Double M Herbals | Kratom Forum

How do I go about contacting someone at Texas family harvest?

This begs the question - why?

You can't be a member - that won't happen. And if you already ARE a member you know. So what's the point of this query?

Someone else had posted somewhere to email them, it doesn't hurt to try, but I agree not the best advice, then they'd be inundated with people trying.

Kelleytoons wrote: ↑Fri Jul 07, 2023 6:02 pm This begs the question - why?

You can't be a member - that won't happen. And if you already ARE a member you know. So what's the point of this query?

Gatekeeping at its finest

Well, I didn't want to be mean - hell, I've BEEN there (haven't we all?), pressed up against the fence looking in, hoping. But just like with pulling a bandaid off, it's best if you do this quick and present the brutal truth. It may hurt (I know it did for me) but you never know what will happen eventually if you hang around here (I still think the day I got my membership was a God send).

Shouldn't be that hard to find on Double M. Whether they respond or not is a different question. I'm actually not a member myself but I do have a one time free pass they granted me awhile back. Just haven't claimed it since I'm not sure when or if they will ever do another public event. Just waiting for the right time to strike I guess haha

wavering_radiant wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 6:05 pm Shouldn't be that hard to find on Double M. Whether they respond or not is a different question. I'm actually not a member myself but I do have a one time free pass they granted me awhile back. Just haven't claimed it since I'm not sure when or if they will ever do another public event. Just waiting for the right time to strike I guess haha

Just a heads up, your one time "Free Pass" order that was granted during that testing event can be used at anytime. You don't have to wait for an open event. The way it was worded made me think you were under the impression that you had to wait for another event to order.

Please help this New guy understand?????? yes ive seen texas family harvest name said a few times... are they the pinnacle of the best leaf in town? im trying to collect the very best.. i just placed my order with the nodfather....and a few other places with high recomendation....so im guessing texas family is astep above them all???

wavering_radiant wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 6:05 pm Shouldn't be that hard to find on Double M. Whether they respond or not is a different question. I'm actually not a member myself but I do have a one time free pass they granted me awhile back. Just haven't claimed it since I'm not sure when or if they will ever do another public event. Just waiting for the right time to strike I guess haha

I was told there wouldn't be a public event any time soon (this was in late April). TFH had some super fire strains last year in late summer (August-september) so that would be a good time to pull the trigger, so to speak.

Emergency Algae wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 4:53 pm Please help this New guy understand?????? yes ive seen texas family harvest name said a few times... are they the pinnacle of the best leaf in town? im trying to collect the very best.. i just placed my order with the nodfather....and a few other places with high recomendation....so im guessing texas family is astep above them all???

Not necessarily a step above all other vendors, but definitely in the S-tier of kratom vendors. I'd say Denette615. Rhino Remedies, Lonestar Mitrasource, and Heavenleaf are in that top tier. Finally trying nodfather with this new drop but I've heard great things in the past. Some folks just want potent kratom that kicks like a mule and you can find that from other sources besides TFH. They are very on point with their overall operation though (sourcing, testing, storage, packaging), their leaf just looks and tastes very "clean"

BookofEnoch1914 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 3:17 pm

wavering_radiant wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 6:05 pm Shouldn't be that hard to find on Double M. Whether they respond or not is a different question. I'm actually not a member myself but I do have a one time free pass they granted me awhile back. Just haven't claimed it since I'm not sure when or if they will ever do another public event. Just waiting for the right time to strike I guess haha

Just a heads up, your one time "Free Pass" order that was granted during that testing event can be used at anytime. You don't have to wait for an open event. The way it was worded made me think you were under the impression that you had to wait for another event to order.

Oh yeah I see how that sounded now. I'm really just waiting til it's the best time to buy and I'm ready to get at least a couple kilos. And since it doesn't sound like there will be another open event anytime soon it feels like it could be my only chance haha

Madvillain626 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:13 pm

wavering_radiant wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 6:05 pm Shouldn't be that hard to find on Double M. Whether they respond or not is a different question. I'm actually not a member myself but I do have a one time free pass they granted me awhile back. Just haven't claimed it since I'm not sure when or if they will ever do another public event. Just waiting for the right time to strike I guess haha

I was told there wouldn't be a public event any time soon (this was in late April). TFH had some super fire strains last year in late summer (August-september) so that would be a good time to pull the trigger, so to speak.

