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Tygon vs Clearflex

GaleForce

GaleForce

Gawd
Joined
Aug 7, 2004
Messages
761
I know they're virtually the same, but I have a tubing problem that my Clearflex kinks on and I was wondering how Tygon would do. I have an MSI K8N Neo2 Plat, a DD TDX on my processor, and an NV-68 on my GT. The problem is the output barb on the TDX is too close to the barbs on the NV-68 so the clearflex got a slight kink. I had to then make my loop sloppy (I know it doesn't effect temps, just looks sloppy) by going CPU -> Pump -> GPU -> Res -> Rad. I'd rather get some Tygon if it will stand up stronger and not kink on that close connection, so that I can have a clean, round, good looking loop. You think Tygon could provide that extra kink protection or is Clearflex so close to it I might run into the same problem? I've looked and coolsleeves too but I don't want to sleeve all my tubes and I need new tubing anyway to redo my loop most likely.

Damn watercooling gets expensive.
 
You might want to check into the tubing at voyeurmods.com . They say the Primoflex is more flexible than Clearflex. Also check out mcmaster.com for tubing. They list smallest bending radius for the tubing. Look under "Pipe, Tubing, Hose and Fittings / Plastic Tubing".
 
I've got some MasterKleer 1/2"ID/3/4"OD tubing from McMaster and it's suprisingly flexible for how thick walled it is.
 
Just bought some of the PrimoFlex from voyeurmods. I'll let you know how it is after the shipment arrives.
 
GaleForce said:
5/8 Od 1/2 Id
Click to expand...

if you get 1/2 id by 3/4 tygon it will help
im not to sure on the clearflex with the tygon 3603
1/2 x 5/8 is 2 7/8 bend radius
1/2 x 3/4 is 1 1/2 bend radius thats over a inch
 
Bend radius isn't everything. Vinyl tubing has good bend radii, but to get to that radius it takes a lot of force, force that is definitely undesirable on your waterblocks.
 
Whoops I meant 3/4 OD. Anyway, you think I can make that bend with Tygon? I don't trust any of these other brands unless someone can show me something that it bends better than cleaflex and looks just as good.
 
I got my Primoflex. On preperation to install it in my system I decided not to. I found two seams, opposite of each other, running the length of the tubing. It didn't give me a good feeling and I'll be sticking with Clearflex or Tygon. It was just as flexible as Tygon, if not a little more, softer too, and a little "rubbery" feeling.
 
A 'seam' is also present on both Tygon R-1000 & R-3603:
It takes the form of a ~3-4mm flattened band running along the entire length.
It's quite (very?) subtle (almost invisible on the R-3603) but it's definitely there.
In either case I'm not sure I would let the presense of such a feature stop you from using the product.
 
nightic said:
A 'seam' is also present on both Tygon R-1000 & R-3603:
It takes the form of a ~3-4mm flattened band running along the entire length.
It's quite (very?) subtle (almost invisible on the R-3603) but it's definitely there.
In either case I'm not sure I would let the presense of such a feature stop you from using the product.
Click to expand...

I ended up using it anyway. It picked up the infamous white coating even quicker than ClearFlex did, so now I'm going back to Tygon, and ONLY Tygon from now on.

The seam I was refering to is quite noticable on the PrimoFlex. Not only was it visible, but it was raised and you could feel it.I have never noticed a seam on the ClearFlex or Tygon, and I have some Tygon right next to me here (R-3603 and B-44-3 Beverage Tubing). Just checked again an no seam is visible, at least not on the pieces I have here.

Sorry, but I think the PrimoFlex is just crappy.
 
PsycoGeek said:
I ended up using it anyway. It picked up the infamous white coating even quicker than ClearFlex did, so now I'm going back to Tygon, and ONLY Tygon from now on.

The seam I was refering to is quite noticable on the PrimoFlex. Not only was it visible, but it was raised and you could feel it.I have never noticed a seam on the ClearFlex or Tygon, and I have some Tygon right next to me here (R-3603 and B-44-3 Beverage Tubing). Just checked again an no seam is visible, at least not on the pieces I have here.

Sorry, but I think the PrimoFlex is just crappy.
Click to expand...

I think you have to expect that Silicone-esque tubing may well be more prone to 'clouding' than the harder, clearer-when-new variants (R-3603/Clearflex et al).
R-1000 for instance is noticeably more opaque than R-3603 when unused and otherwise.

Having said that, I've just ordered some Primoflex to see for myself...
 
nightic said:
I think you have to expect that Silicone-esque tubing may well be more prone to 'clouding' than the harder, clearer-when-new variants (R-3603/Clearflex et al).
R-1000 for instance is noticeably more opaque than R-3603 when unused and otherwise.

Having said that, I've just ordered some Primoflex to see for myself...
Click to expand...

I have the R-1000 in my system right now, and I don't like it either. It doesn't bother me if the tubing isn't perfectly clear. What bothers me about the R-1000 is the fact that the 1/2" i.d. tubing fits so loose that without zip ties it would fall off of the barbs (which are made for 1/2" i.d. tubing).

The B-44-3 is a bit harder than the R-3603 (which I have had in the past, and would like to get again in 7/16" i.d., but can't find in anything less than 50' rolls), @ 63 on the durometer scale, but still seems flexible enough.

Good luck with the PrimoFlex. I just didn't like it.
 
PsycoGeek said:
I have the R-1000 in my system right now, and I don't like it either. It doesn't bother me if the tubing isn't perfectly clear. What bothers me about the R-1000 is the fact that the 1/2" i.d. tubing fits so loose that without zip ties it would fall off of the barbs (which are made for 1/2" i.d. tubing).
Click to expand...

I love the stuff, would find it difficult to go back to anything as rigid as even R-3603 (1/8" wall).

Good point about the looseness of fit, although I don't notice it at all with nylon/polypropylene fittings.
With regards to use on metal barbs; I get around that with a combination of slightly oversized parts (5/8" OD hose tails etc - which consquently also feature the benfit of a marginally increased bore) and screwable hose clamps.
 
clearflex is slightly firmer than Tygon, in my experience, and tygon may just make the bend, if you get the thicker walled stuff. Another thing to try is holding your tubing in boiling water for a minute or two, and holding it at the bend while it cools down, it'll hold that bend a lot better. Another thing to try is plastic hose clamps (or hose clamps in general) or plastic zip ties loosely zipped/tightened around the tube... it'll help it hold that "O" shape in tight bends.
 
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