Is the Titanium Space Case Grinder Worth it?

[misanthrope]

Just an alternative view here. I got all excited about Space Case and bought myself the regular edition (without the black coating).

My conclusion is that, regardless of whether surface chips or not, it's a lot of hype about nothing. There's nothing wrong with it, but I don't get why everyone says it's such a perfect grind. Mine is just gathering dust because it doesn't grind as fine as the plastic, pyramid tooth weed world grinder which I've had for nearly a decade (and cost very little).

Granted the Space Case is heavy and feels/looks like a nice piece of kit, and yes if you want to filter off the thc crystals it works. But I guarantee that unless your bud is super dry, you will find yourself picking out un-ground chunks.

This thing: http://www.weedworld.co.uk/shop/her...orld-grinders/weed-world-grinder-plastic.html

grinds everything into a fine powder every time and you've saved $50.

I know it is hard to believe something a fraction of the price functions just as well if not better than SC, but it's quite telling that me and most of my friends have these massive tower grinders but we ALL mainly use little plastic weed world ones for day to day use.

And, no, I don't work for weed world, honest!

I know people won't believe this but I own an official Space Case and it is not as amazing as everyone makes out imo.

 

[grokit]

Plating and anodizing are two very different processes.

 

[lwien]

Also, everything else being equal, I'll take the product that has never had flaking issues....

And which one is that?

 

[Caligula]

Just an alternative view here. I got all excited about Space Case and bought myself the regular edition (without the black coating).

My conclusion is that, regardless of whether surface chips or not, it's a lot of hype about nothing. There's nothing wrong with it, but I don't get why everyone says it's such a perfect grind. Mine is just gathering dust because it doesn't grind as fine as the plastic, pyramid tooth weed world grinder which I've had for nearly a decade (and cost very little).

Granted the Space Case is heavy and feels/looks like a nice piece of kit, and yes if you want to filter off the thc crystals it works. But I guarantee that unless your bud is super dry, you will find yourself picking out un-ground chunks.

This thing: http://www.weedworld.co.uk/shop/her...orld-grinders/weed-world-grinder-plastic.html

grinds everything into a fine powder every time and you've saved $50.

I know it is hard to believe something a fraction of the price functions just as well if not better than SC, but it's quite telling that me and most of my friends have these massive tower grinders but we ALL mainly use little plastic weed world ones for day to day use.

And, no, I don't work for weed world, honest!

I know people won't believe this but I own an official Space Case and it is not as amazing as everyone makes out imo.

Not everyone wants to grind their herb into a fine powder?

 

[Kief]

Sorry. All hearsay. :-)

But that's what you wanted.

I will try to clear up a few things as best as can so it is easier to understand.

I said that if these grinders were coated in Ti, they would not be black... Titanium is not black, the "black" coatings you mention are not 100% Ti and the Blackbird used a Ti alloy that is not what we are discussing here.

My statement about powder-coating was meant to be a subjective observation by myself, I should have worded that better. I did not say nor do I think they are powder-coated. They are coated with something and it looks/feels more than your average anodizing process.

I was always under the impression that it was Anodized Aluminum with either an Titanium Aluminium Nitride (TiAIN), or an Aluminium Titanium Nitride (AlTiN).

Thank you for this... you added some real information to the discussion that we needed. I had found these names before, but just couldn't remember and the amount of information available for anodizing/hard-coating is incredible.

Well... Mr. Kief it looks like we were both half wrong.
No, wait! We were both half correct.
Thanks to Mr. Magic9, it looks like we both stumbled into good information. The titanium coatings in current use all seem to be combinations of titanium and one or more other materials.

TiN, TiAIN, AlTiN, and TiCN coatings do not justify a statement of "Coated in Titanium"... that is the main point I've been trying to make. We are't playing horseshoes here. You wouldn't say something covered in bronze is "copper coated", they are 2 different things... even if one contains the other. When I read the statement "coated in Titanium", I expect that to mean that the item was dunked into liquid Ti and nothing else. Accuracy in names and description is important here.

After a bit of research on the above coatings that Magic9 posted... If SC is being truthful at all, I would guess that SC is using an AlTiN coating... it's just my theory atm. They also may or may not be adding something else into the mix, but I doubt they will give up their recipe.

SC grinders are not coated in Titanium.

While I'm sure they are both great grinders, I can find a handful of complaints of chipping/flaking with the SCS too. I think it's all preference at this point, and I'll take the product with the longer track record.

