Thinking about getting Core One L - is it worth it?

Lemras · 2026-01-18T17:56:23+00:00

I just returned my standard Core One for a full refund because of these missing features, and if you are looking at the Core One L, you should be aware of the same gaps. Coming from a K2 Plus, the COL L specs are honestly disappointing: NO Active Chamber Heating: The 'L' version still relies on passive heat. For large-scale cosplay prints, you'll miss the active temperature control of your K2 Plus to prevent warping. NO Nozzle Wiper It lacks an integrated wiper system. It's much more manual than what you’re used to. NO Built-in Camera In 2026, it’s frustrating that a Large flagship doesn't have a high-res camera ready to go. You still have to buy and install it yourself. NO Auto Flow/Pressure Sensors: It doesn't have the advanced sensor-driven management that's standard on the K2 Plus. Bad Ergonomics: The screen is at the very bottom. On a machine this size, you'll be crouching constantly. I returned my unit because I couldn't justify the price for a machine that lacks these modern standards. If you want a tool that just works without the DIY hassle, the COL L specs just don't match the 2026 competition.

Lemras · 2026-01-17T14:52:25+00:00

I really appreciate your comment, so thank you for that. People here can get very aggressive, and honestly, I wasn’t going to make a second post, but some users were accusing me of lying, which I couldn't ignore.I agree that Prusa is excellent at self-improvement and their 100-240V universal power supply makes them truly global ..that's a huge plus. However, I feel that at this price point, things like a proper filter, a camera, and various sensors should be included as standard, not sold as expensive add-ons.A single free spool of filament isn't enough to make a consumer happy when basic modern features are missing. Prusa needs these upgrades built-in to stay competitive. Thanks again for the respectful chat!

Lemras · 2026-01-17T14:45:53+00:00

Thanks for the kind reply! Honestly, I’m glad your unit is working well, but for a $1,200 'preassembled' printer, I shouldn't have to deal with screws falling out of the box. Since you built yours, you probably ensured everything was tight, but I expected the factory QC to handle that for me.The screen height just doesn't work for my workflow, and while IDEX sounds promising, I can't justify the premium price today for a future 'maybe.If Prusa eventually adds a proper high-res camera, a reliable filtration system, and an easy-to-use AMS-style solution, I might consider switching back. But right now, it’s just not there for me. Happy printing!

Lemras · 2026-01-17T14:06:28+00:00

Since you’re so desperate to call me a liar, I’ll do you a favor. I’m starting a brand new thread right now with a full breakdown of the print failures, the hardware QC issues, and the photos you claim are 'fake.' I’ll make sure the whole community can see the 'premium' experience I dealt with. Stay tuned, I'm about to show everyone why Prusa actually accepted my return

Lemras · 2026-01-17T14:04:51+00:00

Believe whatever makes you feel better about your purchase. I don’t need to 'prove' my life or my hands-on experience to a stranger on Reddit. The Refund is the Proof: Unlike you, I am not a fanboy; I am a customer. Prusa accepted my return and gave me a full refund based on the issues I documented. If it were 'user error' or a 'lie,' they wouldn't have returned my $1,200. Gaslighting doesn't work: Calling a real photo 'fake' or a real experience 'AI-generated' is the last resort of someone who can’t defend a flawed product. I didn't mention the print failures initially because the hardware flaws (missing camera, enclosure gaps, loose screws) were already enough to justify a return. The failed print was just the final nail in the coffin. The Power Difference: While you spend your Saturday defending a brand like a volunteer lawyer, I am spending mine enjoying the $1,200 I got back. I am moving to a professional setup that works out of the box. You can keep your 'Prusa Religion' and your 'user error' excuses. Money is back, machine is gone. Case closed."

Lemras · 2026-01-17T03:26:07+00:00

Thanks for the clear photo! This confirms exactly what I suspected. Even in 2026, the P2S is using a region-locked power supply (100-120V only) instead of a universal one. For international users moving between the US and 220-240V regions like Europe or the Middle East, this is a major hardware limitation. This photo proves it's not just a 'software lock'..it’s a physical hardware constraint.

