reveal Tubes. Hypalon versus PVC – which is best?
Most RIBS today are manufactured with Hypalon tubes, however a lot of the smaller sized Ribs aren’t and the tubes are manufactured with PVC mainly to keep manufacturers and subsequently retail costs down. There has been many a debate and articles on this subject and in my eyes it has nothing to do with which has more tear strength or UV resistance, after all how good is the material if the glue which adheres the tubes together fails? In my experience of fixing many Rib tubes of both types I can tell you PVC glue breaks down very quickly in comparison with Hypalon. and when it does go on the seams it really is game over. Another drawback to PVC is it is also far harder to repair as it requires more than ideal atmospheric conditions. However the tubes are only as good as the construction, just because the collar is Hypalon does not mean every thing is hunky dory in the tube department, as with resin make the glue is critical. Bostick make the best, if it’s good enough for the R.N.L.I and
