Compression fittings or Barbs - and why?

[Abz Hussain]

Ok, im undecided as to what type of fittings to use.
So im going to get an opinion of OCuK's forum readers. Tell me what you use, and why you prefer it over the other

 

[eggcup]

Compressions for sheer ease of use and they are tidier looking. plus imo they look nicer.

 

[s7cn]

It's about preference tbh, I personally use compressions because I really like the look of them, especially the Bitspower fittings! They both do the job well tbh.

 

[BriT]

Ive used both and prefer compressions, look nice and very secure.

 

[KiiYzOo]

I prefer the look of barbs, as imo they look cleaner and you can see where the coolant stops and the barb starts

 

[rjk]

nice barbs look good.
fatboys on thinner tubing looks epic.

but compressions are easy to use.

 

[Krony]

Compressions fop both looks and peace of mind.

 

[steve45]

i much prefer the look of compressions, plus as said before, easy to use and peace of mind.
cant see me ever using barbs.

 

[Boostjunky]

Personally I prefer compressions, I find them easier to fit and think they have less chance of leaking.

 

[Jokester]

Used barbs for years, then used compressions, used compressions ever since.

 

[Gamble2004]

Only ever used Compressions and they are so simple and easy! Can't see me ever using barbs tbh...

 

[ThePengu1n]

I think compressions look better, but barbs are cheaper. As for the "compressions are safer" thing, they are no less likely to leak than barbs. I am using 7/16" tubing on 1/2" barbs on my loop atm, with no issues at all. If/when I redo things, I will probably change to compression fittings, purely for the looks.

 

[craarc]

got a mixture of both and next time its compressions all the way for me

 

[Abz Hussain]

got a mixture of both and next time its compressions all the way for me

What dont you like about the barbs?

 

[shadowscotland]

Compressions look better off , than with tubes attached (gaps)
Barbs look better with tubes attached.

Poor cut ends are hidden by compressions
A quality cut tube hides most of the barb.

Both come in black, silver and various colours.

Compression will only take the correct size tube
Barbs will take the correct size (ID and OD) and anything else smaller or with a different wall thickness.

Tightening a compression fitting MAY cause the tube to rotate
This can cause leaks as the compression unscrews its self.
Rotary compressions are foolproof but increase the chance of a leak. (extra joint)

Correct tube over barbs needs a clamp or cable tie
Smaller ID over a quality barb doesn't.

Both are available in MAX ID highflow versions.

Barbs are a fraction of the price, even cheap ones are ok (but get quality ones)
Only ever buy quality compressions

IMHO koolance compressions are the best of both.
They have barb tails and work without the compression nut.
Adding the nut for the looks and no need for clamps/cable ties.

 

[Abz Hussain]

So far, form a personal view, the majority of compression fittings look good, some barb fittings just as good. However, i have seen some really hideous barb set ups lol
Im leaning towards compression fittings, the ones i like are a very expensive compared to the others but we will see.
Thanks for your opinions guys.

 

[Lordgrayone]

Compression fittings for looks and sore thumbs , can't comment on barbs as I've never used them

 

[Duke_]

It's about preference tbh, I personally use compressions because I really like the look of them, especially the Bitspower fittings! They both do the job well tbh.

For me, this sums it up

 

[craarc]

What dont you like about the barbs?

well i have fat boy barbs and phobya clamps which are really nice clamps with allen keys on them and they are easy to fit its not that i dont like barbs its just compressions liook so neat and tidy im goin all compression for sure im not sure to go with a deep black or a gunmetal or a crome tho at this moment in time still thinking on that one i would like to find out if i can get them annodised in diferent colors tho