(For the record, I think it's fucked up neither company provides enough info as they should)

I have spoke to the people at SCS multiple times for different questions, they have always been very helpful and fully answered my questions. One of the shop guys told me that they aren't coated in anything, they use a simple anodizing process. He told me their "secret" was in the superior quality of aluminum used and it's preparation before anodizing.

The only early chipping report of a SCS on this forum was warrantied IIRC.

 

[misanthrope]

Not everyone wants to grind their herb into a fine powder?

Maybe "fine powder" was the wrong description, I don't mean like talcum powder, but much finer than my Space Case does.

I accept that people like all sorts of things, many people I know use scissors instead of a grinder because they claim "grinders damage the trichomes etc".

However, as the owner of a space case, the supposed Rolls Royce of grinders I felt I should point out that I find it overrated - especially if you want to grind smaller amounts (as in the SC it tends to just move herb around with the teeth if you are only grinding a small bit).

I only point this out as a man who spent £50 on something which doesn't work as well as the thing I bought years ago for £5. I think the key is that the weed world grinder has pyramid shaped teeth while the SC teeth are more like diamond shaped blades, I guess blades dull over time but those close-together pyramids never stop crushing.

With regard to the OP, if you definitely want a crystal catcher, get SC. If you just want to grind well, save yourself the cash and get a decent plastic with pyramid shaped teeth.

Oh yeah, and coloured coatings on grinders do tend to chip off eventually in my experience, you are best off with plain original even if only to put your mind at rest.

 

[Caligula]

Well TBH, I've never owned a SC grinder. Ive owned and used quite a few cheapo and free grinders over the decades though. That said, both my SCS units are by far and away the best functioning of the lot... and that says nothing of their superior durability or looks (subjective, I know).

Just my 2 cents anyway.

 

[FlyingLow]

...However, as the owner of a space case, the supposed Rolls Royce of grinders...

This comment may have been true a decade ago; but do read the Grinder thread. This whole thread and all your questions might be better answered and reach more people in there, as it already has subscribers. It seems pretty clear, SC is no longer the standard to which others are compared. It has a fiercely loyal following, like the Volcano, but there are better options available.

I also have the triangle teeth plastic grinder and it is okay (came with my S&B), but it wears down, chips easy, and is a bear to turn when compared to my SCS. I would argue it is far from the best available grinder. When grinding large or hard amounts in succession, my hands cramp up painfully when using these.

SCS is like a hot knife through butter. It can grind up a granite rock into fluff with the most minimal effort of any grinder I have used.


Come on over to the Grinder Thread, the topic is already being discussed

 

[misanthrope]

Perhaps the ultimate grinder would be a durable metal one but with pyramid teeth?*

*future designers, please consider this.

 

[Caligula]

Well whats your deal with grind consistency? That is to say what is it that your SC isnt doing for you?

Anyway I'm assuming you have a multi-piece SC unit and not a simple 2 piece (since you mentioned sifting). Id also assume your plastic pyramid grinder is a 2 piece.

Is this correct?

In order to fairly compare grind consistency you need to take the multi-piece functionality out of the equation, as this prevents finer grinds. To do so you will need to grind with the unit upside down so that the material doesn't fall through the holes into the lower collection chamber before its been ground to a finer point.

Just saying.

 

[biohacker]

Both my titanium andodized SC and 2 and 4 piece SCS' developed scratches/marks from regular use.

I'm in the market for something like chrome grinder? Just want something that doesn't chip! Loved my S&B grinder but found the teeth wearing/breaking off.

 

[VapeAir 2000]

Price is always going to play on people. The more it's worth most people would say well it must be better then the rest since it cost more then the rest. Sort of like the Volcano now the 2nd most costly vape behind the new Herbalizer vaporizer. Space Case offers a good product and warranty, I also would never pay what they want for a metal grinder I just can't afford it. Just look around find a company that makes a quality product and it should work well, my 2 cents. I do plan on buying a 2 piece space case just to see what all the hype is about, but most people are talking about there 4 part grinder that is very pricey. I have a 4 part Titan purchased off of ebay recommended here on FC best grinder I have owned it's still razor sharp and besides the fine residue from use it stays clean. I also have to add since I forgot the screen broke a while ago on me in the Titan grinder and I had no problem with that contacted the ebay seller and was sent a new part.

 

[misanthrope]

Well whats your deal with grind consistency? That is to say what is it that your SC isnt doing for you?

Anyway I'm assuming you have a multi-piece SC unit and not a simple 2 piece (since you mentioned sifting). Id also assume your plastic pyramid grinder is a 2 piece.

Is this correct?

