P
Psuper
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IN VERTICAL SPACE: The Filter Bag Review.
This is a unique, first-hand review of multi-stage liquid filtration bags (ice hash bags!) from six (6) different manufacturers. I have hands-on experience with two brands and four other companies very generously sent out sets of their filter bags for this no-strings-attached online review.
This thread is an attempt to convey my impressions in an unbiased manner; an attempt to objectively determine and present outstanding features or outstanding flaws of various bags. Now, that being said, it shouldn't surprise anyone that I didn't get any low-quality bags sent to me for review. All six brands included here have strong mesh (thicker monofilament thread diameter = stronger mesh) sewn into them, great customer service, and could replace a defective/flawed bag should you receive one (this is not as uncommon as some think!). It's a load off your mind to go with a reputable vendor that stands behind their product.
Different bags have different features; the price may not be the determing factor if you want something specific. Only bags falling inside of a "high-end" price range are going to have thick fabric with metal eyelets, for instance, or reinforced handles.
A bags fabric can be soft or it can be rigid-- Perhaps you prefer one over the other? Often bags are nylon fabric which is plastic-coated on the inside. But some rigid-walled bags are coated on the inside and out. Easy way to look at this is using these categories: soft, medium, or rigid fabric; that fabric is often nylon but some bags are covered totally in a plastic coating instead of just on the inside.
The mesh filter on the bottom of the bag can be sewn into the bag in a "standard" style (sewn flat on bottom) or "side-walled" (extending a little up a bags' side). Some sets (including two in this review) use side-walled bags only for the final bag in the set you're using, so you get both styles in a single set.
A huge thank-you to the individuals and companies that contributed bag sets for this review!
THE FILTER BAG REVIEWS:
Ice-O-Lator
The original commercially available ice hash bags. Top-quality, soft and pliable bags. Beautiful fabric that holds the proper shape in the right bucket.
The 20 liter/ 5 gallon sized Ice-O-Lator, available in up to a 7-bag set, is offered in eight different micron (μm) sizes:
220µm
185µm (size is unique to this company)
120µm
90µm
70µm
45µm
38µm (size is unique to this company)
25µm
I was impressed first with the looks and also with the top quality mesh in the set I received, especially the mesh in the 220 bag. Iam told that the most popular set of Ice-O-Lators is the 3-bag, 220-70-38 set. But you can also ask for custom sets when ordering. Iam a fan of having soft bags as an option; a unique product and two unique filter sizes.
Most of the available sizes are a "standard" build, with the mesh filter only on the bottom, but the smallest sizes have a side-wall mesh.
Besides offering a whole bunch of other products, the Pollinator website is a wealth of information(!), certainly worth reading. The company's owner, Mila, is a literal pioneer in the field and does a lot to expand hash making knowledge, and really, who doesn't want an original Pollinator in their lives?
Ready to have your plastic bucket world blown apart? Okay....these folks have even made Ice-o-lators to fit a small kiddy pool with a diameter of 2.5 meter (8.2 ft).
Neato EZ-Flow Bags
WestCoastGrowers is a California based hydroponics store that has created it's own line of post-harvest products, which includes NEATO EZ-Flow Bags (w/ sidewalls) and the original NEATO Bags (w/o sidewalls). Rigid nylon and sturdy walled bags with reinforced stitching all over; these bags are built like a parachute harness, you could entrust your life to the bags' fabric if it ever comes to that; could probably get a NASA endorsement if they asked. The 25 micron bag has metal eyelets and these guys even make their own hanging straps.
220µm
170µm (size is unique to this brand)
160µm
120µm
90µm
73µm
45µm
25µm
Neato Bags are a few dollars cheaper than some other high-end quality bags and can also be purchased with a hand-press for a little more off if you're in the market.
The seam around the side-walled bags is muck thicker fabric than different brands. I thought at first maybe it was a little too thick, but when placed in a bucket it holds the bags shape perfectly.
The whole bag fits perfectly in a bucket, it's even a little surprising how well thick bags like this can hold the right shape once in a bucket of the right size.
WestCoastGrowers is way knowledgable and super-helpful; made sure I had there phone number in the first e-mail for any questions. WCG delivers what they're promising.
Inside of the bag has a very tough coating.
Sprung Bags
Sprung Bags offers up to six different screen sizes in a flexible, medium-rigidity fabric bag. Not "soft" fabric, but still nice and pliable.
