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 last summer. The X25 is designed for outdoor use, stable, water-repellent, and even airtight with its lid. We've thoroughly tested this hand grinder from the German manufacturer Comandante as a portable filter coffee grinder and an espresso grinder.
X25 Trailmaster - Material and Appearance
With the x25 Trailmaster, Comandante is launching a light, stable, and robust version of the classic Comandante - the C40 Nitro Blade. The Trailmaster is designed for outdoor use. While the C40 is a bit of a heavyweight at 640 grams, the Trailmaster weighs only 420 grams.
For transparency: we carry the Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade in both our Swiss shop and our German shop. We will likely add the x25 Trailmaster to our shop when it becomes available.
The Trailmaster is made from a reinforced techno-polymer called QTP. This is a very stable form of plastic. It feels high-quality, has a good weight to it, and is relatively scratch-resistant.
The entire Comandante has a polygonal structure, giving the surface a 3D look, similar to what you might see on some Portuguese tiles. The structure is also clearly palpable, giving the Comandante a certain texture and grip. The grip is also enhanced by the comparatively smaller circumference of the x25 compared to the C40. This makes it easier for smaller hands to grasp.
The grinder has a diameter of 5 cm, is 16.5 cm high, and has a circumference of 16 cm. The Comandante lettering also provides grip, though it appears almost sharp in contrast to the otherwise pleasant grip of the grinder.
Visually, the sand-colored polygon pattern resembles desert camouflage, giving it a military-inspired look. At the same time, it's also artistically modern. Which impression prevails probably depends on the eye of the beholder.
The Outdoor Comandante x25 Trailmaster
We've extensively tested the x25 Trailmaster outdoors. It accompanied us on many tours throughout the summer and early autumn. This is also the grinder's main purpose and strength: fresh grinding on the go, without fear of breaking the grinder. This also distinguishes the Comandante x25 from the C40 MK4.
The coffee and grinding results, including particle distribution for espresso, are almost identical between the C40 and x25. Our lab measurements confirm this. Both grinders also use a nearly identical Nitro-Blade conical burr grinder.
But the 200-gram weight difference, the size, and the more stable construction simply make the x25 much more enjoyable to use on the go - especially since it's also waterproof when the lid is on.
Excellent as a filter coffee grinder - Espresso best with an upgrade
Filter coffee and alternative brewing methods are the x25's strengths. In the grind setting range between 22 and 28 clicks, we brewed many excellent filter coffees. To count the clicks, the grinder is first fully closed and then opened progressively from there.
With each click, the grinding cone is extended further, making the grind 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, and grind setting 8 can already result in an outflow time of 32 seconds. An additional click in the middle would be desirable here. This can be achieved by upgrading the grinder with the Redclix system, but it is an additional cost.
Alternatively, the resistance can be increased by adjusting the coffee quantity. The necessity of having to work with quantity changes in this way is one of the weaknesses of this hand grinder compared to some electric espresso grinders. This is because adjusting the coffee quantity requires significantly more understanding of brewing principles than adjusting the grind size.
On the other hand, the craftsmanship of the Comandante, its durability, and the grinding and particle distribution results are superior to almost all electric grinders in the Comandante's price range.
This is a strong argument for a hand grinder in this price range, especially since the Comandante x25 Trailmaster has 0 grams of dead space, is easy to clean, and thus combines many pros compared to electric grinders.
Conclusion on the Comandante x25 Trailmaster
For filter coffee, whether outdoor, for travel, 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 sensible so that the appropriate grind size can be selected without adjusting the quantity. The taste results are very good when the grind size is met. This is partly due to the narrow and therefore 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 of the still limited Comandante x25 Trailmaster units for our German shop. You can find them here while supplies last.