Emergency Algae wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 4:53 pm Please help this New guy understand?????? yes ive seen texas family harvest name said a few times... are they the pinnacle of the best leaf in town? im trying to collect the very best.. i just placed my order with the nodfather....and a few other places with high recomendation....so im guessing texas family is astep above them all???

Not necessarily a step above all other vendors, but definitely in the S-tier of kratom vendors. I'd say Denette615. Rhino Remedies, Lonestar Mitrasource, and Heavenleaf are in that top tier. Finally trying nodfather with this new drop but I've heard great things in the past. Some folks just want potent kratom that kicks like a mule and you can find that from other sources besides TFH. They are very on point with their overall operation though (sourcing, testing, storage, packaging), their leaf just looks and tastes very "clean"

D615,loanstar,and heaven leaf will be tested very soon ... alot of places are stationed in TEXAS ive noticed...thank all of you for the Gossip lol nothing like a chunk of gossip in my kratom tea! lol

Emergency Algae wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 4:53 pm Please help this New guy understand?????? yes ive seen texas family harvest name said a few times... are they the pinnacle of the best leaf in town? im trying to collect the very best.. i just placed my order with the nodfather....and a few other places with high recomendation....so im guessing texas family is astep above them all???

There are a LOT of places that sell very good kratom - but no one does the control that TFH does. They not only are the ONLY (that I know of) vendor who has growers grow ONLY for them, but they do blind testing of all their stuff and only sell things which pass a very rigid testing process (using opinions from dozens of testers in that blind control group). I would say they are the most consistent, safest grower out there.

However, that doesn't mean that other vendors aren't good - I would rank Denette's stuff as nearly on equal most of the time. And nearly ALL vendors that are mentioned here regularly have hit it out of the park from time to time. What you need do is watch the reviews, and then sample from a lot of different places and let your own body be the judge. You may well find a particular batch from some vendor that is the best you ever had - and no one else may agree with you. On the other hand, a ton of folks may tell you this particular batch is the best and it doesn't work for you. That's just the name of the game.

TFH can be bought on the Trading Post and I would highly recommend you at least try some and make up your own mind.

I consider them among the best. Im not a member, but have and have tried alot of their leaf. If I were a member they would be among around 5 vendors id hit up regularly. But their product isnt head and shoulders above everything else, at least not in my experience. Mad respect for their operation and processes though.

Eu4oric906 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 12, 2023 9:27 pm I consider them among the best. Im not a member, but have and have tried alot of their leaf. If I were a member they would be among around 5 vendors id hit up regularly. But their product isnt head and shoulders above everything else, at least not in my experience. Mad respect for their operation and processes though.

what would your top 5 vendors be

I would say Texas Family Harvest biggest positive aspect isn't potency but quality of production. From what I have seen they try to keep the kratom as clean as possible with production. The strains I have tried of theirs through trading post have been pretty good but not worth stressing about getting a membership too. If it happens great if not trading post would be the way to go if you want to try their stuff. I am big on Denette out of every vendor I have tried that is my favorite. Some Rhino has also been pretty good. Lonestar pretty good. Nodfather also pretty good. If you really want to see any of the member vendors stuff best thing to do would be be active on this forum and get a trading post membership. Then just stay up to date on what's posted there.

Laika wrote: ↑Tue Jul 25, 2023 12:10 pm

Eu4oric906 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 12, 2023 9:27 pm I consider them among the best. Im not a member, but have and have tried alot of their leaf. If I were a member they would be among around 5 vendors id hit up regularly. But their product isnt head and shoulders above everything else, at least not in my experience. Mad respect for their operation and processes though.

what would your top 5 vendors be

I like d615, lonestar, rhino, then depending on drops heavenleaf, nod, soul, dte, oties. I always buy new drops from the first 3.

For the new folks & lurkers... Here's a copy of the objective reasons why TFH is "different" ...

• Over 8 Years proven experience, from Herb Research.
• Only vendor with extensive Consumer Testing Program.
• Only vendor who fly's drones & video over Indonesia harvest location.
• Only vendor with expensive in-house Lab equipment setup to compare "strains".
• Only vendor to write a detailed "Behind The Scenes" & give away secrets! LINK
• Has many legit "Farm to Table" Indo suppliers, when most vendors dont even have one!

