Herb Grinders

[lazylathe]

@Ramahs

LMAO!!! Have not seen one of those for years!!
It is a shark fin guitar pick!

http://www.sharkfin.eu/

They used to be super popular in the 80's and 90's!

 

[dannydroid]

[...]
There were two pick/scrapers inside the bottom section (see image).

[...]

I realized that this thing is not as well machined as many reviews seem to say. For example, the grinding chamber is not centered in the body of the grinder.

[...]

Also, the little plastic "gasket" that goes around the edge of where the grinding plates meet on the outsidesticks out a bit on one side more than the other, which my fingers can't help but feel the edge of. So that makes things feel not-well engineered together as well.

Also, there is are spots with a little pointy "grain" (like a tiny granule that was trapped under the ceramic coating),

[...]

I got my SLX 2.0 a few weeks ago (wasn't sure on it at first, was just a grinder, but now I love it! 4-peice in a 3-peice footprint, and the nonstick is a real nice touch).

No idea what the little pick is for, I haven't used it (I use a lego shovel).

I can't say I can see that your grinder looks off centred going by your pictures. The magnet by be slightly out on the lid, but you can measure to be sure. As for the walls, they do look slightly fatter / thinner, but once again, measure to be sure.

The gasket on mine is flush, apart from where "finger slots" are.

The metal (not sure what one tbh) used isn't smooth, but "lined". You can see this if you shine a light on the grinder.

As for my grinder (to give you something to compare to);
- Mines all fine and centre
- The walls are around 2mm thick all around
- Flush gasket, can't fill it (only on "finger slots")
- The coating is fantastic. Feels wonderful to touch, and the sticky Lemon Haze I've been putting through it is no troubles at all. Same goes for the kief chamber, so easy to work with.

When I compare the SLX 2.0 to my old £10 ebay special; it feels a hell of a lot better made in every regard (the SLX that is).

Defects happen all the time (cars, computer parts, the food you eat...), this just sounds like one of them. Ask you retailer for an exchange (I think the walls is enough to call it defective and warrant and exchange), but do remember, some places wont take back "used" products (yanno, because of the nature of what its really used for ) .

 

[zor]

Hmm....the ceramic coating in the top piece of my slx appears to be coming off the teeth:

I thought maybe it was glare from the lighting but I'm pretty certain the coating has worn off. I've only loaded this with flower, have never banged or hit the pieces of the grinder together, and have cleaned with a plastic brush and EtOH washes....not sure whether to be disappointed, exasperated (I switched from my SCS for this same reason), or apathetic because we all fucking die one day anyway.

 

[Ramahs]

@Ramahs

LMAO!!! Have not seen one of those for years!!
It is a shark fin guitar pick!

http://www.sharkfin.eu/

They used to be super popular in the 80's and 90's!

Looks like you are correct. Thanks for the info!

I got my SLX 2.0 a few weeks ago (wasn't sure on it at first, was just a grinder, but now I love it! 4-peice in a 3-peice footprint, and the nonstick is a real nice touch).

No idea what the little pick is for, I haven't used it (I use a lego shovel).

I can't say I can see that your grinder looks off centred going by your pictures. The magnet by be slightly out on the lid, but you can measure to be sure. As for the walls, they do look slightly fatter / thinner, but once again, measure to be sure.

The gasket on mine is flush, apart from where "finger slots" are.

The metal (not sure what one tbh) used isn't smooth, but "lined". You can see this if you shine a light on the grinder.

As for my grinder (to give you something to compare to);
- Mines all fine and centre
- The walls are around 2mm thick all around
- Flush gasket, can't fill it (only on "finger slots")
- The coating is fantastic. Feels wonderful to touch, and the sticky Lemon Haze I've been putting through it is no troubles at all. Same goes for the kief chamber, so easy to work with.

When I compare the SLX 2.0 to my old £10 ebay special; it feels a hell of a lot better made in every regard (the SLX that is).

Defects happen all the time (cars, computer parts, the food you eat...), this just sounds like one of them. Ask you retailer for an exchange (I think the walls is enough to call it defective and warrant and exchange), but do remember, some places wont take back "used" products (yanno, because of the nature of what its really used for ) .

