Topeak SmartGauge D2 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge – Presta/Schrader Compatible, 250 Psi/17 Bar, Precision Air Pressure Reader with LCD Display for Bikes, Motorcycles & Sports Equipment

This is a very solid, reliable and easy to use gauge that works well for both higher-pressure road bike tires and lower-pressure mountain bike tires, and for auto tires. It works with both Schrader and Presta valves, with a simple, one-click switch to go between these two standards. I really like the large display, which is much easier to read than the tiny display I had on another, older electronic gauge that eventually failed. I also like the swivel head that makes it easy to see the display from various angles. It's got a rugged feel to it (without being too heavy for bringing along on a MTB ride), and is the proper shape for holding it securely while using. It's a great device ... the best tire-pressure gauge I've ever owned. I only have two nitpicks: One thing that's not obvious is how to use the "bleed" or air release button. If you read the instructions, you'll be fine ... so don't toss them! Another nitpick: With a maximum 250 psi, this gauge can supposedly even handle pressure readings on suspension forks and shocks ... but I wouldn't buy it for that purpose. Since this is a press-on, rather than a threaded chuck, you get too much air loss from a shock to get an accurate reading (I tried.)

This is an updated review after several years of weekly use.The Topeak D2 SmartGauge stands out for several reasons:• Large digital screen – Clear and easy to read at a glance.• Air pressure release with auto-recalculation – If you overinflate, just press the release button after activating the “Tune” mode to auto-update the reading as air escapes.• Compact and portable – Easy to carry in a jersey pocket or tool kit.• Versatile valve compatibility – Works with both Presta and Schrader valves.• Swiveling nozzle – Makes it easy to read the screen from any angle while checking pressure.• Solid build quality – Made from decent plastic that feels sturdy, not cheap.Air Pressure Release TipIf you’re trying to dial in an exact pressure, press the “Tune” button before using the release valve. This enables the gauge to recalculate pressure live as you let air out. Without pressing “Tune,” the gauge won’t update as expected.PriceWhile the functionality is solid, the price feels steep at $38. A more appropriate value in my opinion would be around $19.99.ConclusionOverall, the Topeak D2 SmartGauge is a high-quality, feature-packed tire gauge that offers precision and convenience beyond most gauges you’ll find at gas stations or auto parts stores. If you want something reliable and easy to use, this is a smart upgrade.

The Topeak SmartGauge D2 I purchased worked well for about 18 months. I used it exclusively to measure pressure on Presta valve high pressure road bicycle tires. At about 18 months, the gauge began to stop reliably displaying pressure, taking 3 or more tries to get a readout. Also, the pressure adjustment button periodically would fail to relieve pressure. Nothing would happen when pressing the button. This was independent from the "display fail" problem. On any given try, the gauge might work as expected, or it might have problems getting a reading, or it might get a reading but not release air when the relief button was pressed. In other words, it became an unreliable faff. About two weeks ago, 2 years & 2 months after purchase, the valve select lever broke, causing the gauge head to massively leak air when tryin to take a reading. Basically, the gauge was non-functional and I threw it away.I assume it was accurate but have no means to gauge accuracy given I didn't have another "known to be accurate" gauge for comparison. I liked the large, easy to read display but I would have liked for the gauge to have lasted longer. I've replaced this D2 with Jayco's MBX-60 gauge. Though the MBX-60 uses a more difficult to read (for me) dial gauge, the old-school dial pressure gauges tend to be more reliable because they're simpler. For contrast, I bought the Topeak D2 to replace a dial gauge I bought in 1988 and that I had to finally retire because the seals were shot and could not be replaced. The Jayco MBX-60 is very similar to my previous gauge from 1988. I'll see what kind of performance/longevity I get from it.