Super Clear vs Crystal Clear
 

Preferences??? I personally love Super Clear but recently saw some Crystal Clear. Hmmmmm

I'm assuming you mean for 104. I have always loved the Lauscha clear.

I saw it listed as Effetre...I had never heard of "crystal" clear.

Clears - 004 or 006 for Effetre. I have heard the "crystal" name used for 004 but that is just the regular clear. Super clear is 006 and as you may know is considered the better one. They haven't come out with anything new that I know of, but VS clear over on the Frantz website is said to be better than the 006 and compatible. I've been thinking of trying it.

I think I've been the victim of really bad batch-luck, because so many people have had such fantastic experiences with Effetre 006 Clear and I seem to only find the batches that bubble and scum.

I like Reichenbach Crystal Clear, but that's probably not the Crystal that the OP meant. Reichenbach Crystal 104 clear glass is my favourite clear :)

Effetre 006 is called crystal clear over here *shrugs*

The Italian name for Clear is Cristallo or Crystal. I think that is where the confusion is coming from.

You should give the VS Clear from Frantz a try. It's nice - not as buttery soft and perfect as Double Helix clears, which I use for deeply encased beads, but it's a whole lot cheaper and I've had no problems with compatibility. Works well with silver glass. You need to work a bit cool - or it will bubble - but it's a great bargain for the quality, and I rarely have to pull off any scum or other imperfections.

I have used the VS clear from FrantzArtGlass since it appeared on their website. I heat and discard about 2mm on the end of the rod which in the beginning sometimes gave me a problem with bubbles. I have never had a bad bead with this glass. It's easy to melt, easy to use and I love it. I bought a few rods of Zephyr but am keeping those for the moment as the VS is perfect for me. I use a Nortel torch.

Would anybody know what kind it is? It is so clean and clear... and triangle?

I'd guess it was boro. Boro clear is wonderful.

Its 104. I was told it was old , but dont know what kind.

I prefer to use Effetre Super Clear for beads I am going to etch, it really takes the matte look to perfection. Zephyr clear by Double Helix is my all time fav for encasing beads. Here are some examples of each. :)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIBt5GpNs6...licProunds.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLzS1MpGZ-...llicRounds.jpg

The above are encased with Zephyr ...

Below are beads encased with Super clear and etched

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o900efqq1s...onyFadeMix.jpg

VS has been one of the easiest for me. Effetre Super Clear works nicely as well.

I think its a matter of both preference and customer base.

If you have a shop and frequently sell your beads, you want something that works really well and looks professional.

If you're more like me, who doesn't typically sell other that to coworkers, I tend to buy what's on sale. I just like to play and experiment, and that's a good way to find out what you like.