I received a 6-bag set in the mail and immediately checked out the screens and flipped the bags inside out so I could make a mental list of what sets a "value" set apart from any high-end set I've seen. I thought perhaps I'd see poor-quality mesh in the bags' screens, or bunched-up fabric in the seams in sets that fall in the low price-range for bags. Perhaps I would have seen that had any other low-priced filter bags agreed to contribute to this. But this was not the case with Sprung Bags-- the stitching and filter mesh are of the same quality as flashier sets.
So what's the catch than, you might be wondering? Why so "cheap"? Well, in regards to the quality, for what it is, there is no catch. Frankly, and perhaps like you reading this, I didn't think that could be said for "cheap" sets until I saw these in person. Here's why there so cheap: there are no "features" to the bags. No metal eyelets, fancy colors, storage case, or spring lock for the cord. All black bags with all black thread and a nylon cord sewn together overseas and sold to you for cheap.
SprungBags gets a special mention for their warranty- one year guarantee against manufacturing defects. These bags are only 1/3 the price of many high end bags and offer a better warranty, very cool.
220µm
160µm
110µm (size is unique to this brand)
73µm
45µm
25µm
Honestly, if I had more to pick apart regarding a lack of quality construction for these bags I would list the details here, but I don't...There are indeed low-priced sets out there with lower-quality mesh and poor quality manufacturing, so buyer beware....But I did not see that with this brand. I've seen a couple no-label China-made bags selling in headshops for double the price that can't compare to SprungBags for quality.
SprungBags small website simply promises a happy customer and a value, and they %100 deliver this.
Kootenay Bubble Refinery (KBR Bags)
Manufactured in B.C. These are probably the bags I'll pass on to the great-children in a few decades from now.
KBR bags are sterdy, rigid walled and of the "all-coated" style of bags-- plastic-coated on the inside and out.
While trying to remain objective I did find myself anyways expecting a lot from what are probably the most expensive filter bags on the market. When I finally got my hands on Kootenay Bubble's 2 bag set I was genuinely impressed despite having built up my expectations. Very rigid bags offered only in a 2 bag set.
Describing these as thoughtfuly made wouldn't cover this- every detail of the bags is high-end quality right down to the thread it's sown together with.
KBR Bags is unique in that they're coming at you with only a two-bag set and in two unique filter sizes . They tell the consumer flat-out to be innovative and not necessarily use these bags in any particular or specified manner. Integrate them into a process-- this could mean adding a siphoning step inbetween running and collecting from each bags' screen, for instance.
The two sizes of there filter bags are unique to the company and not offered by other manufacturers:
209µm
33µm
The 33 bag is side-walled while the 209 bag is a standard style. Though the 33 bag is side-walled, the bag's rigid fabric is still the same length as the standard 209 bag, which I was happy to see as it makes them fit together nicely in a bucket.
The pic below shows the nylon handles whick I really liked:
BubbleBags
The first company to offer up to eight different filter sizes. Based in B.C. Sturdy, high-thread count nylon walls are pliable without this falling under the description of a "soft" bag. No side-walled bags necessary, BubbleBags sticks with the standard style of bag constructuon. Eight micron sizes available in sets or individually:
220µm
190µm
160µm
120µm
90µm
73µm
45µm
25µm
The above pic is actually a thicker fabric brown-colored bag that is no longer available, normal Bubblebags have a more flexible fabric than the one pictured. Pictures abound on the internets, but no one has the brown bag.
You pay for worry-free everything-- great quality and customer service, even on the phone. Carefully manufactured in cool colors, these filter bags have very nice stitching and very smooth seams. Name-brand labels and stylish carrying bag look great when you're walking down the beach with your new 8-bag set. The "high-end" bags I've seen even use different thread colors in individual bags to match the respective fabric. Clear attention paid to quality control with this brand.
Boldt Bags
A high-end, rigid-walled bag from the comapny who also made "Trash Bags". Made in Humboldt County Boldt Bags brings it with impressive quality, great look and construction, and strong metal eyelets around the top of the bag. Very thoughtfully made.
I've used these personally as I know two medical-marijuana patients who own a set and both like them. A local glass shop here even stopped carrying another big-brand of bags in favor of only selling Boldt Bags. Offered in sets in the following micron sizes:
220µm
190µm
160µm
120µm
90µm
73µm
45µm
25µm
If you want a sturdy-walled bag you won't be dissapoointed with a set of these...This brand is catching on more and more--- seems Iam seeing sets in stores a little cheaper than what is online though.
