Poly tubing vs maple tubing

[Bbc.396]

What's the difference between the clear poly tubing available at most hardware stores vs the proper tubing that's designed for sap.

[collinsmapleman2012]

maple tubing holds shape better, has uv resistance to it, and is generally going to be cheaper per ft.
look for a good semi rigid, like h20, lapierre, cdl, or i have had good luck with leader uni-50. heard good things about d&g as well.

[DrTimPerkins]

What's the difference between the clear poly tubing available at most hardware stores vs the proper tubing that's designed for sap.

The poly tubing at the hardware store is generally polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Maple tubing is typically polyethylene (PE). Originally maple tubing was made of PVC, but has been almost entirely displaced by PE. What you'll get at maple suppliers is definitely food-grade tubing (as long as you get it from a reputable source). PVC tubing can collapse under vacuum and be stretched quite a bit. PVC will tend to sag more. Bottom line...stick with maple tubing...probably a semi-rigid tubing is your best choice.