Extreme Rigs Soft Tube Test – Take 2 – Final Update

Conclusion

After 10 months and 3 updates, our Soft Tube Test Take 2 has concluded. The test rig worked flawlessly with both D5 pumps running flat out virtually non-stop during this time. We used a dye know to stain badly which was a deliberate move to see which tube type would absorb more of the dye, but we did not expect to see the color completely drop out of the coolant.
We think it a fair assessment to say that both tube types have stained equally and that the Ultra Clear tube is more permeable. We come to this conclusion because the absorbed dye on the Ultra Clear is spread more evenly in the tube wall while on the Advanced LRT sample absorbed dye is concentrated more on the inner wall. Our theory on Ultra Clear being more permeable is backed up by the fact that it’s loop needed topping top a little more frequently that the Advanced LRT.
After 10 months neither tube type was showing any evidence at all of plasticizer leaching from the tubes. The claim of no plasticizer leaching from Mayhems was one of the main reasons that the test was started in the first place. Hard tubing and soft rubber tube has grown in popularity over the last few years largely due to plasticizer issues from previous generations of soft tube. We can confidently say that after our 10 month test period neither the Mayhems Ultra Clear or PrimoChill Advanced LRT tubing were showing signs of plasticizer leaching. This is a great result and credit to both companies for doing something about an issue which has previously affected or worried soft tube users.

As far as performance goes once installed the loop, it was a very close call to pick which was better. However, we think Advanced LRT has the edge because it retained better clarity, is less permeable and dye absorption was limited to just the inner lining of the tube wall.

The in situ performance was neck and neck, so it is likely other factors will sway readers one way or the other in their purchase decision.

For most of us cost has some part in making purchasing decisions and Mayhems Ultra Clear is less than half the price per foot of Advanced LRT. Advanced LRT is also available in a 10 foot retail pack which includes a bottle of SysPrep (and now Utopia also included) which makes it reasonable value if you want/need those extras, but overall Mayhems Ultra Clear is better value.

The physical characteristics of the two tube types are quite different. Some of these characteristics might appeal to potential buyers, others not so much.

The color tint of each tube is quite different with Ultra Clear having a Blue tint and the Advanced LRT being more yellow.  Advanced LRT has better clarity that the Ultra Clear, both when new and as the tube gets older. Advanced LRT has a thicker wall which makes it a lot stiffer than the Ultra Clear. This means the Ultra Clear can make tighter turns but will kink easier if you try too tight a radius.  Ultra Clear is a metric tube being 10mm x 16mm while Advanced LRT is imperial being 23/64″ x 5/8″ – NOT 3/8 x 5/8. Most barbs including compression fittings are for 3/8″ size tube. Therefore Mayhems Ultra Clear is easier to install. Advanced LRT is much harder to fit (and remove) and while being extra secure, it does leave potential for compatibility issues with certain fittings.

Having summarized the key differences and how they performed is there a clear winner ?
Not Really. After all this time we are still fence sitting although we are leaning towards the Advanced LRT purely because of it’s better clarity.

The bottom line is that we think both tubes are great choices and we hope that the information provided will help you make the choice which is right for you.

Where to buy:

Mayhems Web-Shop: Ultra Clear Tubing (3/8 – 5/8) 10/16mm
3 Meters £4.62 + shipping from UK
5 Meters £7.50 + shipping from UK
3 Meters £40.00 + shipping from UK

PrimoChill Web-Shop: PrimoFlex Advanced LRT Crystal Clear – 3/8in.ID x 5/8in.OD – Retail Bundle (10ft pack) includes SysPrep and Utopia.
$26.95 + shipping

Performance PCs: PrimoFlex Advanced LRT 10ft Tubing – 3/8in. ID X 5/8in. OD – Crystal Clear $24.95 + shipping from USA

Performance PCs: PrimoFlex Advanced LRT Tubing 1ft – 3/8in. ID X 5/8in. OD – Crystal Clear $2.50 + shipping from USA

Performance PCs: Mayhems Ultra Clear Tubing 3/8″ x 5/8″ (10/16mm)
$1.19 + shipping from USA

Note: New Packaging for Advanced LRT 10ft retail pack as listed in the PrimoChill web-shop.