In order to fairly compare grind consistency you need to take the multi-piece functionality out of the equation, as this prevents finer grinds. To do so you will need to grind with the unit upside down so that the material doesn't fall through the holes into the lower collection chamber before its been ground to a finer point.

Just saying.

Where I live the weed we get varies in consistency, on occasion it can be a bit damper than ideal at other times very sticky and resinous and everything inbetween.

With my SC, I would sometimes end up with clumps of bud stuck to the blades - this happens a lot less with weed world acrylic grinder.

Even with very dry herb I would find bigger lumps in the SC - I think this may be down to the fact that I don't put much in. I'd say it's definitely the case that the more you cram into the SC the better it works - as someone who only uses a small bit at a time, I found the smaller acrylic grinder got better results for me.

Both my SC and acrylic are two piece, but many of my friends have the crystal catcher - which as a crystal catcher works great, the grind is average though.

In conclusion, pure and simple, a lump of bud the size of hmmm, a couple of watch batteries or maybe a cubic centimetre is ground up much nicer and finer in my acrylic than in my SC (which I found had more tendency to just push the bud around and in some cases attach sticky bits to the teeth).

I hope this helps someone reach a decision, and bear in mind neither grinder is terrible. If grinding big buds up the difference is probably negligible.

 

[cybrguy]

Then again one could always get an HerbalAire and skip the grinding completely.

 

[misanthrope]

Price is always going to play on people. The more it's worth most people would say well it must be better then the rest since it cost more then the rest. Sort of like the Volcano now the 2nd most costly vape behind the new Herbalizer vaporizer. Space Case offers a good product and warranty, I also would never pay what they want for a metal grinder I just can't afford it. Just look around find a company that makes a quality product and it should work well, my 2 cents. I do plan on buying a 2 piece space case just to see what all the hype is about, but most people are talking about there 4 part grinder that is very pricey. I have a 4 part Titan purchased off of ebay recommended here on FC best grinder I have owned it's still razor sharp and besides the fine residue from use it stays clean.

Honestly wouldn't bother spending the extra money, I did exactly that and went back to my original, cheapo grinder, as have some of my friends.

 

[Caligula]

Well as I said in the other thread, Ive never owned a SC. Ive owned and used a multitude of off brand and no name grinders over the years however, and I can say without a doubt that my Santa Cruz Shredder units are by far the best I've ever used. This goes for function as form.

In either case though, acrylic is not going to be my go to for grinder material. I cant fathom a way that plastic wont at some point find it way into the grind (as with metal too im sure but guess which id rather have in a load im vaping at 200°C)... and acrylic is no good to clean with isopropyl alcohol.

Just my opinion on the matter anyway.

All that being said though, and im wondering if your grinder is just too big for your needs. I can tell you that there is a huge difference in grind between my SCS mini (about the width of a Carmex jar) and my SCS large (roughly 3x bigger diameter) when loading single bowl amounts.

In fact I ONLY use the large grinder if Im trying to get through a gram or more as quick as possible.

 

[biohacker]

Then again one could always get an HerbalAire and skip the grinding completely.

This!!!!!! One of the main reasons why I love my Nano so much! I got so fed up with all grinders sucking so much that I just went with a coffee grinder, which worked great for a grind in the Cloud/EVO. If there ever was a good 2 piece grinder that didn't scratch, chip, etc. I would go for it but i'm still searching. Are there any chrome or GOOD stainless steel grinders out there? I don't wanna go down the SCS and SC road again.

I'm gonna start researching the Herbal Aire and any other vapes that can obliterate whole nugs! I also find due to the larger surface to mass ratio, whole nugs are soooo much easier on my lungs. Little less cloudage, but once you break apart the nug, it's cloud city.

 

[GreenDragon]

I have firsthand knowledge from speaking directly with the manufacturer. The gentleman who answered the phone was very patient with my questions. He understood why I was asking my questions so carefully and repeatedly. He walked with the phone into the manufacturing facility and talked to someone actually making SpaceCase titanium grinders. They assured me repeatedly that they ARE TITANIUM ANODIZED.
Were they wrong/misinformed/lying? I have no way to prove if they were or were not being truthful with me.

I'm sorry, "you said that he said" is simply not enough for me, I need something real to back that up. I have done plenty of searching and can not find anything about "Titanium anodized Aluminum" and until I see a factual reference explaining the process, it's hearsay.

Well... All knowledge is hearsay. The entire sum total of all mankind's knowledge is hearsay. Everything you've ever read or were told by someone else is hearsay. Even if you were a metallurgist, you would have earned your degree by learning from others, hearsay. And the internet... enough said.

