My kids just gave me a kegging system for Christmas, with the option of
exchanging out whatever I need at our local homebrewshop ... since the kids
weren't really sure what they were getting. Anyway, they gave me the
regulator (two gauges on it so I assume that it is a dual-pressure system),
hoses, CO2 bottle, etc., plus a themostat and instructions for converting a
freezer, and one reconditioned 5-gallon 'Pepsi' cornie keg. Before I do
anything with this stuff, I'm looking for suggestions/advice regarding which
variety of keg is better -- pin-lock or ball-lock? I'm speaking now about
maintenance problems as well as availability of additional kegs and
replacement parts. Naturally, if I convert a freezer I'm going to want
several kegs ... all of the same type. Also, in regard to a freezer
conversion, I'm also considering the merits of something like a dorm-type
refrigerator with a jockey-box inside and just storing the kegs warm; any
comments about that will be appreciated, too.

Thanks for any advice. Boy, it's going to be nice to cut back on bottling. I
have three batches in secondary right now: an IPA, a California Common, and
a Cherry Wheat.

Cheers.

Bill Velek