So, TFH has gone way over and beyond, what 99% of other middle men are doing... LINK to past discussion... Of course there's LOTS of great vendors out there. Kratom is kratom. There is NO evidence that buying off MeWe social media, will get you a better batch - than buying from a professional website - Philly Kratom YLYL, or Smiley Time Herbals STH, or All Natural Artisan ANA, or Liza's or Okie or Otie or Sakti

BallzDeep9 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 25, 2023 4:46 pm For the new folks & lurkers... Here's a copy of the objective reasons why TFH is "different" ...

• Over 8 Years proven experience, from Herb Research.
• Only vendor with extensive Consumer Testing Program.
• Only vendor who fly's drones & video over Indonesia harvest location.
• Only vendor with expensive in-house Lab equipment setup to compare "strains".
• Only vendor to write a detailed "Behind The Scenes" & give away secrets! LINK
• Has many legit "Farm to Table" Indo suppliers, when most vendors dont even have one!

So, TFH has gone way over and beyond, what 99% of other middle men are doing... LINK to past discussion... Of course there's LOTS of great vendors out there. Kratom is kratom. There is NO evidence that buying off MeWe social media, will get you a better batch - than buying from a professional website - Philly Kratom YLYL, or Smiley Time Herbals STH, or All Natural Artisan ANA, or Liza's or Okie or Otie or Sakti

what would you count as evidence? People who don't think that TFH has the 'best' kratom are not wrong. It's subjective obviously. (i really like what i've tried from them, but i have had fantastic success from some of the mewe vendors.) As well as some of the ones with "professional" websites.

He didn't say they had the best kratom - he merely outlined facts as to why they are different from every other single vendor.

ANY vendor (even the large bulk vendors) can have good kratom. As the old "even a blind squirrel can find an acorn" goes, it can happen. It can even happen repeatedly - although I would offer this observation that NO vendor has a perfect track record with EVERYONE. Even the very best (including TFH and Denette, my two favs) can have some misses. These are things that others can say is "the best EVER" but still not hit for YOU. Where TFH has it over others, though, is their extensive blind testing that does improve the odds greatly that it will hit for the majority of folks.

So - you pays your money, you takes your chances. I have found that kratom that is recommended by, say, a dozen or more folks here will often miss for me. Perhaps 50/50. No system is perfect. I almost think that's one of the things I like best about this powder. Take away the mystery and the luck of the draw and it becomes a lot more boring.

Nelson Baboon wrote: ↑Tue Jul 25, 2023 5:19 pm what would you count as evidence? People who don't think that TFH has the 'best' kratom are not wrong. It's subjective obviously.

Well all those points above, are objective... NOT subjective ? For more detail, people can read past threads here on Double MM... it's quite amazing!

Yes, opinions are subjective, we've all got one... lol - BUT when you collect dozens, or 100's, of individual Votes - that's like an Opinion Poll. There's strength in MANY opinions "Everybody can't be Wrong"... right ? There's actual science behind that. Public opinion Research is a very, very, big industry... Companies Test their products, on groups of consumers not just 1 consumer.

So there's actual SCIENCE behind the Consumer Testing Program of TFH - and it takes lots of time and, time is money, etc. ~ But, nothing's 100% guaranteed, and batches come and go. All vendors get better and worse batches. (The Best batches sell out fast.) I guess what I'm saying is.... TFH as Seller, has these things... other vendors don't. Which makes it "more likely" as a Buyer - you'll get a better stronger batch.

But Is "Stronger Kratom" the GOAL here ? TFH does not sell Extract... some people really want ? Social Media. A "community" like MeWe is a Live Chat. You don't get that from TFH.

BallzDeep9 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:43 pm

Nelson Baboon wrote: ↑Tue Jul 25, 2023 5:19 pm what would you count as evidence? People who don't think that TFH has the 'best' kratom are not wrong. It's subjective obviously.

Well all those points above, are objective... NOT subjective ? For more detail, people can read past threads here on Double MM... it's quite amazing!

Yes, opinions are subjective, we've all got one... lol - BUT when you collect dozens, or 100's, of individual Votes - that's like an Opinion Poll. There's strength in MANY opinions "Everybody can't be Wrong"... right ? There's actual science behind that. Public opinion Research is a very, very, big industry... Companies Test their products, on groups of consumers not just 1 consumer.

So there's actual SCIENCE behind the Consumer Testing Program of TFH - and it takes lots of time and, time is money, etc. ~ But, nothing's 100% guaranteed, and batches come and go. All vendors get better and worse batches. (The Best batches sell out fast.) I guess what I'm saying is.... TFH as Seller, has these things... other vendors don't. Which makes it "more likely" as a Buyer - you'll get a better stronger batch.

But Is "Stronger Kratom" the GOAL here ? TFH does not sell Extract... some people really want ? Social Media. A "community" like MeWe is a Live Chat. You don't get that from TFH.

sorry - but i while i respect their process, i just simply don't agree that there is any kind of objective evidence that they are the 'best' vendor in terms of quality. I did not reference 'stronger' kratom or extracts. But if I get more consistent results (meaning that I prefer, subjectively, the kratom of some other vendor, it think it's silly of you to tell me that i'm wrong. But hell, i just arranged a purchase of some tfh - i do very much like their kratom. But your 'data' doesn't convince me that it's the 'best'. Sorry. there is no best.

Some leaf hits other differently,one can say this is the greatest they have had in awhile and another can say its not good at all. I think with the people being talked about have the consistently of the good leaf and that puts them at top of the heap for most. Other can have better leaf sometimes but then the next batch not so much but to have good to great leaf almost everytime is the goal and these vendors hit that mark for a majority if not everyone who gets it from them. So I dont think anyone tests every batch from every vendor everytime they take the leaf so that proof is not available,but the word of people in this forum since it started(other places too) is the proof we kinda accept. Years of reviews and using the leaf ourselves is how they are called among the top dogs.

I think alot of being consistent is product testing batches prior to sale, many good vendors do this tfh being one of them. Imo there is value in majority data and this is how you get it. Generally good leaf will be identified in trials imo. My fav vendors dont change much at the top of the list but i cycle the bottom. Tfh would be among my top, but im not missing out given how quality my alternatives are. Its all about hype these days, judge for yourself.

I'll mention one thing TFH does that no other vendor does (and for that reason alone stands head and shoulders above): they never "short" their batches. When they release a batch there is no need for FOMO, as it will be around a while. A LONG while. They make sure of this and you can always count on a good batch (when word of mouth comes out) still being available.

This is especially a problem with a lot of small vendors who have SUCH tiny batches they sell out when they first announce. Not only is there FOMO, but you can't accurately even judge a batch without hearing others' opinions and usually that means it's no longer available (just had that experience with Nodfather - as a result I am unlikely to ever buy anything from him).

I think a lot of folks underestimate how important this is - but if you don't mind just wasting your money on stuff that *might* hit it's not all that big a deal. For me I want to hear from a LOT of folks on this forum before I lay my money down. And with TFH that's ALWAYS possible.

Kelleytoons wrote: ↑Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:20 pm I'll mention one thing TFH does that no other vendor does (and for that reason alone stands head and shoulders above): they never "short" their batches. When they release a batch there is no need for FOMO, as it will be around a while. A LONG while. They make sure of this and you can always count on a good batch (when word of mouth comes out) still being available.

This is especially a problem with a lot of small vendors who have SUCH tiny batches they sell out when they first announce. Not only is there FOMO, but you can't accurately even judge a batch without hearing others' opinions and usually that means it's no longer available (just had that experience with Nodfather - as a result I am unlikely to ever buy anything from him).

I think a lot of folks underestimate how important this is - but if you don't mind just wasting your money on stuff that *might* hit it's not all that big a deal. For me I want to hear from a LOT of folks on this forum before I lay my money down. And with TFH that's ALWAYS possible.

I’ll second that Kelley. I’m a fan of DTE for instance, they’ve had some great batches and I like to support new vendors like them that run a farm to table operation with respectable farmers and QC. But they release batches and within 60 minutes or less start selling out of the hyped stuff. I’ve had some great hits with DTE, some that didn’t hit at all, but there’s no chance to wait and see what’s well reviewed.
I’m also a TFH member and don’t have that issue at all, there’s plenty of time to wait and see what people think, and it’s wonderful. Not to mention their superb quality control And consistency

I get the smaller supply, but I almost feel like they want more drops by design. Hype it up sell it out repeat. Fomo by design. Of course thats just an unvetted hunch on my part.

