American manufacturer Stan's NoTubes, known for its sensational tubeless system products, has prepared a tool that has a good chance to dominate the tire repair kit market. What is Stan's NoTubes DART and why is it worth having?
DART is the best solution if you want a fast and durable tire repair. It doesn't matter if you ride a gravel bike, cross-country bike, MTB or road bike. The DART will work well for repairing any type of tire.
DART - DUAL ACTION REPAIRfor TUBELESSstrongly distinguishes itself from the repair kits on the market because it works on two levels - mechanical and chemical. It not only mechanically plugs the hole formed in the tire, but chemically seals it, permanently repairing the damage. The plastic from which DART's patches are made is flexible and adapts perfectly to the shape of the hole or cut. An added advantage is that you don't have to cut the part of the patch protruding from the tire. A latex-based sealing fluid is required to trigger a chemical reaction to permanently patch the damage.
The rod on which the cartridges sit is made of ultralight, corrosion-resistant, incredibly strong carbon fiber. In addition, the DART has a built-in wrench for unscrewing the valve insert, as well as a place for a second insert, which can be quickly used if a larger damage needs to be patched.
The undoubted advantage of the DART is the convenience and the fact that the tool will not damage the sealing tape or rim during the application of the patch, thanks to the specially designed arrow-shaped tip. The patch will not fall out even during aggressive off-road driving. You also don't have to worry about DART "stretching" the damage in the tire, because when it comes into contact with the sealing fluid, the patch reacts with it, permanently sealing the hole.
DART was created to make the process of repairing a punctured tire as short and easy as possible. Here are brief instructions on how to use it:
1 Find the damage in the tire and carefully remove all sharp objects stuck in the tread.
2. Remove the plug securing the insert.
3. Apply the Dart insert to the damage and press the patch into the tire. The amount of patch sticking out will be determined by the thickness of the tire. For larger holes or cuts, it is possible to use more patches.
4. Remove the tool from the tire and apply the safety plug. IMPORTANT: Turn the wheel so that the patch is at the bottom. The sealing fluid must reach the damage to create a chemical reaction with the patch. If the damage is large and continues to let fluid through, apply another patch. Inflate the tire. If you use a CO2 cartridge, it is recommended that you replace the sealing fluid and top off the tire with an inflator when you get home (sealing fluid loses its properties when it comes into contact with CO2).
As stated earlier, the DART has room for a second cartridge and it is with two cartridges that it is available for sale. It is worth buying a box of spare patches. There are 5 of them and they fit in a small, lightweight and handy case.
DART is really easy to use and can save your expedition or race. Take a look for yourself 😉