Difference in Ultra Barrier vs. Silver vs. Vinyl Beer Line

[beermati]

I've read a bunch of posts, reviews, etc. on the various types of lines and there doesn't seem to be consensus, but thought I would ask for opinions on if there is a difference in upgrading regular PVC to one of these poly lines.

In my two tap kegerator, which I keep at 36 degrees and 10-12 PSI, I have 8' Perfect Pour lines and have a some foaming (not horrible) that persists on subsequent pours, so I am going to lengthen to 10' or 12' lines.

When looking at buying the replacement lines, I ran across these other types and fell into analysis paralysis. Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[JBone120]

I'd be interested to know this too.

 

[Jwin]

If you go with those lines, you will need much more line. Google keg line calculator. They have less inherent flow restriction so call for more length. I can't tell you any difference but doubt one could taste any difference either.

 

[TallDan]

I think there's a taste difference with beer that sits in the line for a while. I had vinyl line with my one tap kegerator, but went with bev seal ultra when i built my 4 tap keezer.

 

[day_trippr]

Google seems to have no idea what "Perfect Pour" lines might be.

Folks have different sensory systems - what one might miss another will pick up in spades. The "vinyl" taste thing is one of those: most people will go through life never noticing it while others will dump a pour. I've always run Bevlex 200 solid PVC but fortunately I nor anyone else has ever noticed any plasticky note. It may be there, we just don't have the genetic coding to pick it up.

Anyway, wrt beer line length, for the record, this is the only beer line length calculator worth using. But it's clearly tuned for solid PVC beer line.

Folks that have installed Bev Seal Ultra 235 lines in whatever passes as "3/16" ID" have noted the need to use considerably more line - somewhere between 50% and 100% beyond the solid PVC line they used prior.

I haven't read enough about experiences with the Ultra Barrier Silver line to provide any guidance, but it's easier to cut back a line than make it longer...

Cheers!

 

[beermati]

Thanks for the replies.

Perfect Pour was a vinyl line I found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017EA5ST6/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I haven't had any problems with taste issues, so I will try this or other vinyl, first at 12' and see how it goes.

 

[Jwin]

I've been happy with this tubing
ATP Vinyl-Flex PVC Food Grade Plastic Tubing, Clear, 3/16" ID x 5/16" OD, 100 feet Length https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6BCXQ8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

It has a smaller OD, but I doubt that makes much difference unless your beer is sitting in it for weeks.