i got my maze3 on friday. it uses the buttonhead bolts, the barbs have a small bit of clear silicon to seal them. no cracks anywhere on the block, and it looks GREAT
i can tighten down the bolts pretty good, and i dont feel like anything will crack. i lapped the block for quite a while (1500 grit finish) while the barbs and everything were still on. so there was plenty of pushes and pulls that would happen to the barbs, and still no cracks.
i mounted the block and then put the silicone tubing on (3/8" on 1/2" fittings) and the barbs feel very sturdy, and there are no signs of cracks.
if there is any worry for cracking, i would have to say that the barbs would have the most leverage to allow for it. the bolts seem like you could get full compression (touching the copper) without a problem. So i guess you could get some nylon barbs and put them in if you are really nervous, but im fine with brass.
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