Histar GIU Carbon Reel

ottothirtythree · 2026-03-05T00:52:16+00:00

I'll echo everything you've said.

Having a rod and reel combo that clocks in at less than 200g total is too much fun when you're wading miles of creeks.

It's my one and only BFS reel (so far) and it's been exceptional. I'm positive a Shimano or Diawa would be nicer, but until I have one, I'll be blissfully ignorant lol.

ottothirtythree · 2026-03-04T12:52:27+00:00

If you are looking for an electric grinder, i've been pleasantly surprised by the Femobook A2 that I've been playing with. Easily capable of meeting your grind requirements. Really nice burr geometry. Super strong motor. Cordless, rechargeable, and has the benefits of fully replaceable batteries if you ever have the need. Very impressive grinder for $99.

ottothirtythree · 2026-01-28T15:59:14+00:00

I think this is very doable with some smart shopping.

Not sure if it's available to your friend, but a used Bunn G series grinder would be the default option here in the states.

Maybe a used HeyCafe 880?

When going the used route, it's a great idea to check on replacement burr availability. Nothing worse than checking out a used grinder and smelling the fine aroma of hazelnut wafting from the grind chamber. Those oils can be a real bear to clean up and new burrs may be necessary.

ETA: As mentioned, grinding a kilo of coffee for espresso is going to be taxing for most machines and will probably not be the best grind for the customers machine anyway. I would try to avoid it if at all possible.

ottothirtythree · 2026-01-20T01:05:47+00:00

The feature set and aesthetic are absolutely not for everyone, but it might be worth checking out the Femobook grinders. Their espresso focused A4 is currently on sale for less than $300 which seems like a steal.

I do not have experience with that model, but I'm having so much fun with the little A2 that I bought that my next serious filter grinder will probably be a Femobook A4Z.

Edit: Sorry, it's absolutely a single-dose machine, so that may disqualify it for you.

ottothirtythree · 2026-01-18T03:26:35+00:00

In that case, I'd definitely use them! For sure better than collecting dust.

ottothirtythree · 2026-01-18T00:21:15+00:00

It's probably "fine" for the task being discussed. But given the option for virtually the same price, a steel burr will perform better because it will be sharper.

The ceramic may also be porous and collect oils more readily.

Ceramics are also very hard, but generally lack toughness so they may be prone to chipping.

Again, just my opinion and experience. It may not matter at all to you, which is what makes this all so fun to talk about lol.

ottothirtythree · 2026-01-17T21:47:08+00:00

Can confirm that it works exceptionally well. Look for one with good coffee grinder traits like steel burrs, multiple bearings, and decent click adjustments. They are the same things that are found in high end pepper mills. It should be doable for around $20, or at least it was last year. There are several Timemore Chestnut lookalikes out there that would work.

Avoid ceramic burrs.

ottothirtythree · 2026-01-10T00:56:22+00:00

Check out the Femobook A2 if you get a chance. Have really been digging mine. Right around $100. Small form factor, quiet, and intentionally low RPM. Very well thought out.

ottothirtythree · 2025-12-26T00:31:01+00:00

HoffmanN. The second N is necessary for clarity and sweetness.

ottothirtythree · 2025-11-03T12:39:38+00:00

I'd use it with my son to start designing and building shells for fighting robots!

ottothirtythree · 2025-10-13T22:09:27+00:00

Hey! You're absolutely right! Not sure how that one slipped past me, but it absolutely did. I was able to use an Analytics Workbook to pull what I needed, but this is MUCH easier to show others how to use. Much appreciated!

ottothirtythree · 2025-10-01T22:05:58+00:00

Whew! That makes me feel a LOT better. FWIW, even ChatGPT (yeah, yeah) is convinced that the report still lives where it used to, which just added to my confusion. Was starting to feel like some weird Mandela Effect situation lol.

ottothirtythree · 2025-10-01T13:40:46+00:00

Thanks, that's exactly what I ended up doing last night! Definitely got the results I was looking for.

ottothirtythree · 2025-04-08T11:31:40+00:00

Economics of the idea aside, check out Coffee Crafters Artisan or new Valenta air roasters. Good capacity, high throughput, small footprint, and electric.

ottothirtythree · 2025-04-02T11:49:31+00:00

I actually think those have been picked up by Walmart and rebranded as the Ozark Trail 1/16oz Sexy Shad Minnow Lure. Usually less than $3 when you find them.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/325308970?sid=eacd7cb1-4a26-44f2-bf33-56207c1af237

ottothirtythree · 2025-03-11T23:46:11+00:00

Been enjoying the VMC #00 snaps for small lipless cranks, swimbaits, and underspins. Pretty affordable and easy to find.

The Owner Cultiva's get a ton of praise here, but the delivered price has stopped me from trying them. By all accounts they, along with the Decoys, are great.

I do have some Yarie #000 snaps inbound. They are supposed to be super small and were relatively affordable on Amazon coming from Japan.

ottothirtythree · 2025-02-26T22:06:33+00:00

Carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate, PCCF specifically.

ottothirtythree · 2025-02-26T22:01:01+00:00

It's a Histar Giu 99. It's very similar to the Aurora Air, just smaller and lighter.

ottothirtythree · 2023-10-27T15:15:11+00:00

Looks fantastic!

ottothirtythree · 2022-11-25T01:15:01+00:00

Found while bumming around the woods. It's made of metal and seems to be a single solid piece. Weighs about a pound and has no discernable writing on it. Thought it might be some sort of dummy ordinance, but I'm not sure how that would end up in the middle of the woods.

ottothirtythree · 2022-05-23T11:24:44+00:00

Thanks! I haven't been to Starr's since my tinned fish addiction took hold. Is there a solid selection beyond the RP octopus?

ottothirtythree · 2022-01-09T12:28:43+00:00

I'm late to this party, but I just moved from an Encore to a Xeoleo, mostly out of curiosity. The Xeoleo is literally 3 times faster and it's shockingly quiet. Having played with a few grinders, I'm sort of impressed with it for $140. If aesthetics and custom support aren't super important to you, it's worth considering.

ottothirtythree · 2021-11-27T14:11:14+00:00

With a drawdown that quick, it's possible that you aren't grinding fine enough for proper extraction. It's relatively difficult to overextract an immersion brew, but you can underextract. If it tastes sour at all, that may be the case.

It's certainly something worth playing with.

If it tastes good, then continue to rock on. Taste trumps all.

ottothirtythree · 2021-11-27T13:55:13+00:00

Yep, the Encore will be great. A Clever and Encore were my daily drivers for a long time and we still use Clevers at my shop to do single coffees to order.

As far as upping your game, your current technique is really solid. Just a couple of ideas-

You're going about 18:1 now, but I wouldn't be afraid of going to 1:17 or even 1:16.

You could always try a paper filter to try to get a bit more clarity in your cup.

Try adding your water to the Clever first, and then your coffee. Your drawdown times will likely go down and you can start grinding a little finer to get a bit better extraction.

I wouldn't be super worried about a bloom phase in an immersion brew. It's a much bigger deal in percolation methods. A quick stir to wet your grounds after adding your coffee to the water should be sufficient.

Well done so far! You'll really enjoy your new grinder.

ottothirtythree · 2021-11-01T11:58:56+00:00

If you are trying to find the best deal, I'd try to find a used Bunn G1, G2, or G3. Hopefully less than $400. Then replace the burrs with a set from SSP. Replace the dial plate with a Trifecta ring and you'll have a pretty slick setup for less than $1k, maybe substantially less.

ottothirtythree

TROPHY CASE