Regulator - Which Type??

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This is my first post so go easy on me......... heh, heh.My "gauge" type regulator that came with my little Lincoln MIG has started leaking.  I going to buy a new one, but would like to get advice on which type....Gauge or Flow ball?????Trying to stay under $100.......Great forum site......!Thanks..... Attached Images
Reply:Why don't you just get the old one fixed?Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:It is not worth having fixed in my estamation as it is a very cheap regulator that came with a very old Lincoln SP130.I was looking to upgrade the regulator that I use for a future, newer generation MIG welder.I did not want to buy another cheap one only to buy a better one later.  I am hoping to do a one shot regulator/flow and a one shot upgrade to the Lincoln.All that said, my original post was to cut to the chase and get advice.I appreciate your suggestions.
Reply:The ball type flow meters tend to be more accurate, and thus more expensive on average. For a small to midsize mig, either will work just as well..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thank you DSW.... You are correct that either would be OK, but the Ball Type Flow surely looks better and what the heck,,,, we are only around for a short while.... grin...I think that my next welder will not be a "little" suitcase model... possibly a Hobart 211.  I'm still researching..... Attached Images
Reply:I had a gauge style on my inverter tig and swapped it over to the flowball style and I'm much happier with it, stays right where I leave it all the time (I keep my Ar set @ 12.5 just about all the time). That being said my gauge style one has acted screwy for a while, I couldnt get an accurate bottle psi reading all the time with it and the flow needed be be adjusted often. I believe it was a harris or victor guage no idea how old looks in good shape possibly worn or faulty internals not sure, but I have like 6 flowmeters laying around so just changed it out. Have a gauge style on my MM135 and it works fine after many years of fab shop service with guys hanging cords around it and generally being all around hard on it. All of our other unit have flowball style and work great. I'm sure either style will work just fine. I think I remember seeing on here somewhere that usaweld.com has decent regs at a good price but don't quote me on that. Hope this helpsMerry Christmas - Rob
Reply:Rob,Good reply, thanks for taking the time......Not always having to mess with the flow setting is a very big plus.... I seem to always forget to check the flow until after I start welding.  Not good, but human nature I suppose.Thanks again....
Reply:I'd vote for the brass, floating ball style shown on the left in the original post.  If you're looking for a great value, check out the ones available from HTP for about $40.