Compression fittings....

Adsta · 15 Oct 2011 at 22:29

Ok might seem a stupid question. BUT I will ask anyways. Is there really that much of a difference between a Bitspower fitting and a EK fitting (apart from price...) I just cannot work it out. For other parts in a WC system I can see and understand why some brands are more expensive than others. But fittings I just cannot get to grips with.

Looking at 7/16 ID a bitspower fitting will set you back 8quid per fitting. A EK fitting of the same ID 3quid per fitting. So why the huge price difference ? Me and a couple friends were discussing it in the pub (as all convos like this happen.....lol) I compared them to like nails. A nail is a nail it does the job a more expensive nail is not going to be any different (unless its a different metal) but a bitspower fitting an EK fitting are the same metal. So why the difference !

And don't tell me its because bitspower comes with a stupid green O-ring cuz that doesnt cut it

Jokester · 15 Oct 2011 at 22:31

I could never understand spending more for fittings, other than for bling factor. If that doesn't interest you, yeah just get the cheapest that do the job.

coldfused · 15 Oct 2011 at 22:59

I bought a bitspower fitting for 24p off OcUK

- It wasn't the right fitting for the type of tube, but the quality of the compression fitting was excellent. I haven't compared it to an EK fitting, but having felt it, I probably guess I wouldn't want to.

I bought some more bitspower fittings (right size this time) from the MM, for approx £4.20 each which tbh is definitely worth it. If I couldn't get them second hand, then I would spend the extra. I guess its worth searching around for to get the best price. Don't be afraid of looking at overseas stockists since there doesn't seem to be much UK stock about/and its cheaper.

moogle · 15 Oct 2011 at 23:07

It's the looks/quality I'd say. The EK one seems to have bigger sized knurling than the BP one.

hyperst · 16 Oct 2011 at 00:22

I use both, EK and Bitspower, EK are absolutely fine and just as nice looking imo as Bitspower, Ek are defiantly quality fittings, so save yourself some money mate and get EK

mike gunnz · 16 Oct 2011 at 09:28

Mainly bling factor and high demand. You can't deny that BP compressions are really well made and they look the part. Money well spent I'd say.

ChrisLandin · 16 Oct 2011 at 09:50

I never bothered with any branded fittings when it came to my old various loops. I just used the stock comperssion fitting offered by on line retailers. I recall many months ago picking up some from good old OCUK when they were selling off a lot of watercooling gear.

The expensive ones do look uber nice and do perform very well but they also set your back a lot of cash.

Non branded ones may not have the wow factor but are cheaper work just as well as long as they are applied correctly, and probably the most important thing they achieve the same good clean look as the most expensive ones.

Just my 2 pennies

alex2k10 · 16 Oct 2011 at 17:23

I think its just bling factor tbh.

I mean they might be manufactured to a higher tolerance rating or something i dont no they just look pretty.