This is a unique, first-hand review of multi-stage liquid filtration bags (ice hash bags!) from six (6) different manufacturers. I have hands-on experience with two brands and four other companies very generously sent out sets of their filter bags for this no-strings-attached online review.
This thread is an attempt to convey my impressions in an unbiased manner; an attempt to objectively determine and present outstanding features or outstanding flaws of various bags. Now, that being said, it shouldn't surprise anyone that I didn't get any low-quality bags sent to me for review. All six brands included here have strong mesh (thicker monofilament thread diameter = stronger mesh) sewn into them, great customer service, and could replace a defective/flawed bag should you receive one (this is not as uncommon as some think!). It's a load off your mind to go with a reputable vendor that stands behind their product.
Different bags have different features; the price may not be the determing factor if you want something specific. Only bags falling inside of a "high-end" price range are going to have thick fabric with metal eyelets, for instance, or reinforced handles.
A bags fabric can be soft or it can be rigid-- Perhaps you prefer one over the other? Often bags are nylon fabric which is plastic-coated on the inside. But some rigid-walled bags are coated on the inside and out. Easy way to look at this is using these categories: soft, medium, or rigid fabric; that fabric is often nylon but some bags are covered totally in a plastic coating instead of just on the inside.
The mesh filter on the bottom of the bag can be sewn into the bag in a "standard" style (sewn flat on bottom) or "side-walled" (extending a little up a bags' side). Some sets (including two in this review) use side-walled bags only for the final bag in the set you're using, so you get both styles in a single set.
A huge thank-you to the individuals and companies that contributed bag sets for this review!
THE FILTER BAG REVIEWS:
Ice-O-Lator
The original commercially available ice hash bags. Top-quality, soft and pliable bags. Beautiful fabric that holds the proper shape in the right bucket.
The 20 liter/ 5 gallon sized Ice-O-Lator, available in up to a 7-bag set, is offered in eight different micron (μm) sizes:
220µm
185µm (size is unique to this company)
120µm
90µm
70µm
45µm
38µm (size is unique to this company)
25µm
I was impressed first with the looks and also with the top quality mesh in the set I received, especially the mesh in the 220 bag. Iam told that the most popular set of Ice-O-Lators is the 3-bag, 220-70-38 set. But you can also ask for custom sets when ordering. Iam a fan of having soft bags as an option; a unique product and two unique filter sizes.
Most of the available sizes are a "standard" build, with the mesh filter only on the bottom, but the smallest sizes have a side-wall mesh.
Besides offering a whole bunch of other products, the Pollinator website is a wealth of information(!), certainly worth reading. The company's owner, Mila, is a literal pioneer in the field and does a lot to expand hash making knowledge, and really, who doesn't want an original Pollinator in their lives?
Ready to have your plastic bucket world blown apart? Okay....these folks have even made Ice-o-lators to fit a small kiddy pool with a diameter of 2.5 meter (8.2 ft).
Neato EZ-Flow Bags
WestCoastGrowers is a California based hydroponics store that has created it's own line of post-harvest products, which includes NEATO EZ-Flow Bags (w/ sidewalls) and the original NEATO Bags (w/o sidewalls). Rigid nylon and sturdy walled bags with reinforced stitching all over; these bags are built like a parachute harness, you could entrust your life to the bags' fabric if it ever comes to that; could probably get a NASA endorsement if they asked. The 25 micron bag has metal eyelets and these guys even make their own hanging straps.
220µm
170µm (size is unique to this brand)
160µm
120µm
90µm
73µm
45µm
25µm
Neato Bags are a few dollars cheaper than some other high-end quality bags and can also be purchased with a hand-press for a little more off if you're in the market.
The seam around the side-walled bags is muck thicker fabric than different brands. I thought at first maybe it was a little too thick, but when placed in a bucket it holds the bags shape perfectly.
The whole bag fits perfectly in a bucket, it's even a little surprising how well thick bags like this can hold the right shape once in a bucket of the right size.
WestCoastGrowers is way knowledgable and super-helpful; made sure I had there phone number in the first e-mail for any questions. WCG delivers what they're promising.
Inside of the bag has a very tough coating.
Sprung Bags
Sprung Bags offers up to six different screen sizes in a flexible, medium-rigidity fabric bag. Not "soft" fabric, but still nice and pliable.