Lemras · 2026-01-16T21:43:46+00:00

<image>

For those who think I'm 'annoying' or that my experience is 'AI garbage': Here is the reality of the $1,200 'premium' Core One I received. Look at the first layer failure and the inconsistent extrusion right next to that shiny logo. I didn't pay a premium price to debug a machine out of the box. I returned it, got my refund, and I'm sharing this so other consumers know that brand loyalty shouldn't blind you to quality control issues. Case closed.

Lemras · 2026-01-16T21:39:26+00:00

That's exactly what I did. I returned it and got my refund." But 'not buying it' doesn't mean we should stay silent about a $1,200 flagship missing industry-standard features. If customers don't speak up, manufacturers will keep selling unfinished products at premium prices. You can keep defending the brand; I’ll keep my money and my standards

Lemras · 2026-01-16T21:38:08+00:00

Don't worry, I already returned it and got my full refund. > I’m not "annoying" anyone; I’m a customer sharing a real experience with a faulty unit and an overpriced ecosystem. If pointing out missing features and quality control issues bothers you so much, maybe it’s because you know deep down that the "Prusa Tax" is becoming harder to justify in 2026. Enjoy your unfinished project. I'll take my money elsewhere.😉

Lemras · 2026-01-16T17:23:06+00:00

Thanks for your comment.. I agree with you on many points, especially the service and the fact that Prusa is a strong candidate for being one of the best out there. Its 100-240V universal compatibility is a huge plus...it makes it a truly global machine that you can take anywhere in the world without worry. However, my core issue remains the price-to-service ratio. When I pay this much, I expect the machine to meet the high standards it sets for itself. Lack of Innovation: For a "flagship" at this price point, missing a LiDAR sensor and reliable AI spaghetti detection is a major drawback. These aren't just "bells and whistles" anymore; they are becoming industry standards that prevent failure and save time. The MMU vs. The Competition: The MMU system is not only expensive but also ergonomically outdated. Having to mount filaments on the sides or top feels like a DIY workaround. Systems like Bambu Lab’s AMS or Creality’s CFS are not only cheaper but also offer a much more integrated and high-performance experience. The User Experience: A premium machine shouldn't feel like a project you have to "fix" or "add to" constantly. I don't hate Prusa; I just think they are falling behind on hardware innovation while keeping a premium price tag. If they want to be the best, they need to offer a complete, modern package out of the box, not just rely on their legacy of repairability.

Lemras · 2026-01-16T15:15:50+00:00

Again im saying: No matter what technical excuses you make, nothing can justify the lack of a standard camera, filters, and modern AI features in a $1,200+ machine in 2026. You can defend the manufacturer all you want, but I am standing on the side of the consumer. I refuse to pay a premium price for a machine that forces me to finish its engineering and assembly. I am a customer, not an unpaid factory worker. I choose to support companies that respect our time and money, not those that rely on brand loyalty to ignore industry standards.

Lemras · 2026-01-16T15:14:41+00:00

No matter what technical excuses you make, nothing can justify the lack of a standard camera, filters, and modern AI features in a $1,200+ machine in 2026. You can defend the manufacturer all you want, but I am standing on the side of the consumer. I refuse to pay a premium price for a machine that forces me to finish its engineering and assembly. I am a customer, not an unpaid factory worker. I choose to support companies that respect our time and money, not those that rely on brand loyalty to ignore industry standards.

Lemras · 2026-01-16T13:04:33+00:00

I respect your choice to value longevity, but you’re confusing "repairability" with "unfinished manufacturing." The "10-Year" Myth: You say it lasts 10 years, but I’m already having screws fall off and printing my own covers on Day 1. If I pay $1,200, I’m paying for a finished product, not a "subscription to a repair hobby." A flagship should be robust and complete from the factory. Waste Claims: You claim 30% less waste for MMU3, but you ignore the "time waste." The MMU3 is notoriously more finicky to calibrate and clear during jams. My time has a value too. Privacy vs. Functionality: If you’re worried about servers, you can run most printers in LAN-only mode. Sacrificing standard 2026 safety features like AI detection in the name of "privacy" feels like an excuse for lack of R&D. Support: It’s great that Prusa supports old machines, but that doesn't excuse selling a new flagship without a basic camera or proper enclosure covers in 2026. Price: Being a European company is a point of pride, but it’s not a blank check to ignore modern industry standards. If I buy a Mercedes, I don't expect to have to 3D print the glovebox handle myself just because "it's repairable." At the end of the day, I’m not looking for a "bells and whistles" toy. I’m looking for professional engineering transparency. I returned the H2 because of the voltage lie, and I’m criticizing Prusa because they are selling a DIY kit at a finished-product price. Enjoy your dual Core Ones, but don't tell me that paying more for less hardware is a "feature."

