The Comandante X25 Trailmaster isn't even on the market yet, but we managed to secure a unit at the World of Coffee in the summer in Milan. The X25 is designed for outdoor use, sturdy, water-repellent, and even waterproof with the lid on. We tested the hand grinder from German manufacturer Comandante extensively 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 lightweight, sturdy 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 stock the Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade both in Switzerland and in our German shop. We will likely also add the x25 Trailmaster to the shop once 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 decent weight, and is relatively scratch-resistant.
The entire Comandante has a polygonal structure, which gives the surface a 3D appearance, similar to some Portuguese tiles. You can feel the structure clearly, and it gives the Comandante certain character and grip. The handle is also supported by the relatively smaller circumference of the x25 compared to the C40. In particular, people with smaller hands find it easier to grip.
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 and has an almost sharp appearance in contrast to the otherwise pleasant grip texture of the grinder.
Visually, the sand-colored polygon pattern is reminiscent of desert camouflage and has a rather military look about it. At the same time, it's also artistically modern. Which wins out is probably in the eye of the beholder.
The outdoor Comandante x25 Trailmaster
We tested the x25 Trailmaster extensively outdoors. It was a companion on many tours over the summer and early autumn. That is also the grinder's primary purpose and its strength: fresh grinding on the go without the risk of the grinder breaking. This 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 laboratory measurements confirm this. Both grinders also use an almost identical Nitro-Blade conical grinding mechanism.
But the 200-gram weight difference, the size, and the sturdier construction make it simply much more enjoyable to use the x25 on the go - especially since it's also waterproof when the lid is on.
Brilliant for filter coffee - 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 from that point onwards.
With each click, the grinding cone moves further out and the grinder becomes coarser. In the filter coffee range, the achieved grind adjustment per click is ideal. In the espresso range, the jumps are too large. Grind setting 9, for example, can mean an extraction time of 20 seconds, while grind setting 8 already results in a run-off time of 32 seconds. Another click in between would be desirable here. This can be achieved precisely through an upgrade of the grinder with the Redclix system, but that's an additional cost.
Alternatively, the resistance can be increased by adjusting the amount of Kaffeemacher. The need to work with quantity adjustment in this way is one of the weaknesses of this hand grinder compared to some electric espresso grinders. Because adjusting the amount of Kaffeemacher requires significantly more understanding of brewing relationships than adjusting the grind setting.
On the other hand, the Comandante's build quality, durability, and 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 0 grams of retention, is easy to clean, and thus brings together many arguments in its favor 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 makes sense so you can select the right grind setting without adjusting the amount. The results taste very good once 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 managed to get some of the Comandante x25 Trailmaster units available in limited quantities for our German shop. You can find them here while stocks last.
