Bicycle Mechanics - Request thoughts on compressor top caps vs. cap & star nut

I would like information or informed opinions about use of something like the FSA compressor top cap (see links below) vs. the traditional top cap and star nut.

Standard:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HS408Z19-Fsa+Compressor+Top+Cap.aspx

Carbon fiber:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HS408Z20-Fsa+Carbon+Pro+Compressor+Top+Cap.aspx

Thoughts on function vs. the traditional set-up? Advantages/disadvantages? No effective difference?

I am asking because I just bought a new frameset and while a headset was included, the top cap and bolt were not so must buy one and am deciding which to buy. The frameset has a carbon fiber fork.

If your carbon fork has a carbon steerer you must use a compression cap. Star nut = possible failure.

You must use the compressor cap if your fork steerer tube is carbon.

Cannondale and another company I can't remember are the only carbon steerers that can use a star nut.
http://www.cannondale.com/asset/iu_files/techcenter/2006_carbon_road_fork_starnut_stem_headset_technote_en.pdf

Use an expander, and you can use any topcap you want.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=17005&category=1695

http://www.universalcycles.com/images/products/medium/17005.jpg

For a steel or Al steerer, a starnut and bolt are lighter and cheaper. For almost all carbon steerers, a starnut is absolutely not to be used and a compression plug is essential.

The construction of the Cannondale forks and topcap that allow a starnut to be used in a carbon steerer is not the norm and their topcap is a special design with a reinforcing sleeve. They even specify NOT to use a spacer above the stem due to this design. Most other carbon steerer benefit from a small spacer above the stem so Cannondale has a very different set-up. You can't follow their recommendations with any other fork.

And the starnut used on the C'dale Slice fork is proprietary for that application, not just a regular one as in an alloy steerer.

Thanks to all who answered my question about compression top caps vs. top cap and star nut. You saved me MUCH aggravation. Also, thanks to Soil Sampler for the link, although product is currently back-ordered by seller but looks good.

Thanks Again!

Thanks to all who answered my question about compression top caps vs. top cap and star nut. You saved me MUCH aggravation. Also, thanks to Soil Sampler for the link, although product is currently back-ordered by seller but looks good.

Thanks Again!

I believe DEDA uses the exact same compression cap (don't know who actually makes it). Try searching for it under the DEDA brand and maybe some other on line retailer will have one in stock.

I just used the sample that I had on my desk for the last 3 months and it worked like a charm.

I bought a compression set-up from Nashbar for <$8 on sale earlier this year for my new all carbon fork and it worked just fine. Don't know if they still have 'em.

I believe DEDA uses the exact same compression cap (don't know who actually makes it). Try searching for it under the DEDA brand and maybe some other on line retailer will have one in stock.
I just used the sample that I had on my desk for the last 3 months and it worked like a charm.

Deda is different, but equally as good. http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?ID=BPC121257

http://www.bikeparts.com/pimage/BPC121257.jpg
OP:you can find the Cinelli, if you look around.
http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=129286&cat=160&brand=51

Here is a link to Bike Tools Etc's listing of steerer compressors.

http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=92531081272&c=Repair-Parts&sc=Headset&tc=Compressor-Plug

Deda is different, but equally as good. http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?ID=BPC121257

OP:you can find the Cinelli, if you look around.
http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=129286&cat=160&brand=51

That one works well,too. The one I have we got it with our sample order so maybe I have the '08 or '09 version. It is exactly the same as the picture posted above.

I just checked the Deda website and the one I have isn't shown. Opps.