I received a 6-bag set in the mail and immediately checked out the screens and flipped the bags inside out so I could make a mental list of what sets a "value" set apart from any high-end set I've seen. I thought perhaps I'd see poor-quality mesh in the bags' screens, or bunched-up fabric in the seams in sets that fall in the low price-range for bags. Perhaps I would have seen that had any other low-priced filter bags agreed to contribute to this. But this was not the case with Sprung Bags-- the stitching and filter mesh are of the same quality as flashier sets.
So what's the catch than, you might be wondering? Why so "cheap"? Well, in regards to the quality, for what it is, there is no catch. Frankly, and perhaps like you reading this, I didn't think that could be said for "cheap" sets until I saw these in person. Here's why there so cheap: there are no "features" to the bags. No metal eyelets, fancy colors, storage case, or spring lock for the cord. All black bags with all black thread and a nylon cord sewn together overseas and sold to you for cheap.
SprungBags gets a special mention for their warranty- one year guarantee against manufacturing defects. These bags are only 1/3 the price of many high end bags and offer a better warranty, very cool.
220µm
160µm
110µm (size is unique to this brand)
73µm
45µm
25µm
Honestly, if I had more to pick apart regarding a lack of quality construction for these bags I would list the details here, but I don't...There are indeed low-priced sets out there with lower-quality mesh and poor quality manufacturing, so buyer beware....But I did not see that with this brand. I've seen a couple no-label China-made bags selling in headshops for double the price that can't compare to SprungBags for quality.
SprungBags small website simply promises a happy customer and a value, and they %100 deliver this.
Kootenay Bubble Refinery (KBR Bags)
Manufactured in B.C. These are probably the bags I'll pass on to the great-children in a few decades from now.
KBR bags are sterdy, rigid walled and of the "all-coated" style of bags-- plastic-coated on the inside and out.
While trying to remain objective I did find myself anyways expecting a lot from what are probably the most expensive filter bags on the market. When I finally got my hands on Kootenay Bubble's 2 bag set I was genuinely impressed despite having built up my expectations. Very rigid bags offered only in a 2 bag set.
Describing these as thoughtfuly made wouldn't cover this- every detail of the bags is high-end quality right down to the thread it's sown together with.
KBR Bags is unique in that they're coming at you with only a two-bag set and in two unique filter sizes . They tell the consumer flat-out to be innovative and not necessarily use these bags in any particular or specified manner. Integrate them into a process-- this could mean adding a siphoning step inbetween running and collecting from each bags' screen, for instance.
The two sizes of there filter bags are unique to the company and not offered by other manufacturers:
209µm
33µm
The 33 bag is side-walled while the 209 bag is a standard style. Though the 33 bag is side-walled, the bag's rigid fabric is still the same length as the standard 209 bag, which I was happy to see as it makes them fit together nicely in a bucket.
The pic below shows the nylon handles whick I really liked:
BubbleBags
The first company to offer up to eight different filter sizes. Based in B.C. Sturdy, high-thread count nylon walls are pliable without this falling under the description of a "soft" bag. No side-walled bags necessary, BubbleBags sticks with the standard style of bag constructuon. Eight micron sizes available in sets or individually:
220µm
190µm
160µm
120µm
90µm
73µm
45µm
25µm
The above pic is actually a thicker fabric brown-colored bag that is no longer available, normal Bubblebags have a more flexible fabric than the one pictured. Pictures abound on the internets, but no one has the brown bag.
You pay for worry-free everything-- great quality and customer service, even on the phone. Carefully manufactured in cool colors, these filter bags have very nice stitching and very smooth seams. Name-brand labels and stylish carrying bag look great when you're walking down the beach with your new 8-bag set. The "high-end" bags I've seen even use different thread colors in individual bags to match the respective fabric. Clear attention paid to quality control with this brand.
Boldt Bags
A high-end, rigid-walled bag from the comapny who also made "Trash Bags". Made in Humboldt County Boldt Bags brings it with impressive quality, great look and construction, and strong metal eyelets around the top of the bag. Very thoughtfully made.
I've used these personally as I know two medical-marijuana patients who own a set and both like them. A local glass shop here even stopped carrying another big-brand of bags in favor of only selling Boldt Bags. Offered in sets in the following micron sizes:
220µm
190µm
160µm
120µm
90µm
73µm
45µm
25µm
If you want a sturdy-walled bag you won't be dissapoointed with a set of these...This brand is catching on more and more--- seems Iam seeing sets in stores a little cheaper than what is online though.
