Hi GH, All of that water demand will, most likely require a 3/4" water line, instead of the standard 1/2" water line, be piped to the shower to deliver additional volume and pressure. Without that, you will not have good performance from using multiple sprays, regardless of the valve type or diverter option. And yes, the volume is cut in half with shared functions from a diverter, but depending on the shower heads, may still be adequate. It's a balancing act, and will depend on your water pressure from the street. For a standard 1/2" diverter, to just switch between functions, the Delta R11000 rough-in body is reasonable and good quality. Then you choose the type of trim option and a 6 function cartridge. Otherwise, if 3/4" water line is at the shower, separate volume controls will allow all the functions to flow at full blast.

I would select a good quality handheld shower on a bar, just like jrueter. One that is totally adjustable. I certainly wouldn't call it chintzy. (It was suggested by a designer for a $60K+ remodel for our small master bathroom. Grohe comes in all the finishes, and styles, as do others. See them at local plumbing shops, and hold them in your hands to decide which one is best for you. Usually you can interchange the various parts within a manufacturer. I believe the threads on the heads will go with just about any make of hose. Not sure about that. Unless you can view both the sink an the tub at once you don't need to worry about having all the finishes match. We tend to get obsessed about these things when we remodel, and in the larger scheme of things, it really doesn't matter. What you would probably notice is traditional v.s.contemporary. So I suppose style would be more noticeable rather than finishes...but not going from ORB to Chrome would look weird. I wanted everything SQUARE in my bathroom, and I was able to find different mfgrs. who did chrome with square designs in just about everything from shower fixtures to towel bars. Chrome always looks the same. Brushed nickel doesn't as I learned in my kitchen...but one would only notice looking closely and the items would have to be side by side. So don't worry about that. Get what YOU like to look at. Mount that bar up high enough, ( they do come indifferent lengths) The boys really only care if it works, not how it looks. -Babka

Nancy, I have the Flipside in my guest bath. The shower systems were really confusing to me at first with the bars and the double shower heads, but once I figured out we only shower adults in the 5'5-6' range, I realized I didn't need to spend hundreds on a shower system. Shower heads only channel water and I believe all of them are plastic anyway, so I couldn't figure out why some were so expensive. My experience with hand showers is you stick with a favorite spray pattern or two, and that has been the case with the Flipside. It delivers a lot of water with enough spray patterns to make any bored person happy. I bought it at BB&B with a 20% off coupon.

Hi, The valves and diverter under the "shower trim" between the rainshower and handheld shower fixture are complicated. You many want to consult with a plumber or the 800 number for the manufacturer of the fixture you are considering. I am in the process of trying to figure out Brizo on this same matter. But as to brands, Kohler and Delta are commonly recognized as very good US brands. I ended up replacing Moen fixtures in my former house , with which I had lots of issues, with Kohler. Never had any problems with Kohler, but it is expensive. We have moved and we have switched to Delta and its high end version, Brizo, both of which have very good reputations. But even with the better brands, you have to examine each collection---a lot are making "cheap" versions and higher end versions. Look at the weight, where screws are placed, how long the lever is, etc. Ordering for the second time the Hansgrohe 27474 w/ 10" round spray, It is expensive, but wonderful as to pressure, maintenance and effect. As to the shower spray, we loved the Flip, but will need a hose (metal 70 vs 72 ") a sliding bar and a connector to water. We are goiing use Kohler on this again. Good luck. Remember Chrome is timeless and cheaper, Check out Delta Asa(using Moen towel trims) and Virage ---really funking in chrome---schulptural with a twist. Check out Build.com for best prices. I deal with Liz Thomas who is great! Good luck! As to the rain shower, I am getting the Hansgrohe