as advertised.

TylerVernon said:

I used the Stans once and it worked as advertised.

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You see I believe the Stan's dart would infact work on a tear and seems that's more or less what it was designed to do. It's not relying on being mechanically squeezed in the hole but passing through then being captured by the "feathers". Kind of like a plug/patch hybrid.

Sparty's story of his & friends "feathers" simply shearing off upon insertion has me skeered because I could see the darts just being junk, too.

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drjos said:

Dynaplugs for me too. I have used them twice and they worked well. I hacked a set into bar end plugs. The set has 4 plugs ready to go.
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FYI Dynaplug is now making an official version of this called the Covert.


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I’m “using” auto tire plugs i cut in half. I say using like that because I haven’t had to use one yet. Much beefier than tiny bacon strips and cheaper.

I have used Stan’s darts and strips. Both work. I prefer Stan’s for tears. Multiple strips didn’t hold air well in a tear; the dart held after adding sealant and working it around the tire the Stan’s held. Both tears were on new Vanhelgas, not a tire I’ll ever use in summer again, the sideswalls are .

I carry both, I have only had tears, but I imagine the strips would be better if it were a smaller rounded puncture.

Stans DART work great. Had to use them twice now. Carry extra fluid too and your set.

jonesjus said:

FYI Dynaplug is now making an official version of this called the Covert.


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I tried the Covert and I can't use round grips, so I turned the covert plugs into what you see in the picture. It makes my bars about an inch narrower overall as well. The covers really stick out a lot.

Jayem said:

I’m “using” auto tire plugs i cut in half. I say using like that because I haven’t had to use one yet. Much beefier than tiny bacon strips and cheaper.

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I have found the auto ones to be too thick for the average puncture… to the point where they won’t insert without reaming (not ideal).