Could someone help me understand why the flow meter with the little hovering ball is suppose to be better then the simple valve style such as the ones in these two photos...

I run about 13 or so cfm using my tig and it does not give me any problems using the valve style.

 

Both will work just fine. The benefit of the "ball style" flow meter that is pictured is that the regulator before the ball prevents the "whoosh" of gas when you first click the pedal. Which is caused from the pressure in the tank. You would end up saving some gas this way.
Their are Ball style flow meters that dont have the regulator And still "whoosh". IMO They just provide a more accurate measurement. I've had both styles and they do the job just the same.

 

well I have a Miller 200DX does any of the internal solinoids prevent this?... I'm supprised they dont just have a digital flow gauge built into the welders by this point

 

No, they are just on/off solenoids. A built in digital flow meter would be cool, it still needs to be regulated at the tank though. Unless you find a 2200psi capable hose.

In the mean time.... He ya go bro, go nuts
http://www.alicatscientific.com/

 

well true.. I mean you could potentially have a regulator that knocks the pressure down to something manageable like 50 psi or so, as I doubt you would need that type of argon flow for anything.

then have some internal thing regulate it down to an even lower psi. I'm guessing there is probably something like that in the medical field that regulates gas digitally.. Although on the flip side of things generally I just run as much argon as it takes until it starts to pop and not shield properly.

--Aaron