Thanks for taking the time to share your info/experience!

And also, not just to you, but to anyone else following this thread as well...I should admit that, after using it a few times, I now feel significantly better about this grinder.

The grind is almost perfect. I'd like a little bit of a finer grind than even it gives, but the "fluffyness" of the ground herb is significantly better than any other grinder I've used. And that makes up for the slightly more coarse grind than I'd consider to be ideal. However, my comparison to other grinders I've used in the past is not really saying much at the moment because, though I've been a cannabis user for around 16 years, I've never been motivated to invest in a higher quality grinder before now.

Overall, I feel much better, and am noticing the flaws I mentioned less as I use it. I was definitely impressed with the quality of the ground material this thing produces, and it is very obvious from just a few uses that the anti-stick quality of the ceramic coating is reasonably effective.

One last complaint though, is that this damn thing is loud when using it. Between the rattling of the screen section to the off-and-on little squeaky/scrapey sounds it makes while twisting. This is kind of a minor thing because it doesn't effect the device's function. It's just a minor annoyance.

I have a feeling that, after a few weeks of bonding with my new shiny green herb munching tool, I'll probably be perfectly happy with my purchase. After all, all the "flaws" I've mentioned were purely aesthetic, and this grinder does produce a grind that I'm quite happy with.

 

[dannydroid]

Hmm....the ceramic coating in the top piece of my slx appears to be coming off the teeth:

I thought maybe it was glare from the lighting but I'm pretty certain the coating has worn off. I've only loaded this with flower, have never banged or hit the pieces of the grinder together, and have cleaned with a plastic brush and EtOH washes....not sure whether to be disappointed, exasperated (I switched from my SCS for this same reason), or apathetic because we all fucking die one day anyway.

Hmmm, that's not good.
I'm not sure what coating they use (I believe its their own special mix*), but I'm not sure I'd be happy about that.

*Found it: "SLX Version 2.0 is coated inside and out with our proprietary non-stick ceramic. Every lip, every tooth - even the pollen chamber. It never sticks, and it doesn’t need cleaning. Our coating is bonded with the aluminum at the molecular level, ensuring durability, is 100% non-toxic, FDA approved, and will not burn or release any harmful chemicals."

As I'm on their website already, here's the warranty information:
---
Replacement policy
If any part fails under under normal use, fill out a support ticket and we will (at our discretion) send a replacement part to you at no charge. Fill out all required fields, especially your complete ADDRESS! You must send pictures showing the damage.

Our replacement policy does not include cosmetic damage or parts that are dropped, scratched with a metal object or otherwise abused.

Important: Limited Amazon/eBay replacement policy
Our limited Amazon/Ebay replacement policy applies only to SLX Grinderspurchased from our authorized re-sellers. At this time the ONLY authorized Amazon re-seller is Uncle Max's. There are no authorized resellers on eBay. NO replacement parts will be given for SLX Grinders purchased on Amazon/eBay from other resellers, no matter what the reseller stated on his page. A copy of your invoice is required. No exceptions!

Our replacement policy DOES cover SLX Grinders purchased from other online vendors and of course all brick and mortar stores on our store locator."

---

Source: http://slxherbgrinders.com/support-and-maintenance/

Looks like you are correct. Thanks for the info!

Thanks for taking the time to share your info/experience!

And also, not just to you, but to anyone else following this thread as well...I should admit that, after using it a few times, I now feel significantly better about this grinder.

The grind is almost perfect. I'd like a little bit of a finer grind than even it gives, but the "fluffyness" of the ground herb is significantly better than any other grinder I've used. And that makes up for the slightly more coarse grind than I'd consider to be ideal. However, my comparison to other grinders I've used in the past is not really saying much at the moment because, though I've been a cannabis user for around 16 years, I've never been motivated to invest in a higher quality grinder before now.

Overall, I feel much better, and am noticing the flaws I mentioned less as I use it. I was definitely impressed with the quality of the ground material this thing produces, and it is very obvious from just a few uses that the anti-stick quality of the ceramic coating is reasonably effective.

