The Comandante X25 Trailmaster isn't even on the market yet, but we managed to secure a unit at the World of Coffee in Milan this summer. The X25 is designed for outdoor use, sturdy, water-resistant, and even waterproof with the lid on. We extensively tested the hand grinder from German manufacturer Comandante both as a filter coffee grinder on the go and as an espresso grinder.
X25 Trailmaster - Material and Appearance
Comandante is bringing the x25 Trailmaster to market as a light, sturdy, and robust version of the classic Comandante - the C40 Nitro Blade. The Trailmaster is designed for outdoor use. While the C40 is a heavy piece at 640 grams, the Trailmaster weighs just 420 grams.
For transparency: we carry the Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade both in Switzerland and in our German shop. We expect to add the x25 Trailmaster to the shop as well once it becomes available.
The Trailmaster is made from a reinforced technopolymer called QTP. This is a very stable form of plastic. It feels high-quality, has considerable weight, and is relatively scratch-resistant.
The entire Comandante has a polygonal structure, giving the surface a 3D look reminiscent of some Portuguese tiles. You can feel the structure distinctly, and it gives the Comandante a certain texture and grip. The handle is also supported by the relatively smaller circumference of the x25 compared to the C40. Particularly those with smaller hands will find it easier to grip.
The grinder has a diameter of 5 cm, is 16.5 cm tall, and has a circumference of 16 cm. The Comandante lettering also provides grip and feels almost somewhat sharp in contrast to the otherwise pleasant grippiness of the grinder.
Visually, the sand-colored polygon pattern reminds one of desert camouflage and has a somewhat military appearance. At the same time, it's also artistically modern. Which aspect dominates is probably in the eye of the beholder.
The Outdoor Comandante x25 Trailmaster
We extensively tested the x25 Trailmaster outdoors. It was a companion on many a tour throughout summer and early fall. This is also the primary purpose of the grinder and simultaneously its strength: grind fresh coffee on the go without the risk of damaging the grinder. This is what sets the Comandante x25 apart from the C40 MK4.
The coffee and grinding results, including particle distribution for espresso, are nearly identical between the C40 and x25. Our lab measurements confirm this. Both grinders use nearly the same Nitro-Blade conical burr system.
But the 200-gram weight difference, the size, and the sturdier construction simply make much more pleasure to use the x25 on the go - especially since it's also waterproof when the lid is attached.
Excellent as a Filter Coffee Grinder - Espresso Best with Upgrade
Filter coffee and alternative brewing methods are the x25's strength. In the grind setting range between 22 and 28 clicks, we brewed many excellent filter coffees. To count the clicks, the grinder is first closed completely and then opened incrementally from that point.
With each click, the grinding cone moves further out, making the grinder coarser. In the filter coffee range, the realized grind adjustment per click is ideal. In the espresso range, the jumps are too large. For example, grind setting 9 can mean an extraction of 20 seconds while grind setting 8 already results in a flow time of 32 seconds. An additional click in between would be desirable here. This can be achieved through an upgrade to the grinder with the Redclix system, but that's an additional cost.
Alternatively, resistance can be increased by adjusting the amount of coffee. The need to work with such coffee amount adjustments is one of the weaknesses of this hand grinder compared to some electric espresso grinders. This is because adjusting the coffee amount requires significantly more understanding of brewing relationships than simply adjusting the grind setting.
On the other hand, the build quality of the Comandante, its durability, and the grinding and particle distribution results are virtually superior to all electric grinders in the Comandante's price range.
That's already a strong argument for a hand grinder in this price range, especially since the Comandante x25 Trailmaster has zero retention, is easy to clean, and thus combines many advantages compared to electric grinders.
Conclusion on the Comandante x25 Trailmaster
For filter coffee, whether outdoors, while traveling, or stationary, the Comandante x25 Trailmaster is an excellent hand grinder that doesn't need to hide from any electric grinder.
For espresso, an upgrade with Redclix adjustment is worthwhile so you can select the right grind setting without having to adjust the amount. Taste-wise, the results are very good when you hit the right grind setting. This is partly due to the narrow and thus good particle distribution in the main peak of the Comandante x25 Trailmaster.
Update January 19, 2023: We were able to get our hands on some Comandante x25 Trailmaster units for our German shop, available in limited quantities. You can find them here while stock lasts.
