Ball or Pin?

[tominsj]

My brother and I have decided our next purchase for our beer making will be buying a kegging system, which is better ball lock or pin? And what is the benefit of one over the other?

Thanks!

[Jbug]

Ball lock for me... No reason I guess, everyone seems to use them so I do too!

I have seen some good deals on pin locks tho...


Josh

[Bugeater]

Pin lock kegs are slightly shorter and wider than ball locks. Something to think about if kegerator dimensions are an issue. Pin lock fittings are designed so that you can't accidentally get them on the wrong posts.

Ball lock kegs, however, are more common. Something to consider if you take a keg to a function and need to borrow a picnic tap or hook up to someone else's CO2 tank.

I would say to look around at what the other brewers are using in your area and go with that.

Wayne

[CRBrewHound]

I would go with Ball lock personally, from all of my experience this is what most people use that is why I suggest using them. If you participate in a brewing club, then it makes it much easier to do things with other fellow homebrewers such as swapping beers or participation in club events.

Though as far as form and function they work equally well.

Wow guess I should have read the thread before posting. Though its nice to know that I can be a parrot for The BUG!.

[dontblake]

I have ball locks. A friend is looking into getting kegs and is having a bugger of a time finding them. However, there seems to be plenty of pin locks available. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter - as bug and CR mentioned, if your club has lots of ball locks, it is easier to swap stuff if you get ball locks too.
Whatever you decide, you won't regret getting your kegs!