One last complaint though, is that this damn thing is loud when using it. Between the rattling of the screen section to the off-and-on little squeaky/scrapey sounds it makes while twisting. This is kind of a minor thing because it doesn't effect the device's function. It's just a minor annoyance.

I have a feeling that, after a few weeks of bonding with my new shiny green herb munching tool, I'll probably be perfectly happy with my purchase. After all, all the "flaws" I've mentioned were purely aesthetic, and this grinder does produce a grind that I'm quite happy with.

That's not a problem, I'm sorry yours wasn't perfect ):

Imo. the rattle of the screen is a bit annoying, but that is the style of grinder (looks like a 3-part, but is a 4-part, and I don't see any other way of doing that), so I'm not too worried about it in that regard.

Mine isn't too loud whilst grinding (sounds better when there's herb in there grinding up then when empty), but I assume yours maybe dude to the fat / thin wall (when the two fat bits meet, I assume its loud and bit hard to move).

Let me know if I can help you out in any way (pictures, videos, etc).

 

[zor]

Thanks for that info @dannydroid! I purchased my slx 2.4 from Amazon, and from what is not the sole authorized reseller so I'm SOL with a return. Could this be a counterfeit? Possibly? Caveat emptor, I shoulda done better research on the vendor, so may my premature death by ceramic inhalation be quick and painless and a lesson for all.

 

[dannydroid]

Not a problem broham. I'd say yours is real, if not, its a good looking fake (I'm sure you can tell the coating has a feel to it like nothing else I've come across, at least in a grinder anyway).

Counterfeit SLX
There are no counterfeit SLX Grinders and it's unlikely there will be any attempt to duplicate the SLX process - it's just too hard to make. However, if you ever see an anodized grinder with the SLX Logo on it, please contact us here.
Source: http://slxherbgrinders.com/support-and-maintenance/

If I was you, I'd try shooting an email. There's no harm in it, and you never know, they may hook you up (I've noticed, most herb related company's are pretty chill people . Plus, if I was a manufacture, I'd like to know about a defective product, regardless if it was sold from an authorized seller or not (but that's just me, and I just have to know why ).

 

[CuckFumbustion]

O.K. so My SCS is worn out and I have had sticking problems which has caused some of the wear and tear. I'm trying to get a deal on a grinder of equal or greater quality. Been leaning towards SLX with it's nonstick surface, but seeking the wisdom of the group before pulling the trigger anywhere.
The sticking was what caused some of the other problems and my dumb brute strength in grinding the teeth. The middle thread is loosing it's green a fleck at a time.

If any other manual grinder that has also tried to work out these probs, I'm open.

 

[ghost]

Thanks for that info @dannydroid! I purchased my slx 2.4 from Amazon, and from what is not the sole authorized reseller so I'm SOL with a return. Could this be a counterfeit? Possibly?

It is unlikely that it is a counterfeit. Best to contact SLX about the warranty, but realize they may deny you being that you bought a grey market one from an unauthorized Amazon seller.

That is always the risk you take buying grey market on Amazon. You forfeit the warranty most times. I guess its up to you to decide if its worth it.

As an aside, a few years back I bought a $400 watch for $250 on Amazon through one of the grey market marketplace sellers. The manufacturer even apparently contacted Amazon to have added to the page that certain sellers (who they listed) weren't authorized sellers, and that there would be no warranty if you purchased it from those sellers. I did the research, and determined that it was a tough watch and would likely be worth the risk, as it failing in the warranty time period would be unlikely. However, if it did fail, I would have been SOL.

 

[JCharles]

SLX assuming someone won't make a knock off is laughable. They just aren't a big enough name to warrant knock offs.

If there was a big market for the name surely there would be a knock off. Coated in something cheaper, say Teflon.


On another note, the website has had the warning about the amazon/eBay sellers for as long as I can remember.

Perhaps with the growth of the internet they expanded from more the one official reseller on amazon but haven't updated their website.


Good luck

 

[dannydroid]

O.K. so My SCS is worn out and I have had sticking problems which has caused some of the wear and tear. I'm trying to get a deal on a grinder of equal or greater quality. Been leaning towards SLX with it's nonstick surface, but seeking the wisdom of the group before pulling the trigger anywhere.
The sticking was what caused some of the other problems and my dumb brute strength in grinding the teeth. The middle thread is loosing it's green a fleck at a time.

