Felts vs. Rubber Washers

[Tubajug]

Does anyone use rubber washers on top of their pistons rather than felts?

I know felts are cheap, but mine get soaked rather quickly and start "squishing" more, so I was curious about using rubber washers instead, with the idea that they would last longer and not change thickness much. Are they a lot noisier than felts?

Please offer any insights. Thanks!

[Bandmaster]

Does anyone use rubber washers on top of their pistons rather than felts?

I know felts are cheap, but mine get soaked rather quickly and start "squishing" more, so I was curious about using rubber washers instead, with the idea that they would last longer and not change thickness much. Are they a lot noisier than felts?

Please offer any insights. Thanks!

When Dan Oberloh restored my BBb Holton 345 he installed very nice red felt washers on top of the pistons and they worked very nice... for about 6 months. The suddenly the 1st valve washer collapsed and became mush! It totally threw off the valve alignment. So I contacted Joe and ordered a set of his synthetic washers and installed on my valves. BIG difference! A nice feel wen depressed and on the recoil. It has been over 2 years now and they are still every bit as good as they were on the first day! I can HIGHLY recommend them!