Bloke Synthetic Felts vs. Baer PVAK

[TheHatTuba]

I've heard good things about both but never a comparison. BEGIN!!!

[bort]

I have no experience with Bloke's synthetic felts, but I did have a Baer PVAK installed on my Marzan. I liked it a lot, and especially for an older tuba it seemed like a good idea to have a one-and-done solution installed that would never change.

I'm sure that Bloke's system works well too, else he would never have told us about them!

A side point, my Miraphone 1291 came from the factory with some sort of synthetic felts. It's been a few years so I don't entirely remember, but they were cool as well.

[SousaSaver]

They are two different ways to accomplish the same goal. Baer uses o-rings and brass risers to ensure precision in alignment. Bloke uses synthetics that resist oil/moisture absorption. Both don't expand or contract. Both will eventually need to be replaced as they will both eventually wear out (o-rings and synthetic bumpers).

In my opinion it boils down to preference. One may not necessarily be better than another, although I do think Baer's system is pretty slick.