Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Replaced my stock tamper from Breville Barista Express and noticed the difference right away: flat even puck surface, improved flow. Though I am new to home espresso, happen to have a fairly steady hand pressure. Still, getting a calibrated one helped to improve shot to shot consistency. May get a regular one at some point in a future, as I tend to tilt it a bit when the spring is engaged and the tamper is a tad less stable vertically. But until my muscle memory is perfect, this one is the way to go for me. Haven't tried those costing upwards from $150, so don't know if there is such a difference in performance. But then, TMO, we are talking $10K car with $5K rims on it. Unless I am buying a pro espresso machine along with a pro grinder, don't think it's justified for me: likely, diminishing return for the money spent. Also, want to mention: my first tamper came with a small but fairly deep scratch at the bottom edge. Luxhaus customer service responded right away and sent me a replacement in perfect condition - no questions asked! So rest assured, they stand by their products. There is a mention re: workmanship quality of inner parts. I am a pretty picky guy, and mine two came quite well machined inside out including the hex pieces (well, with the exception of that scratch). So, maybe it was a fluke for that customer, or I got lucky... Also, the pressure on both is very consistent in 29.8-31 lbs range when the springs were engaged, but not compressed completely (bathroom scale - so, not precise or scientific). Took at least 10-15 measurements on each of them; hence, the range.