I have researched this topic multiple times, found other discussions on the web, and have enough firsthand knowledge to boldly make this statement (again): SpaceCase Grinders are NOT coated in Titanium. If you still disagree with me, I'd be happy to read any facts/references that you share.

Sorry. All hearsay. :-)

But that's what you wanted.

What am I missing here? You are the one who would not accept "hearsay". Please remind me why that is what I wanted. Short-term memory loss may be the norm around here, but I am confused about who here accepts "hearsay" and who does not.

SC grinders are not coated in Titanium..

You are correct in that they are not coated in pure titanium.
They ARE coated in titanium and some other element or elements.

 

[Caligula]

You know... if we could all just agree that the SCS is better, all of this becomes moot.

 

[Magic9]

I would blast through so many plastic grinders, I'd need a wholesale deal lol.

Both my titanium andodized SC and 2 and 4 piece SCS' developed scratches/marks from regular use.

I don't wanna go down the SCS and SC road again.
I'm gonna start researching the Herbal Aire and any other vapes that can obliterate whole nugs!

Not saying it didn't happen, but I would love pics. I'm going to ISO mine and scope it to see.

The HA cooks whatever you stuff in there very well.

You know... if we could all just agree that the SCS is better, all of this becomes moot

If only my SC hasn't held up so well over the years.....

To the original topic, I believe the extraa $4 to $6 for the "Ti coated" one is worth it. I prefer the color and maybe it has some anti-stick properties. Good info here for anybody that needs it. Good fun guys.

Now I'm off to the grinder thread to see if anyone has ground salt in their SCS.

 

[GreenDragon]

What am I missing here?

DUH ! I saw what I was missing here.
Semantics and truth in advertising.

TiN, TiAIN, AlTiN, and TiCN coatings do not justify a statement of "Coated in Titanium"... that is the main point I've been trying to make. We are't playing horseshoes here. You wouldn't say something covered in bronze is "copper coated", they are 2 different things... even if one contains the other. When I read the statement "coated in Titanium", I expect that to mean that the item was dunked into liquid Ti and nothing else. Accuracy in names and description is important here.
After a bit of research on the above coatings that Magic9 posted... If SC is being truthful at all, I would guess that SC is using an AlTiN coating... it's just my theory atm. They also may or may not be adding something else into the mix, but I doubt they will give up their recipe.

So... me, Mr. Keif and several other interested folks were wrapped up in really two things:
Semantics
Truth in advertising

I finally get it. Right?

I knew from the very first time I heard of, saw and touched the old SpaceCase Ti grinders that they were only titanium "anodized". Now I've found out that they are probably coated in TiAIN or AlTiN. I guess I wasn't holding SpaceCase to a higher standard of truth in advertising. If I had thought they were solid titanium I'd be very pissed off. It is a little disappointing that the coating isn't pure titanium (if that is true, but it sure seems probable). The titanium-ish coating does have nonstick properties and the finish is very beautiful. That makes me fine with it, but I understand why others would find that not kosher.

Mr. Keif - I reread the posts and see that you were really trying to make me see your point. Thank you for giving that little extra push. And... If I'm still not understanding you, keep pushing. Thank you.

 

[Magic9]

I recant my previous support for the "Ti" finish. I would stick to the regular finish. Please refer to grinder thread for more info.
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/herb-grinders.15/page-178#post-590653

 

[duckdown]

I love my Space Case. had it for years and have never once imagined needing something "better", even if it does exist

 

[FlyingLow]

That is kinda like saying, "Screw electricity, I have candles and never once imagined needing something "better", even if it does exist."

Or

"Screw cars, I have a donkey and never once imagined needing something "better", even if it does exist."

Or

"Screw cell phones, I use telegram/morse code/smoke signals and never once imagined needing something "better", even if it does exist."


Sorry, I could not hold my tongue
Those who don't embrace change...

 

[Nevertheless1090]

That is kinda like saying, "Screw electricity, I have candles and never once imagined needing something "better", even if it does exist."

Or

"Screw cars, I have a donkey and never once imagined needing something "better", even if it does exist."

Or

"Screw cell phones, I use telegram/morse code/smoke signals and never once imagined needing something "better", even if it does exist."


Sorry, I could not hold my tongue
Those who don't embrace change...

Hmmm... Good analogies man but a bit extreme for each example you provided.

I own two piece SC and SCS. Surely, the SCS is superior in my opinion. But in comparison it's like the iPhone 5 compared to the iPhone 5s if I had to compare the two. A damn donkey to a car is insinuating SC is leaps and bounds behind SCS.