Pipe insulation

Qn: Is Armaflex the best form of (copper) pipe insulation, and why? I am knocking myself out trying to get it locally, two Homers are out of it for 1/2" and plumbing supply stores only have polyethylene (Tubofit and such).

Yep, and it is form fitting and dense. That is what makes it so good.

Thanks I got the Armaflex clone (Tubatex?) at Lowes in 1/2". Looks like HD only carries Armaflex in 3/4" and 1". Expensive but hugs that pipe well.

I tried using 3/4" pipe clamps but couldn't get them around the insulation, which is about 1/2" thick so total thickness of 1-5/8". Also I'm soldering in place and don't want to solder with the insulation on the pipes, given it's flammable. My current plan is to leave insulation off the places where there is a clamp, use 1/2" clamps, maybe come back and spray foam over the clamps later. I've got those copper pipe hangers so I can leave a space between them and joists they're suspended from for the insulation. I was wondering what others did.....