Bail Top Jars: Rubber Or Silicone Seal?

Bail-tops seem hit-or-miss. I've seen some people complain about them leaking. I guess it depends on exactly how everything is designed as to whether or not they will be good. Can you get the screw-top Ball/Kerr style jars? I rarely hear people complain about them.

I was waiting for @mawnansmiff to reply but as he hasnt.Yes you can get screw top preserving jars in England.One popular make used to be Kilner i think they are still available
edit yes you can

https://www.tesco.com/direct/kilner-screw-top-preserve-jar-025-litre/628-2805.prd?source=others

unfortunately all I can find here in Greece are bail top ones

Jay:

I have been using glass bail-top canning jars for many years for dry foods (rice, beans, sugar, etc) long-term storage. Although the rubber seals served well for years, they began to breakdown due to the dry air & higher ozone levels at 8100 feet (2469 meters) elevation.

I have switched all of the seals to silicone several years ago & am happy with their ability to maintain a good seal & for their resistance to deterioration. I think that they are superior to the rubber rings.

Silicone may slightly discolor over time, but can be restored to a new appearance by using a soft-scrub liquid cleanser containing bleach (from experience with silicone scuba diving masks).

I have noticed that most bail-top jar's wire loops & hinges need to be tweaked & bent with needle nose pliers to obtain & maintain the best seal.

I do not use plastic bail-top jars as they do not seem to attain & maintain a good seal as well as glass jars. I also think that they absorb & retain tobacco odor, while the glass jars do not ghost (unless I can trap one of my wife's ectoplasmic friends, but that is another story).
That said, I use only screw-top canning jars for tobacco storage, long or short-term, but never larger than 1 quart (0.88L) which is fits most SG flakes with a bend at their bottom; 1L jars may allow the flakes to remain straight (1L's are not available here, so I have no experience with them).

I've only used screw top lids with rubber seals for long term storage and have been pleased with the results. However, I can easily see the merits of silicon seals over rubber seals with my screw tops.
Thanks to my two favorite Jays, Jack, Paulfg, Mike and John for yet another reminder why I've been checking in daily these past six years. The camaraderie is excellent but I still pick up ideas worth thinking over.
I'm distrustful of bail top jars for long haul aging - 15 to 20 years. But, if it's working for you guys, then carry on. The fresh Lats I need might keep the edge I crave, thanks to silicon rings, for another year or so but they'll still eventually puss out. But for long term VA and Va-Per bulk storage that's a different scenario.
Thanks, guys.
Fnord

@mawnansmiff
I agree about changing the seal every 10 uses but I guess if long term storage is the aim and not to be opened for say 5 years then it doesnt really matter that much, if it keeps the tobacco from drying out that is the aim .

Whereas if you open it every week then it would be a concern.

Jay I don't think that you have much to worry about in terms of short or long-term usage with the screw top lid seals. I have a couple of lids that are nearly 15 years old, which have been opened many times, and the rubber is still good, and there is zero tobacco odor in my drawers. If you crimp the metal by the seal, toss the lid. If you wash them, don't use an abrasive pad such as Scotch-Brite, or you will get scratches that will rust. I threw out a few stored lids due to that. I would expect that you should be able to get affordable replacement lid packs to replace any lids that you may need to throw out.

Leatherman & duct tape - don't leave home without them!