Aerial 5.5 Ballast Bags - OK or crap?

[Buergday]

I'm thinking of buying these. Seems like a good deal. Two 550 lb sacs for $89 + $16 shipping. Anybody have experience with them?

LINK: http://bit.ly/71ybEA

A couple questions:

1. I can't find info about the valves. Do you think I could hook them up to an automatic ballast system without a problem - or will I need to use an over-the-side pump?

2. Speaking of over-the-side pumps - anyone use the "Uber Pump"? Is it as good as the tsunami?

Here's another good deal on two Launch Pad 540 lb sacs with 2 pumps ($199 + $22 shipping):
http://bit.ly/6yPuPX

Now, which one to buy?

[walb0244]

I bought the Aerial 5.5 Ballast Bags. I thought they were a good deal. I haven't gotten to see them yet. They are at home and I won't be there for a few months. I wanted something so I could figure out what I needed in the boat without having to blow a grand on bags. I do know my wife says that the bags are attached to the outside covers. I think the valves take the waterbed fitting to fill them up from what I can tell. I emailed the guys that sell the bags and that's what they said. Also, I think they would be able to be hooked up to a ballast system. Just would have to maybe use hose clamps. Not really sure on that part. Sorry can't help anymore then that.

[scottiekarate17]

I have some Aerial 3.5 bags. I can take some pictures of the valves is you would like

[vette74]

I have 4 of them and they work fine. To make an auto ballast you would need 3/4" hose to put in the hole and a hose clamp.

[Buergday]

Thanks guys. I think I'll go ahead and get the 5.5s if they'll fit in my lockers - I haven't measured yet, but the bags are really long at 65". If they won't fit, I'll go ahead and buy the launch pad 540s. I'd buy the aerial 3.5s, but I think I'm going to want more wieght than that in back.

[flixmaster]

The Link system from Straightline I think only works on their bags. However the Aerial probably use the waterbed fill kit and that is included in the Uber pump so you should be fine using the uber pump on the Aerial bags.

I do like the Tsunami over the Uber pump and I have used both.

[Bocephus05]

I bought a couple of the aerial 5.5's last year.No troubles with them.Pretty good quality sacs,just kind of aggrevating with the cover.I use a Tsunami pump to fill them,I cant remember what fitting it is,but I got it from boardstop..Works great.