magnetic vs agarose beads? immunoprecipitation

[angel51431]

Hi folks. I'll be starting a new immunoprecipitation protocol and I need to figure out whether to use agarose or magnetic beads. I've read about what various companies have to say about magnetic beads. They sound pretty phenomenal and I don't see any disadvantages yet.

Before we go ahead and order I'm looking for advice though. Does anyone have any hands on experience with the two bead types? Are there any practical disadvantages to magnetic beads? Any reason to go with agarose instead?

Thanks!

[sorin]

i think both systems work quite fine (at least in my hands they did...), but in case of magnetic beads the handling is much easier and the whole procedure is faster. of course you need a separator in addition to the beads... but if you are able to use them i would do so!