Flow Control Perlicks in Stainless

[TSMill]

Not always as simple as a like for like swap out of metal A for metal B, if it were they would I assume have had the SS from day 1. Good to see they are finally commercially available now so the "are we there yet" threads can die off until the next rumour of a model tweak! Reckon my PC taps will still be shiny and working perfectly when that day comes.

 

[Batz]

Stainless ones would be nice but I can't see myself upgrading my five 545PC's unless I have a lotto win.

 

[Bridges]

If I had pc ones I wouldn't replace them. I'm starting my first keezer build and for the extra dollars I'd prefer to go stainless. I'm hoping they'll be the only taps I ever buy.

 

[Batz]

If I had pc ones I wouldn't replace them. I'm starting my first keezer build and for the extra dollars I'd prefer to go stainless. I'm hoping they'll be the only taps I ever buy.

If I were buying now I too would go stainless, you'll be very pleased with them.

 

[Ross]

One thing to be aware of, that nobody as far as I've seen, who's selling them has mentioned...

The current design available in Australia in very limited quantities is already basically obsolete. There is apparently a design infringement & there will be no more made until the taps have been redesigned with a different shape.
So just be aware, if you want matching taps in the future, they probably won't be available new....


Cheers Ross

 

[Nibbo]

One thing to be aware of, that nobody as far as I've seen, who's selling them has mentioned...

The current design available in Australia in very limited quantities is already basically obsolete. There is apparently a design infringement & there will be no more made until the taps have been redesigned with a different shape.
So just be aware, if you want matching taps in the future, they probably won't be available new....


Cheers Ross

As I'm one of those retailers , I'll chime in.

As far as I'm aware, this is the first I've heard of this. I'm not saying it's not true, it's just something I'm not aware of.
I'll be in direct contact tomorrow with my supplier so hopefully I can shed some light on this and either confirm it or deny it tomorrow night.
The last conversation I had with my supplier, he advised me that there was an endless supply available.

Cheers
Nibbo

 

[Batz]

One thing to be aware of, that nobody as far as I've seen, who's selling them has mentioned...

The current design available in Australia in very limited quantities is already basically obsolete. There is apparently a design infringement & there will be no more made until the taps have been redesigned with a different shape.
So just be aware, if you want matching taps in the future, they probably won't be available new....


Cheers Ross

If this is correct I'll be jumping in quick if your thinking of going for these. The PC models I have are fantastic and I've had them for several years. I've never had a problem, no leaking at all. I did re-kit them a month or so ago for sanitary reasons, it wasn't needed but hell, the kits are cheap.
The stainless model will be built exactly the same as the plated brass, the model has passed all the tests, it works.
When would you see a new model? Three years? It's taken that to get stainless models out there.

The current design available in Australia in very limited quantities

If that's right you better think about grabbing these pronto, sounds like when they're there gone they're
gone.

If you haven't read this thread then you may have missed a picture of my Perlick flow control taps.

http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/60490-perlick-flow-control-taps/page-8?hl=flow

 

[Batz]

Ross will this affect the PC's as well, as they are of the same design ?

 

[bradsbrew]

Ross will this affect the PC's as well, as they are of the same design ?

I am guessing it might have something to do with the perlick growler fillier does not fit into the flow control tap?

 

[TidalPete]

TBPH I can't deny I haven't heard rumors about a lawsuit in my trawling for the perfect tap. h34r:
Beyond that I have absolutely no idea what is going on beyond the scenes.

:icon_offtopic:
Those Micro-Matic tap handles look pretty BTW.

Edit --- Not that Brad. It seems to be a fight over similarities in design (eg. Copying) THBOMK.

 

[joshF]

One thing to be aware of, that nobody as far as I've seen, who's selling them has mentioned...

The current design available in Australia in very limited quantities is already basically obsolete. There is apparently a design infringement & there will be no more made until the taps have been redesigned with a different shape.
So just be aware, if you want matching taps in the future, they probably won't be available new....


Cheers Ross

Ross can you please elaborate further about the apparent design infringement? Surely Perlick would have had the final say before they released (or advised the manufacturer to release) the current design into the market. The only thing i see different compared to the 545PC is the different font on the letter 'P'

 

[Batz]

Nothing like letting a few lawyers make a killing while everyone else suffers.

 

[MarkBastard]

http://www.hmclaw.com/cases.html

Ventmatic vs perlick

 

[DJ_L3ThAL]

"allowing Perlick to use certain inventions in exchange for payment of royalties to Vent Matic."

Doesn't sound like it's ongoing to me and sounds like they can just use the existing design if this is the case being referred to?

 

[joshF]

http://www.hmclaw.com/cases.html

Ventmatic vs perlick

solid searching/googling skills mate, cheers!

 

[Ross]

Guys, I'm simply passing on what the Australian distributor said, I know little else or would have elaborated. From what I understand, the mechanisms will remain unchanged (the one thing I would have liked to see improved), so spare parts will not be an ongoing issue, put the design (appearance) will change.


Cheers Ross

 

[Batz]

I was quite impressed by the mechanism when I pulled mine down, simple and well made. I've never had a problem with mine so my thinking is, if it's not broke why fix it.

 

[Ross]

Batz, when they are working they are great, but the o'ring under the tap handle is prone to failure (it stretches & leaks) & the result is beer foaming out of the base of the tap handle.
We've already had one commercial Bar lose a keg of beer overnight all over their floor. In the shop we have 20 Perlicks pouring beer & at least once a month we'll have a seal fail on one of the taps.

Definitely room for improvement in my book, & you'll no doubt feel the same if you come out to your bar one day to find a keg over the floor.
Like most things, until you experience a problem personally, it isn't an issue....

Ross

 

[joshF]

Thanks for the heads up Ross. Is there a rough time frame as to when the seals start wearing out? I'm wondering if its worthwhile buying a few service kits and replacing the seals etc every 6 months or so, for peace of mind

 

[Ross]

Thanks for the heads up Ross. Is there a rough time frame as to when the seals start wearing out? I'm wondering if its worthwhile buying a few service kits and replacing the seals etc every 6 months or so, for peace of mind

No, it happens to old & new. They don't actually wear out, they just stretch out of shape & then leak. I think it was TidalPete that recommended leaving the stretched seal in hot water overnight & they reform back to normal, this certainly works in our experience.

Cheers Ross