LUCCA E61 Stainless Steel Flow Control

Fun to play with but not sure it adds a lot.

The flow control really appeals to my desire to tweak things. After a few weeks I enjoy using it but I'm not sure my shots are any better because of it. I find that I use it to save a shot if the grind needs to be adjusted because it's pulling too quickly. It's confirmed for me that you really need to start with the right grind. To be fair, I haven't gone down the rabbit hole experimenting with different grinds and different flow profiles. I don't regret buying it, it's fun. I just don't think it's the be all and end all to a good shot.

Improved Shots with Lucca Flow Control

The aftermkt. Lucca flow control is a helpful feature that I use daily on my ECM Puristika, in combination with a separate aftermkt. porta filter basket and screen from S Works Design (SWD). Together they have improved my shots, although I saw a much greater improvement from adding the SWD combo, prior to installing the Lucca, that resulted in a much deeper crema and shot consistency. My one complaint, however, about the Lucca is that you didn't provide sufficient user info and detail about the install and operation of the flow control in the Clive video. The video omitted detail that the small white silicon gasket used in the opening where the new gauge is installed may already be seated in the opening, rather than a new gasket needing to be inserted. Also you omitted the detail that the flow handle has a built in 'stop' function in the closed position, but no stop in the fully open pisition resulting in the handle continuing to turn past the top edge of my ECM after the full pressure has been reached. While these aren't major issues that significantly affected the install or operation, they did create confusion and uncertainty that required several calls and emails to Clive Tech Support over 3-4 days that could have been easily avoided had you explained this in in the video,

It works, and was an cinch to install, but I need time , or 3 hands to get it to work for me. Love the little manometer!