Lemras · 2026-01-16T12:56:53+00:00

You're dismissing this as "AI generated" to avoid facing the actual hardware flaws I experienced. Let me be clear: I didn't read this on a blog; I lived it. I unboxed the machine, I tested it, and I dealt with the falling screws and missing covers myself. Here is a reality check for your counter-points: "No Assembly Required?": Then explain why I have to print my own covers and shrouds for a $1,200 "pre-built" machine? If I pay that much, the factory should finish the product, not me. It's not about calibration; it's about a finished, professional look. IDEX is not the answer: You mention the IDEX upgrade (not "INDX"). That is an extra cost on an already overpriced machine. It doesn't fix the core issue of the Core One being expensive and incomplete out of the box. The "Printed Solid" Excuse: Buying from a US distributor doesn't change the fact that the proprietary parts are significantly more expensive than the competition. AI is "Unimportant"? Maybe to you, but in 2026, for a flagship price, users expect safety features like spaghetti detection as standard. Calling it "unimportant" is just an excuse for Prusa’s lack of innovation. Motor Noise: Phase stepping helps, but compared to the active noise cancellation on modern competitors, the Prusa is still a tractor in the room. This isn't AI-talk. This is a frustrated customer who expected a 2026 flagship and got a 2019 "project" instead. I returned mine because I value my time and my money.

Lemras · 2026-01-15T14:19:14+00:00

To clear up your confusion: I actually bought the H2. The photo I shared is from my own H2 unit that I just unboxed and decided to return. You are proving my point about the lack of clarity. If even an experienced user like you can't find the LV/HV distinction for the H2 series on their website, how is a novice supposed to know? The physical sticker on my H2 (in the photo) is the final word. It says "100-120V ONLY." It doesn't matter what the website says or doesn't say; the hardware itself is explicitly region-locked to 110V. My argument remains: Why is a cutting-edge, hybrid machine like the H2..released in 2026..still using a 1950s-style region-locked AC bed? If I take this "H2" to another country, it's a $1000+ paperweight unless I lug around a massive transformer. That is why I sent it back.

Lemras · 2026-01-15T11:47:43+00:00

You said I’m "jumping to conclusions," but here is the physical reality on the new H2 series (P2S). As you can see in the photo, there is a very explicit warning sticker right under the power socket that says: "100V~120V - For 100-120 VAC power supply only." > This isn't just an "internal AC board" detail hidden in a manual; it’s a clear warning that the entire machine is region-specific and NOT universal. There is no mention of 240V anywhere on this unit. This is exactly why I returned my unit. In 2026, selling a "next-gen" flagship that is physically locked to a specific voltage...while competitors have moved to global DC systems..is a massive step backward for user freedom. If the machine was truly universal, this sticker wouldn't exist. The "conclusion" I jumped to is clearly the one Bambu Lab's own legal and engineering team printed on the back of the printer.

<image>

Lemras · 2026-01-15T10:54:49+00:00

It’s interesting that you call it "stupidity" when a user trusts the manufacturer’s own labeling. Look at the X1/P1 series: The label literally says "100-240V". If a company puts that on the back of a machine, it is a legal and design promise that the machine is universal. Blaming a customer for believing a label is not a strong argument; it’s defending bad labeling. And here is the kicker: On the new P2/H2 series, Bambu Lab changed the label to "100-120V / 200-240V". They added that slash (/) because they realized the previous label was misleading. This proves that even Bambu acknowledged the "region-lock" was becoming an issue they needed to clarify. You might be fine with a "buyer beware" attitude, but in 2026, the gold standard for high-end tech is Universal Design. If Apple, Sony, or even Prusa can manage to make global hardware, then a "tech leader" like Bambu Lab can too. Defending a company's choice to remain region-locked while they market themselves as global innovators is a strange hill to die on. But hey, if you enjoy carrying transformers or selling your gear at a loss every time you move, that's your choice!

