Good Clamp for VPI HW-19?

How about the VPI clamp designed for the HW19?

Well used to own a scout that had the stainless steal clamp and like it. I was thinking I could do better than the plastic standard VPI clamp for 100.

Dependent upon what platter you are using, one problem you might encounter, with a better clamp, or an aftermarket clamp, like a BDR (way over $100 anyway) is Dust Cover clearance.

A small inconvenience, but with a thicker platter, like a MK-IV/TNT Platter, and any of VPI's better clamps, the inside of dustcover will hit the clamp if you leave it on the spindle.

As far as effecting speed, no, there should not be a problem with any clamp you use, even if it was 5 lbs. The Hurst AC Motor is fairly robust.

The added wear on the bearing's thrust plate, and ball might be accelerated due to the added downforce weight of a substantially heavier clamp. Mark

Mark,

Thanks alot for the input. I am not worried about dust cover clearance, I can just leave clamp off when not in use. In your opinion how much should I spend?

My favorite clamp for the VPI HW-19 is the Teres Audio, but they are around $200. I also liked the BDR clamp.