I'm not as down on the heads on the chromed Silcas.. I do use them, and haven't had a problem. Of course, I'm also happy with the original plastic heads on the classic Impero.

I do think there is an inherent risk in relying on a 20 or 30 year old plastic pump that was kinda crappy to begin with. Age is not kind to plastic, and the Silca Impero (or the chromed version) wasn't made with plastic that was intended to last for decades. I suppose I am fortunate that mine are rarely exposed to much UV light, and perhaps that is an advantage for a chromed pump. There's a lot to be said for a Zefal HP pump when you really want a pump that will always work!

Steve in Peoria