I'm not sure if pex bend supports prevent or encourage kinks. Here's why.

Sharkbite Pex (1/2 inch, type b) minimum bend radius is 5 inches.
The bend supports below have a radius of only around 3.5 inches.




Granted, the Pex many pros seem to use, Aquapex (type a), is more flexible and has a minimum bend radius of six times OD, so 6 x 5/8 = 3.75 inches...a tad more than a typical stud bay depth...3.5 inches.

So, I'm thinking a lot of DIYers are overbending their type b pex trying to fit them into these brackets. What say you? Better to use them or avoid them? Is Pex more or less likely to kink with them?

In particular, I've seen people use bend supports in relatively open areas to perhaps make the pipe look neater. They had enough room to swing out wide with the pex, but instead forced the pex into the sharp turn of the bracket.

I usually only use the 'earred' bend supports and then only in frame wall. You answered your own question as to why they only measure 3-1/2".