American manufacturer Stan's NoTubes, known for its outstanding tubeless system products, has developed a tool with a strong potential to dominate the tire repair kit market. What is Stan's NoTubes DART, and why should you have it?
DART is the best solution if you prioritize quick and durable tire repair. It doesn't matter if you ride a gravel, CX, MTB, or road bike. DART will prove effective for repairing any type of tire.
DART – DUAL ACTION REPAIR for TUBELESS stands out significantly among tire repair kits available on the market because it operates on two levels – mechanical and chemical. It not only mechanically plugs the hole in the tire but also chemically seals it, permanently repairing the damage. The material from which DART's patches are made is flexible and perfectly adapts to the shape of the hole or cut. An additional advantage is that there's no need to trim the part of the patch protruding from the tire. To initiate the chemical reaction that permanently seals the damage, the use of a latex-based sealant is required.
The rod, on which the inserts are mounted, is made of ultralight, corrosion-resistant, incredibly strong carbon fiber. Additionally, DART features a built-in valve core remover and space for a second insert, which can be quickly deployed to repair larger damage if needed.
An undeniable advantage of DART is its convenience and the fact that the tool will not damage the sealing tape or rim during patch application, thanks to its specially designed arrow-shaped tip. The patch will not fall out even during aggressive off-road riding. There's also no need to worry that DART will "stretch" the damage in the tire, because upon contact with the sealant, the patch reacts with it, permanently sealing the opening.
DART was created to maximize the speed and ease of punctured tire repair. Below is a brief guide on how to use it:
1. Locate the damage in the tire and carefully remove any sharp objects embedded in the tread.
2. Remove the protective cap from the plug.
3. Position the DART plug over the damage and press the patch into the tire. The amount of protruding patch will be determined by the tire's thickness. For larger holes or cuts, it is possible to use more patches.
4. Remove the tool from the tire and replace the protective cap. IMPORTANT: Rotate the wheel so that the patch is at the bottom. The sealant must reach the damage to create a chemical reaction with the patch. If the damage is large and still leaking sealant, apply another patch. Re-inflate the tire. If you use a CO2 cartridge, it is recommended to replace the sealant and refill the tire with air using a pump upon returning home (sealant loses its properties in contact with CO2).
As previously mentioned, DART has space for a second plug and is available for purchase with two plugs. It's advisable to buy a box of spare patches. There are 5 patches, and they fit into a small, light, and handy case.
DART is truly simple to use and can save your ride or race. See for yourself 😉