The comment was made that the earlier Silcas were better than the current offering and I think that's right. I've got 3 Silcas and have rebuilt them all, including replacement of the tiny check valve (similar to a shrader valve core) at the bottom of the pump.
Couple years ago on a visit to a beautiful bike shop in Kyoto, Japan I came across the ultimate tweak for a Silca pump, the gizmo that will make every act of tire inflation a near religious experience. I think it is the best cycling accessory I have ever owned, the Hirame pump head.
It has a locking lever that compresses the inner grommet, locking it onto the valve stem. When done, just flip the lever open and it pops right off, no more struggling with the Silca chuck. This thing is beautifully made and the lever action feels like sliding the bolt on a Weatherby.
They come up on eboy from time to time.
Highly recommended!
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA