AROMA-3

Very quick delivery - 3 days to EU since shipped (Ordered Nov 6 - Shipped Nov 14 - Arrived Nov 17). One downside to the express delivery is that the 'estimated tax' and processing fees by DHL came up to 50% of the declared value. Apparently there is a "Inflated Import Fees by UPS, DHL, and FedEx Class Action Lawsuit Investigation" because of the frequent occurrence of ridiculous fees, which DHL is definitely prone to on international shipments.
Not sure if there's any other alternative that would work better, but it's definitely something to keep in mind when ordering.
The shipping company (DHL) does handle all declarations on their end and just throws you an estimate + processing fees so you will most likely overpay quite a bit; 50% of declared value on 'kitchenware' is totally ridiculous in my opinion.
That's not something Old Mate Designs has any impact on, but I felt it's important to note as international buyers will likely have to deal with DHLs shenanigans and inflated 'estimated' fees.

The grinder itself is amazing and shreds through flower with almost no resistance - but it did came with some scratches and manufacturing marks even though I didn't purchase a factory second because I didn't want any blemishes.
There is a deep scratch on the bottom part + one slightly more shallow on the top part.
The underside of the middle part also does seem to have some visible manufacturing marks and random circular marks from the CNC machine on it. They are more visible on the parts with the teeth - which does makes sense, as there is less space for tools to properly mill it out - and they kinda do make up a 'decorative' funky reflective pattern. I fully expected those. But the ones on the bottom of the middle part do seem to be more randomly applied - and considering that the part is mostly flat - they most likely shouldn't be there. At least I didn't expect randomly placed manufacturing marks on a mostly flat part...
From some angles it definitely looks very "chewed up" depending on how the light reflects.

I also grabbed the metal spoon, but not sure if I'll be using it to scoop flower as I don't necessarily want to get any scratches / metal flakes within the main chamber. Not sure how much force it took for the scratches to appear on the bottom & top parts during manufacturing, but I just don't wanna risk scratching up the chamber and risking metal flakes in my flowers.

That being said, the grinder itself is great. The magnetic lock works well - I previously had a Cali Crusher with their quick-access turn and switching to Aroma 3 was a breeze. I definitely couldn't go back to a grinder that requires you to spin 20 times to open, so that was a great upgrade even though I went from a 4 piece with kief chamber to a 3 piece without a kief chamber. It's a good tradeoff when going threadless and having no rubbing metal parts / plastic o-rings / etc and I can definitely see myself using the Aroma 3 on a daily basis.
The teeth themselves are also reminding me a bit of the Santa Cruz Shredder, only that they are way sharper (although at this point I'm comparing them to a Shredder I've had for ~13 years). The grind consistency is very similar to the Shredder as well, and considering it hasn't changed on the aluminum shredder after ~13 years of use - the Aroma 3 stainless teeth will most likely never dull and always provide the same (great) grinding consistency throughout years of use.

Overall a 10/10 product and I can't see myself ever going back to a Santa Cruz Shredder/Cali Crusher I had before.
My final reason for switching was the anodizing on my Crushers teeth peeling off and the magnet starting to flake off, and in my research for premium grinders I've discovered Aroma 3. Considering the materials, the threadless design, no anodized layer, the no-contact grinding thanks to the bearing - it's pretty much the best grinder you can get. If you're considering it - just go for it and you won't regret it. And I'm saying that after using a Shredder for ~13 years and a Crusher for ~10 years, so pretty much the 'flagship' 4 piece grinders of the last decade.

That being said, consider that you might pay a large chunk on DHLs 'estimated import fees' + that some manufacturing marks might still be visible. Not sure how they compare to a factory second, but grabbing a factory second might be a good option if you want to save up a bit.

Oh, and after seeing a lot of youtube videos focusing on the spin - I personally didn't think it would be so fun. I never really liked fidget spinners, but I do find myself randomly spinning the top and it actually is pretty fun lol

Attached a few pics of the scratches, kinda hard to show all of them properly as some aren't visible due to reflection and angle. It's more visible on the video, but it still doesn't reflect how it looks like IRL. The scratch on the bottom and the marks on the middle are deep enough to catch your fingernail. Even so - 5/5 rating becaus...

This grinder. Man. I've been eying this for a few months and finally pulled the trigger. I have a bad wrist and weaker grip strength in one hand and this easily grinds. I didn't want an electric grinder and this seemed the best for my situation. I was right. It's very easy to grind. This is well made. If you drop it, make sure it's not on a toe. It is heavy duty.

Really great and precice work. Just feels gorgeous. Never had such a perfekt metalwork in my hands. Bought it in a set with the Accessoires and would have been happy if you added a cleanig brush maybe, but that's the only critics i have. So much fun to grind up my medication with this Masterpiece!

I’m grateful for this device I wasn’t expecting such a wild improvement from the previous grinder I’m glad I’m not put off a $185 price tag but I’ve seen these things on YouTube and they seem like Fun , THEY ARE FUN I didn’t want to make so many reviews but I just don’t very often buy something I’m so delighted with I will use it Everyday more than once a day and smile everyday the way this Grinder feels in the hand is amazing it’s like tailored to my average Hand cuts Chunky Indica like soft butter I just wish I’d found it sooner my Klip grinder has been absolutely shit with sweaty hands but this grinder is no issue for gripping, fanatical detail has gone into these products I’m impressed thanks Ben

This product has really impressed me it’s designed beautifully and cuts bud like butter and is a fun thing to fidget with I like the absence of a kief catcher I think it’s improved the Hit on my wireless BallVape I would say if your put off by the price you probably don’t deserve such a lovely tool., people do without a grinder but I need one and I love this product absolutely beautiful Ben your work is top notch brother.