Just to add a little information. You can save a fair amount of money. The Reg Barber base 58.4mm is the right size and $43.00 (USD) not including shipping. It is what I am using with the baskets
http://www.coffeetamper.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=77&idcategory=44 On Mar 27, 9:25 pm, Barry Corliss <[email protected]> wrote: > I've been using La Marzocco baskets and portafilters for many years > now. Although I have always had channeling issues with the LM ridged > basket, I preferred the taste to all other baskets I tried. The so > called LM "ridgeless" was never a "real" LM basket and still didn't > have the same taste to me, although there was less channeling. > > I should add that I almost always use Vivace Vita, as I live in the > Seattle area and pick it up fresh and locally. This bean is far more > prone to channeling than many other beans I have tried. I used to > home roast, but I don't have the time for it anymore, although I > enjoyed the process and results. > > A few months ago I got intrigued reading about VST baskets (look on > any of the coffee forums for lots of info), and ordered an 18 gm > ridged basket. Then recently they introduced a ridgeless version and > I got one of those. > > http://tinyurl.com/cbss5ou > > I have noticed quite a difference! Just to add more variables into > the mix I bought a VST tamper as well. These expensive tampers are > made by Pullman in Australia, and they are beautiful. They are made > larger in diameter than the standard 58mm tamper, so they cover much > closer to the basket edge. I had been using a Schomer Ergo Tamper for > many years, and it was a big switch to the flat base (his is slightly > convex). > > Channeling almost never happens anymore, and the shots are darker and > more intense in flavor. I can also get a much better ristretto with > lower volume and less blonding in a 28 second pull (or longer!). > > This new setup required a drastic change in my grinder (Mini Mazzer) > adjustment to a much finer grind. I like to overfill my baskets, > about 20 grams or so. They are actually designed for this. I am not > as precision oriented as Kitt, and others, weighing each basket, etc. > > Everyone will have a different tale to tell about how they prepare > their espresso, but I can guarantee that you will have a different > experience with the VST products. I am happy with my results. > > Best, > > Barry > > ___________________________________ > Barry Corliss > MASTER WORKS CD Mastering > Seattle, WA (206) 282-2274http://www.master-works.com > ___________________________________ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Brewtus" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/brewtus?hl=en.
