I use the EC silicone connectors most of the time, and I have made some nylon "connector plugs" that fit in the silicone and at the other end they fit the cheap PVC hose ..

A couple of times the nylon connector plugs got blocked by resin, but then I just check them in the lathe an drill out the resin ..

My First set of EC Silicone connectors lasted more than "15 bag-ups"  I consider that good value ..

On smaller moulds (I do a lot of small stuff)  I often just run the pvc hose in through the gum tape at one end .. With a piece of spiral inside .. Never had a sealing problem with that method.

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I mostly run the tube in without a connector, except on complex parts with an inlet not being on the flange I use the silicone connectors...did more than 20 infusions with the first...Just rub them in with some Chemical release agent 

Matthieu Libeert
Founder MAT2 Composites X Sports
website: www.mat2composites.com

I run the hose in through the gum tape that holds the bag down. Have the spiral wrap cut in half and put the ends into the end of the tube. Depending on complexity, masking tape to hold them in or a small patch of breather to stop the end of the hose damaging the bag.

This way ^ does make leaks somewhat more likely though, so I would recommend cutting off the hoses at the clamps just after infusion. 

Hi Mark, The silicon connectors that I have been using are from easy composites and I have probably done getting on for 10 cycles with them and they still look perfect.  I watched a video online of someone having the inlet and outlet pipe laying down level with the mould and introducing them into the bag where the bagging tape seals down to the mould then sealing the bag around it, this way completely eliminated needing the silicon connectors.

Nothing good to say......then say nothing

They are a consumable. Mine lasted longer than 4 cycles though.

Is anybody using anything other than the type of silicone connectors that EC sell that they can recommend?

I've found that, after half a dozen infusions or so, the excess resin begins sticking to them and they tend to start breaking apart. At around £4 each I wondered if there was a good alternative out there that might just have a bit more longevity?

Thanks

Mark