If any other manual grinder that has also tried to work out these probs, I'm open.

I'll give it ago.

SLX2.0 or SWII would be my choice.

(I own the SLX2.0)

SLX2.0:
+ looks like a 3-peice, is a 4-peice (I like that compact look)
+ non stick is pretty good tbh. You can push most plant matter of with your hand, to give you some idea.
+ one of the best kief screens I've seen
+ short thread
+ I think, a good price
- the grinder does rattle down to the 4-in-3 style
- seem to be having some QC issue judging by the last few comments in this thread (mine seems okay)
- don't know the warranty / customer service is like (not used it or seen other talk about it) / no real social media presents

SWII:
+ active here. Seems like they do anything to keep their customers happy
+ lifetime warranty
+ removable screens / different mesh types
+ curved keif chamber sides
+ short thread
+ nug cutout
+ looks like the herb chamber (where the ground herb goes) is pretty large
+ I think, a good price
- I don't have one

I think the grind between the two may be different (I'm assuming by the different style in teeth and the different style and size of the hole).

 

[Ramahs]

That's not a problem, I'm sorry yours wasn't perfect ):

Imo. the rattle of the screen is a bit annoying, but that is the style of grinder (looks like a 3-part, but is a 4-part, and I don't see any other way of doing that), so I'm not too worried about it in that regard.

Mine isn't too loud whilst grinding (sounds better when there's herb in there grinding up then when empty), but I assume yours maybe dude to the fat / thin wall (when the two fat bits meet, I assume its loud and bit hard to move).

Let me know if I can help you out in any way (pictures, videos, etc).

Yes, you are right that the sound is not so bad when it's grinding. Although, as far as the rattling is concerned...I'm not sure why they didn't add an o-ring underneath the outside lip of the screen tray. That way it would just press into place and stay till it was removed.

And no, the difference in wall-thickness I was complaining about does not cause the thicker parts to rub together. Like I said, it's completely aesthetic. The grinder still functions as good as it was intended to, which is why I'm still satisfied with it. It's 100% functional.

It's just, for a $50 grinder, I was expecting more in engineering aesthetic details than what I received. I'm still happy with it's actual function...and I'll take function over aesthetic details as far as what I value more.

 

[EverythingsHazy]

I haven't noticed any difference in the quality of the bud ground by hand or with an electric coffee grinder, but I have definitely noticed that a consistency somewhere between powder and sand, works best in convection vapes. The only downside, is that if you use a dry stem with no filter, you can inhale some bits through the screen.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

I'll give it ago.

SLX2.0 or SWII would be my choice.

I checked out the SWII a little. Already like that they leave a little open space in the teeth area to drop a nug. That might help me with the squishing problem. Will check out more about this and any other rec'd. TX.

 

[JCharles]

I checked out the SWII a little. Already like that they leave a little open space in the teeth area to drop a nug. That might help me with the squishing problem. Will check out more about this and any other rec'd. TX.

It will solve the squishing problem!

Seriously, I've dropped some obnoxious sized buds in the opening with no issues.

The best grinder I have ever owned!!

 

[CuckFumbustion]

The best grinder I have ever owned!!

A single FC rec'd!
Would you say it is non-stick or average? The grind?

Having things gum up is what shortened the SCS's lifespan. I almost went for a larger SCS. Would a larger grinder prevent this?

Puffitup carries all 3. But still open to suggestions.

 

[JCharles]

A single FC rec'd!
Would you say it is non-stick or average? The grind?

Having things gum up is what shortened the SCS's lifespan. I almost went for a larger SCS. Would a larger grinder prevent this?

Puffitup carries all 3. But still open to suggestions.

I have only come across 1 strain so far that was a bit too sticky for the SWII. It had over 3% terpene content at 20% THC and resinous af. It wasn't a problem for the grind, but I had a few resin smears around the teeth.

It doesn't gum up the same as other grinders I've used. Even with lots of use mine hasn't needed a deep clean yet.

My matte black is a little more gummy than the pink but again, I think that has more.to do with the bud.

