Normcore WDT Distribution Tool V2-9 Prong Espresso Distribution Tool - Needle Espresso Stirrer I 0.3mm Thick Spring Wires - Espresso Coffee Stirrer - Anodized Aluminum Handle

Wunderbar in Verbindung mit meiner Sage Barista Touch Impress

Good

I think this is a 4.5/5 stars. Bought this for the Normcore V2 WDT tool. It doesn't match the same finish as this is gloss black and the WDT tool is matte black, so that is my only knock against this. Would be a solid 5 Stars otherwise.

Nice tool to break up clumps in your coffee. It helps making your coffee come out smoother but, don’t expect drastic results.

I own 2 other similar WDT tools and the Normcore is easily the best: better thought out and made while being similarly priced. Nice attention to detail in its design from the flat top handle for easy storage, the magnet inside the handle for more storage options, and the base unscrews for easy needle replacement or pattern customization from the default 3x3 arrangement. Mechanical tolerances seem tight as the tool never came unscrewed on its own and the needles fit inside the housing tightly without any wiggle or wobble. The needle length gives me about 5 mm of clearance with 18 grams of grounds in the portafilter basket and there are no poorly cut tips on them. It's nice that Normcore includes several replacement needles and 2 metal stickers so you could store the tool under cabinets. The 0.3 mm needle thickness is thinner than with my other tools but I find they cut through more effectively in my medium roast coffees though YMMV. Extraction consistency is probably better though it's hard to say for certain as espresso is already finnicky to begin with, definitely no worse than my other WDT tools in this regard. There's still a tendency for the grounds to get pushed vs. cut through so I might try removing some of the needles to see if that helps. The needles are thin and will bend more under aggressive use (they do spring back though) so time and care should be taken to avoid permanently warping the needles. While the metal handle isn't awkward or uncomfortable to hold, either a rubber grip or hexagonal/octagonal shape with edges would improve the grip. I've been pretty happy with this tool for the month that I've owned it. If you're considering your first WDT tool or even an upgrade, I definitely recommend the Normcore.