Americast vs. Vikrell

[Kal]

Hi,

I am looking to install a new bathtub (replacing an enameled steel one) and am trying to decide between American Standard Princeton and a Sterling Performa i.e. Americast vs. Vikrell. Any insights on pros and cons would be much appreciated.

 

[Stuff]

Both say you don't need a mortar bed for support but both have problems without. Americast will flex and creak. Vikrell will flex and possibly crack and tear. If they are not abused either should last. Vikrell has surrounds designed for it that are easier to install.

Do a search: https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/bathtubs-vikrell-vs-americast-vs-acrylic-vs.5721/
https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/vikrell-tub-cracked-today-after-8-months.46138/

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

I've installed both, and either would be a good choice.
Using mortar is okay with both. They now include that on their recommended instructions. After years of my writing about the way I set tubs, they listened.

 

[Kal]

The Sterling Performa is 29" wide vs. the 30" standard I had before. Would that inch of a difference matter for the roughins that are in place? I measured and the faucet, shower and drain lines are 14.25 to 14.5" from the back wall. The Sterling dimension doc has the drain and overflow at 14" from the back. I am guessing the pipes can be flexed by a quarter or half inch to the new center. Any negative experiences doing so in your installs?