I upgraded the pump head on one of my old March pumps to the Riptide pump head. I was hoping Blichmann's "linear flow" valve would give me better control during sparging; I suppose it's a little easier than trying to find the sweet spot with a ball valve?
The PRV on the pump head for priming is convenient, but is a bit messy if you aren't careful. A three way valve on the outlet of a March or Chugger will accomplish the same thing and would probably be less of a mess (assuming a bucket or catch pan are being used in both applications).
IMO, the biggest thing the Riptide has going for it is the tri-clamp pump head. Definitely makes the occasional cleaning a bit easier.