spressomon wrote:If Strega and Londinium are close to same for baskets...should be...I highly recommend IMS Competition baskets. Tried quite a few different baskets including VST but the IMS baskets rule for me and my LI (EspressoForge too).

The Strega and Londinium are actually quite different.
- The Strega, with it's pump for filling the group and double springs takes a much finer grind. I could never get a VST to work well with it (requires to fine of grind, which causes other problems). A LM Strada, or Espressoparts HQ type basket works best with them.
- The Londinium's (wether boiler or line level PI) and the single spring can work well with the VST/IMS.

IMS works very well for me, as does the HQ baskets. I just like the mouth feel a bit better with the IMS. 18.5 grams fit very comfortably on average.