Loose Tube vs Tight Buffer
| Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) | Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) | |
| Loose Tube | Tight Buffer | |
| Bend Radius | Larger | Smaller |
| Diameter | Larger | Smaller |
| Tensile strength, installation | Higher | Lower |
| Impact resistance | Higher | Lower |
| Crush resistance | Higher | Lower |
| Attenuation change at low temperatures | Lower | Higher |