Sight glasses installed via tri-clamp is not my prefered method. Very nice columns though. The fact that mile hi, etc copied the copper sections from SchnappStills has to say something for them. And I do know that Mile hi uses bronze rods on their copper to stainless welds, whereas Schnappstills does not use any filler. I would think bronze is a I think all these companies do great work and use quality parts.
On a side note. Schnappstills uses a longer top section to the shotgun, so the unit can be used as a pot still as well.
$300 for shipping and insurance for an EG flute honestly would be a great deal. EG builds honestly some of the nicest copper I have ever seen. I would say out of US would not be responsible for gobberment reportin and if same quality worth the cash. Not much diff in shipping anyway. Modular is #1 in my idea but if we lookin at pretty EG is da man