Thanks guys! I appreciate the support and motivation.
As I said earlier, this is a small post about the types of loom and my thoughts on them
Here are the 3 types that I am familiar with.
The yellow one is the most common type (not color) of split loom and can be found in most automotive stores.
The middle one is the common techflex (flexoPET) and comes in the widest variety of colors.
The remaining one is techflex split loom braided sleeving.
As you can see, there is no overlap in the yellow one
This one cuts cleanly and does NOT require any finishing work.
Its quite easy to install, and MAY provide some basic protection from drips/spills.
It will provide basic protection for occasional scuffs, but can be easily cut if abrading against a metal edge for any length of time.
This is regular techflex. It is best cut with a hot knife. If not, the ends must be treated to prevent fraying. Usually a lighter is used.
The regular techflex expands to about 25% of its diameter.
This allows 2 things.
Firstly, If the corret size is chosen, it can expand to fit over RCA ends and then fit snugly over the wire itself,
Secondly, one size can be versatile for many wire sizes due to the expansion.
When expanded, the length is decreased.
My problems with this type of sleeving are as follows:
On long runs of wire, it becomes difficult/tedious to feed the wire through.
What i assume is as a result of the weave, there is a tendency for wires in techflex to "pull" (will not lay flat/straight)
This is not an issue when installed and tie strapped, but during prep, they can be tangled easily.
Abrasion resistance is fine for use in a vehicle environment.
The last one is techflex split loom.
This type overlaps itself by 25% to ensure that the wires cannot come out.
As a result of the overlap, its final thickness is greater than that of the regular techflex.
The weave seems a bit looser than the regular techflex, but there is an additional fabric component to the split loom weave.
This also cuts best with a hot knife to prevent the ends from fraying. (this seems to fray easier than the regular)
Also, heat treatment of the ends (using the lighter) seemed easier with the regular than the split loom. The looser weave seemed to burn easier without "sealing" the ends.
This type pretty much behaves like normal wire when prepared, without any "pull"
Abrasion resistance seems to be equal or greater than the regular
Perhaps best imo, this can be added after the fact as you do not need an open end for installation.
Moving forward, I will use whichever techflex is easier to get the job done, as they both have pros and cons.