5/16" vs. 7/16" outer diameter keg lines

[PKLehmer]

My LHBS sells 3/16" ID, 5/16" OD, beer lines. I ordered some more from morebeer and it came as 7/16" OD. I've found alot of discussion around ID around here, but not much about OD. My preference is for the 5/16" as its so much smaller snd easier to work with, but I don't want to mess up anything if its no good. Anyone have an explanation on the differences? I've attached a photo of the two box labels.

 

[LLBeanJ]

3/16" ID x 5/16" OD flexible tubing is your typical run of the mill PVC tubing, which works, but has a tendency to impart plastic flavors in the beer if it is allowed to sit for an extended amount of time. For this reason, I wouldn't use it for the liquid line, though it's fine for the gas line. The 3/16" ID x 7/16" OD Bevlex 200 is designed for serving beer and will not impart plastic flavors. I personally would only use the Bevlex 200 or Bev-Seal (3/16" ID x 5/16" OD rigid tubing, requires John Guest fittings unless you like fighting with it - this is actually what I use) for my serving lines. I've used the Bevlex 200 in the past and it works well, but the Bev-Seal is a superior product.

 

[PKLehmer]

Interesting, is it made of a different material then, or is it just thicker?

 

[LLBeanJ]

Different material. Not as susceptical to taste and odor transfer as PVC.

 

[PKLehmer]

Thank you, guess I'll use the Bevflex, even though I wish I could save space with the smaller OD stuff. I don't want plasticized beer!