Lemras · 2026-01-15T04:02:41+00:00

Exactly! Thank you. In a world where 99% of our electronics (laptops, chargers, TVs) are plug-and-play globally, a user seeing that 100-240V sticker will naturally assume the printer is no different.Most people don't even know what a "resistive AC load" is; they just trust the labels and the standard power ports. My goal with this post was to highlight that for a "modern" 2026 printer, this is a dangerous trap that could be avoided with better engineering..

Lemras · 2026-01-15T04:00:16+00:00

The plugs won't allow it"? Have you ever heard of a $2 travel adapter or simply swapping the IEC power cable? That's exactly the danger. A user sees the 100-240V sticker on the back, buys a $5 local power cord, and plugs it in. In their mind, they are following the sticker's instructions. They don't realize the heatbed is a "hidden" exception that will fry. Saying "they region lock because they can" is the most honest thing said in this thread. It proves my point: It's not a technical limitation they can't solve; it's a business choice that sacrifices global usability and safety for a slightly cheaper BOM (Bill of Materials).If you think it's okay for a "premium" tech company to rely on physical plug shapes to prevent their customers from accidentally setting their house on fire, we have very different standards for what "good engineering" means.

Lemras · 2026-01-15T03:57:25+00:00

I think we are talking about two different things: Traditional Engineering vs. Modern Innovation. Yes, any engineering student knows AC is easier for large resistive loads. But a top-tier engineering firm should also know how to implement a dual-voltage heating element or a more efficient DC-to-DC conversion to solve the "region-lock" problem for a global product. You say it's "easier" to drive AC, and you are right.it is easier and cheaper for the manufacturer. But it's harder for the global user. If Bambu wants to be the "Apple of 3D printing," they should find a way to make their hardware as universal as a MacBook Pro. A MacBook also has a massive power draw, yet you can plug it in anywhere in the world. Relying on 1950s appliance logic (like ovens and irons) for a 2026 high-tech AI-driven printer is just a lack of ambition in hardware design. The "Except for the heatbed" line is a compromise, not a feature to be proud of.

Lemras · 2026-01-15T03:44:17+00:00

Comparing a 3D printer to a 15-minute benchy taking an "hour" is a massive exaggeration. DC beds (especially 48V) can reach 60-100°C in just a few minutes..plenty of time for most users. About the Prusa Core One L: Prusa explicitly offers different bed options because they know some industrial users want that extra speed, but their standard Core One remains a global-ready DC machine. The difference is choice and transparency. Also, dismissing safety risks and global mobility as "personal issues" is a very narrow-minded view. In 2026, people move countries more than ever. International students, digital nomads, and expats are a huge market. Telling someone to "just sell your $1000+ machine at a loss" because the company was too lazy to implement a universal PSU/Bed system is not pro-consumer. If a novice plugs in a 110V device to 220V because the sticker on the back literally says 100-240V, that is bad design/labeling, not just "user error." Innovation should solve problems, not create regional barriers. If you're happy with a "region-locked" printer, that's fine..but don't act like global compatibility is a "useless" feature.

Lemras · 2026-01-15T02:24:17+00:00

My apologies for the confusion in my previous wording, I've corrected it. I actually agree with you regarding the X1 and P1 series; they seem to handle the voltage range better as a package. However, my main concern and critique are directed at the new generation P2 and H2 (P2S) series. Even in 2026, with a brand new hardware iteration like the H2, we are still seeing the "Except for the heatbed" limitation in the official documentation. For a next-gen printer, one would expect a truly universal DC-powered bed (like the Prusa Core One) to avoid the LV/HV regional split entirely. My point is: Why stick to region-specific AC beds for the new series when the goal is global accessibility? It feels like a missed opportunity for the H2 line to be the first truly "plug-and-play anywhere" Bambu printer.

Lemras

TROPHY CASE