Compression Fittings vs Straight Barbs?

[Brodholm]

So, what do you prefer? Compression fittings or straight barbs?



And if someone can list the pros/cons compared to each other I would greatly appreciate it.

[NaeKuh]

Cons:
Compression's ARENT tubing friendly.
Very selective on what blocks they will fit depending on your outter diameter wall.

Pros:
They look nicer then regular.
Dont require additional clamps.


The Pro is actually in debate, im starting to like Koolance's Clamps on regular Barbs.

[Brodholm]

Cons:
Compression's ARENT tubing friendly.
Very selective on what blocks they will fit depending on your outter diameter wall.

Pros:
They look nicer then regular.
Dont require additional clamps.


The Pro is actually in debate, im starting to like Koolance's Clamps on regular Barbs.

I like the looks and you don't have to use stripes to secure the housing. But they do cost about 3 times as normal barbs. Will the compression fitting that I liked in the fist post fit my tubing?

Are these the clamps:

[zlojack]

Cons:
Compression's ARENT tubing friendly.
Very selective on what blocks they will fit depending on your outter diameter wall.

Pros:
They look nicer then regular.
Dont require additional clamps.


The Pro is actually in debate, im starting to like Koolance's Clamps on regular Barbs.

You've really become a big Koolance fan lately

[theseeker]

Barbs and no clamps! IMHO.

[NaeKuh]

You've really become a big Koolance fan lately

only one the stuff i use and like.

The clamps are nice tho, i need to pick up more, and if you try them, you'll see why i say there nice.

I like the looks and you don't have to use stripes to secure the housing. But they do cost about 3 times as normal barbs. Will the compression fitting that I liked in the fist post fit my tubing?

Are these the clamps:

No, those wont fit, infact that tubing wont fit any compression i can think of.

and yes those are the clamps. They have 2 sizes for 1/2ID, so you need to match clamps with tubing as well.

Good lord 11/16 outer wall eliminates those koolance clamps as well, your only hope is worm drive clamps my friend.

[exemay]

Compression's ARENT tubing friendly.

can u elaborate on this? what do u mean by 'tubing friendly'??

[MrToad]

Neither... Push-in fittings FTW

Of course, you're limited to 12/9 tubing (unless you want to use a lot of 3/8 > 1/4 adaptors), and it takes a bit of ingenuity if you want to use rigid tubing.

On the upside, no plasticizer leech if your use PU (or even copper) and no other solution comes even close in ease of use

And, of course depending on taste, some even look good 'n all

Not the ones I use though, but they're cheap and cheerful and once I close the case I don't see them

[Brodholm]

Barbs and no clamps! IMHO.

What barbs do you use and what tubing. I think ill need clamps with my tygon R3603 7/16in. ID 11/16in tubing. People say that its safer. But when they get on a barb, they are a pain in the ass to remove!

only one the stuff i use and like.

The clamps are nice tho, i need to pick up more, and if you try them, you'll see why i say there nice.



No, those wont fit, infact that tubing wont fit any compression i can think of.

and yes those are the clamps. They have 2 sizes for 1/2ID, so you need to match clamps with tubing as well.

Good lord 11/16 outer wall eliminates those koolance clamps as well, your only hope is worm drive clamps my friend.

Yeah, I thought so...

But I already have the "fat boys" and ill think I stick with them!

Maybe the next build

[NaeKuh]

can u elaborate on this? what do u mean by 'tubing friendly'??

u need to match outter wall and inner diameter almost exactly for it to work effectively.

Have one of those numbers off, and compressions can be a nightmore more then bling.

[theseeker]

What barbs do you use and what tubing. I think ill need clamps with my tygon R3603 7/16in. ID 11/16in tubing. People say that its safer. But when they get on a barb, they are a pain in the ass to remove!


Yeah, I thought so...

But I already have the "fat boys" and ill think I stick with them!

Maybe the next build

1/2" BP barbs with 3/8" ID TFC tubing. You will not need clamps and you will have a clean look.

[exemay]

u need to match outter wall and inner diameter almost exactly for it to work effectively.

Have one of those numbers off, and compressions can be a nightmore more then bling.

mmm i see what you mean....wasnt a problem for me cause i got feser compression and feser tubingz!

[zlojack]

only one the stuff i use and like.

The clamps are nice tho, i need to pick up more, and if you try them, you'll see why i say there nice.

They are nice-looking and look like they'd work well

But I'm a comps guy.

[ewitte]

I still prefer clamps and not those cheap plastic things I'd be worried off that. My favorites are the ones you tighten with a screwdriver.

[eva2000]

I still prefer clamps and not those cheap plastic things I'd be worried off that. My favorites are the ones you tighten with a screwdriver.

same here.... nothing gives you peace of mind against leaks etc as metal screw clamps

[anzial]

same here.... nothing gives you peace of mind against leaks etc as metal screw clamps

+1. Who cares what they look like? They are inside the case, and if everything is alright, no need to be looking inside and seeing them lol

[Jimmer411]

+1. Who cares what they look like? They are inside the case, and if everything is alright, no need to be looking inside and seeing them lol

+1. They are cheaper and go well with my dust bunnies too!

[Anemone]

Kind of surprised no one has ever come up with blackened worm clamps

[Worthy]

I see some points on the barbs and I agree with them, but personally I prefer the compression fittings myself.
Some might value function exclusively, but I love looking into my case and saying "whoa". Looking at pics of some of these amazing watercooled systems and how cool the compression fittings and tubing looked is what made me investigate watercooling to begin with.
The only problem I ever had with the compression fittings was on my swiftech max NB block. The little swiftec logo
interfered with the seating of the fitting and I had a small weep there until I caught it. I pulled it off and it makes a nice case badge now.

I just think they look a lot more professional on a beautiful piece like the collance 350 waterblock.
Just my take.

[billb]

Aren't those little tiny holes that the water goes through, well, ....cute!

[Scubar]

compressions are so much nicer. I might consider using DD Fatboys with those koolance clamps though. Doubt i will ever find those Koolance clamps in the UK.

[LOUISSSSS]

can someone explain to a noob what exactly are compression fittings and how exactly i'd use them?

i have masterkleer 7/16" ID 5/8" OD tubing... what can i use?

[generics_user]

compressions are so much nicer. I might consider using DD Fatboys with those koolance clamps though. Doubt i will ever find those Koolance clamps in the UK.

well you can buy them here:

Aquatuning.de - srping clamps

in all different colors and sizes

edit: shipping cost are very high...

[dingdong555]

Compressions have my vote....Looks good, holds the tubing secure and looks good (Did I say that already?)

Con - Price.

[generics_user]

normal barbs have my vote

better flow, better looks, smaller footprint

7/16" tubing on EK barbs = no clamp required