Sparge Ring Required???

[Harleybrews]

Hi all. I have been brewing a.g. for the last 6 years. When lautering I have always used just a 1/2" hose to transefer the hot water to my mash tun. Since there is always an 1" or 2" of water sitting on top of the grain bed I can't understand the need for a sparge ring.
Can anyone please advise as to why so many people use this piece of equipment? I never thought it mattered but maybe I am missing the boat and as a result there might be some aspect of my beer that is suffering.

[bub]

or you can batch sparge and forget about the whole thing...
as long as you are not creating channels in your grain you should be fine
BUB

[Speyedr]

as long as you are not creating channels in your grain you should be fineBUB

That's the truth there. If you are not disturbing the grain bed and you can "dial" in your sparge using the hose then keep on going. Besides, if you have been doing it this way for six years and your efficiencey is good you have nothing to worry about.