The grind is medium coarse depending on the moaiyure content of your bud. I keep mine at 62% (boveda packs) and it's nice a fluffy but chunky. I have a few strains that come out with a slightly finer grind but that has more to do with the bud.


I give a brush after grinding to keep things looking clean.

 

[GreenHopper]

A single FC rec'd!
Would you say it is non-stick or average? The grind?

Having things gum up is what shortened the SCS's lifespan. I almost went for a larger SCS. Would a larger grinder prevent this?

Puffitup carries all 3. But still open to suggestions.

I have only come across 1 strain so far that was a bit too sticky for the SWII. It had over 3% terpene content at 20% THC and resinous af. It wasn't a problem for the grind, but I had a few resin smears around the teeth.

It doesn't gum up the same as other grinders I've used. Even with lots of use mine hasn't needed a deep clean yet.

My matte black is a little more gummy than the pink but again, I think that has more.to do with the bud.

The grind is medium coarse depending on the moaiyure content of your bud. I keep mine at 62% (boveda packs) and it's nice a fluffy but chunky. I have a few strains that come out with a slightly finer grind but that has more to do with the bud.


I give a brush after grinding to keep things looking clean.

I have had exactly the same experience as @JCharles with my gold SWII.

I love it, the short threading impresses me every time. I grind small buds daily so I'm constantly opening the herb chamber. My last grinder was a metal 4 piece no name. Opening it up each time became laborious.

Mine like @JCharles has some resin smears but its stayed mostly clean. No caked in resin at the edges impeding function. I brush it clean mostly every two to three days but that's mostly to keep the screen clear. I have harvested some keif but I find the screen doesn't let much through. Which I actually like, I want the majority of my keif on the material I'm vaping.

One negative with the teeth gap is you torque the grinder quite a bit when first breaking that bud up and you can easily tighten all the threads up so opening up the herb chamber can require a fair bit of torque to loosen.

I really love this grinder, more than happy to recommend it.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

I really love this grinder, more than happy to recommend it.

Thanks for the input. What grind would you say it is?

Both of you mention brushing after grinding as a good habit to get into.

I also do the upside down regrind trick. The extra drop down space might be a plus?

Considering it more. Waiting for input from Puffitup.
And thanks @dannydroid for pointing me in a direction.

 

[GreenHopper]

Thanks for the input. What grind would you say it is?

My pleasure bud,

I'd say its medium coarse, somewhat fluffy but probably less so than the SCS from what I have read. It's certainly not a fine grinder.

Both of you mention brushing after grinding as a good habit to get into.

I don't know how necessary this is, in my case I'm mostly just trying to make sure any loose trichomes get knocked off into the keif catch as you don't collect a huge amount. But you don't get any plant matter through either so its well sifted keif.

I also do the upside down regrind trick. The extra drop down space might be a plus?

I've never done this, I suspect it may possibly result in more frequent cleaning being required.

I find the grind perfect for my vapcap use.

 

[dannydroid]

No worries CuckFumbustion ^^

Speaking of brushes, is there anything recommended (kinda worried about some of the bristles breaking off)? Specially for the SLX2.0? (don't want to scratch the coating. I was thinking about the S&B brushes but they seem a little thick to get in all the little hard to get places.

 

[Summer]

What is the upside-down regrind trick?

 

[dannydroid]

I believe its the trick that allows you to get a more fine grind (as instead of falling through to the herb chamber, it carries on being ground up in the lid).

 

[GreenHopper]

What is the upside-down regrind trick?

Turning the grinder upsidedown when grinding so the herb doesn't drop into the collection chamber but remains amongst the teeth. Results in a finer grind but can also allow more resin/trich buildup around the teeth and edges.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Turning the grinder upsidedown when grinding so the herb doesn't drop into the collection chamber but remains amongst the teeth. Results in a finer grind but can also allow more resin/trich buildup around the teeth and edges.

Perhaps I meant pepper mill? I grind normal first in the chamber. Then I tip it upside down and regrind.

How your method is different, it's more like using a 4pc as a 2pc. In a sense. Which is another trick.

But yea, maybe introducing the materials to teeth twice could be a build up issue to watch for.