So does this mean you could do a "slayer-style" shot by just manipulating the paddle on the front from lower to higher pressure, and then back again, during a shot?

This will depend on whether or not the new valve allows you to pull from the reservoir at less than 3bar, as typically a direct connect to plumbing mains has a min pressure of 3bar. Slayer works around this with a simple needle valve, so I'm not sure if this new LM valve will operate in the same manner but directly with MP paddle input.

I'm curious to know and find out, though! Excellent change from their side either way!

being able to do it once is one thing. Being able to do it the same way, every time, is a whole 'nother thing

Forgive my ignorance, but even the newest LM seems rather "analog".
In a time where you can tweak your machine using touchscreens (Slayer, DE1, ..) ...

the MP (manual paddle) is analog for sure. Some people like that (Some people also like vinyl and film..)

The EP is their more advanced/electronic/costly option.

shawndo wrote: The EP is their more advanced/electronic/costly option.

And the odds of the EP coming to the GS/3 "footprint" are what?

The single group LM strada is a monster and will never fit into my kitchen.

For a person without access to 220, and without the ability to plumb-in a machine--the only downside to this "upgrade" would be the potential release of an EP model within a year or so.

On the other hand, if one has access to plumbing-in a machine a slayer (presently at $7,999 with holiday pricing) seems like solid price competition for this model.

It seems like this is more precise than the Strada option? I still have my kit sitting, waiting for install. Guess I should wait for the parts to be available for purchase and install with the new conical version.

mjbelcher wrote:And the odds of the EP coming to the GS/3 "footprint" are what?

The single group LM strada is a monster and will never fit into my kitchen.

For a person without access to 220, and without the ability to plumb-in a machine--the only downside to this "upgrade" would be the potential release of an EP model within a year or so.

On the other hand, if one has access to plumbing-in a machine a slayer (presently at $7,999 with holiday pricing) seems like solid price competition for this model.

Just to make it clear for everyone else, the Strada 1gr has a built-in 2L tank so it doesn't need to be plumped in.

But yes - it's a 220 monster of a machine!

So does this mean you could do a "slayer-style" shot by just manipulating the paddle on the front from lower to higher pressure, and then back again, during a shot

Yes. This can also be done with the existing Strada mod (which I have now on my GS/3, and did this morning... as well as every other morning since I installed the mod), but it's very sensitive and takes some time getting to know your paddle. Once you've developed a feel for your paddle, it's quite easy and reproducible. The sound of your machine (pump and hydraulics) also factors in to things, as if you listen carefully you can hear the load on the pump and water flowing at different points (flows/pressures) of extraction. It's all about getting to know YOUR equipment. Also, as Shawndo said, this is a very analog and manual process. That's what I wanted... mano

YseanY wrote:It seems like this is more precise than the Strada option? I still have my kit sitting, waiting for install. Guess I should wait for the parts to be available for purchase and install with the new conical version.

As to being more precise, I haven't used this new conical valve yet, so I couldn't say, however... I can consistently and easily hit 0-9 bars and anywhere in between with my existing Strada mod. It took about a month of playing with before I got good at it, and it still requires me to focus when I'm pulling a shot. From what I've been told by LM, this new conical valve is a lot less sensitive. There's probably a quicker learning curve associated with that, but essentially the same functionality.

One final thing I'll have to say in favor of LM if you're thinking about pulling the trigger on one... I bought my GS/3 direct from LM USA and their customer service is second to none. I haven't received as good of support from ANY other vendor I've ever dealt with.

Stored profiles make sense in a cafe setting, but not in a low-volume home setting.

I do manual profiling on my GS/3 AV with a variable speed gear pump. I have a design and most of the parts for adding an Arduino-based stored profile system, but I've never gotten around to building it. I've found that It isn't necessary to reproduce the profile with super precision, especially when the profile is predominantly a long, slow pre-infusion, ala Slayer flow profiling. In fact, I prefer to adjust the profile on the fly as I see changes, such as when the first drops appear, the consistency and color of the stream, etc.

I think lever-heads would probably agree with my assessment.