[email protected]

Ask to be a tester for them if they have open slots and what they would expect.

You can also purchase TFH leaf from other people here on the trading post. This can be a good idea if you get several types to try.

TFH has great kratom and what they're doing with it is amazing, I love them, they are top tier, but... not every batch will be a hit, and other vendors have fire batches too.

Good luck!

IndelibleDotInk wrote: ↑Wed Jul 26, 2023 9:03 pm [email protected]

Ask to be a tester for them if they have open slots and what they would expect.

You can also purchase TFH leaf from other people here on the trading post. This can be a good idea if you get several types to try.

TFH has great kratom and what they're doing with it is amazing, I love them, they are top tier, but... not every batch will be a hit, and other vendors have fire batches too.

Good luck!

i tried that email, and i got no response at all. I have bought tfh from others, and really enjoy their stuff. However, i don't think that any of the things that people are saying are objective proof that the kratom is actually better, which i don't find in my experience. (i'm not saying that they are not one of the top vendors, only that this notion that they have the best kratom is not an objective consideration). and yeah, hell - i'd love to become a member, but i've totally given up on that.

it might take some time to get a response, or perhaps they do not need new testers at the moment.

tfh is top tier along with others discussed here. i find their kratom to be very clean feeling and potent when it hits.

Hope you get some good burns, all of us.

Wish more vendors would have a more open, honest approach to their business like DTE. Stuff does sell out, but thats ok. Always a another drop coming with consistently fresh, potent powder. It doesnt hurt that the owners are friendly, fair, and knowledgable either. Who cares about the privately hyped vendors that wanna make everything a high school drama club. I'm good. You children can have those clubs. Its just like overhyped top shelf bud at a dispensary. You know damn well that its overpriced and overblown. Best to find a friend growin, or someone with their head down, doing the real work. And there's PLENTY for everyone. Companies like customers to panic over their product. Sort of pathetic.✌

Actually DTE is one of those vendors I tend to cringe when it comes to buying - again (and I've said this before) without enough reviews you never know. It's ALWAYS a crapshoot, no matter who you buy from. But by the time anyone's reviewed ANYTHING from DTE it's already sold out.

Although I bought from them once I doubt I'll ever buy again. No more fish in a barrel.

Kelleytoons wrote: ↑Fri Jul 28, 2023 6:07 pm Actually DTE is one of those vendors I tend to cringe when it comes to buying - again (and I've said this before) without enough reviews you never know. It's ALWAYS a crapshoot, no matter who you buy from. But by the time anyone's reviewed ANYTHING from DTE it's already sold out.

Although I bought from them once I doubt I'll ever buy again. No more fish in a barrel.

i guess that i find reviews to be unreliable enough (given the subjectivity factor, given the various experience levels of the reviewers, etc) that i always find it somewhat of a crapshoot. I sometimes like to ask vendors which strains they recommend. When i was buying from DTE, they were pretty good about that.

Kelleytoons wrote: ↑Fri Jul 28, 2023 6:07 pm Actually DTE is one of those vendors I tend to cringe when it comes to buying - again (and I've said this before) without enough reviews you never know. It's ALWAYS a crapshoot, no matter who you buy from. But by the time anyone's reviewed ANYTHING from DTE it's already sold out.

Although I bought from them once I doubt I'll ever buy again. No more fish in a barrel.

If you spend enough time and get to know DTE you'll learn the history of the farmers/suppliers, batches, etc.. It's actually quite easy to make an informed choice when you've had 2-4 batches/harvests from the same farmer. You begin to note and appreciate the subtle differences between the seasons and the harvests. You also see how one farmer/supplier compares to the other. "Many DTE-ites" have favorite farmers/suppliers and that's because they've been around for multiple drops/harvests. I don't think you seem to have the patience or desire to do that, and that's totally fine. But you're assertion that it's a crapshoot with no way to determine quality just shows me that you don't spend the time or effort to acquire the knowledge.

Don't sweat it bro! Hang out around the Trading Post and get to know some people that are members. There are some super cool people that will put bundles and bags up for sale sometimes. It happens more regularly than you think. And TFH leaf is definitely worth the extra effort. One cool thing about being an "outsider" is you get to find out what the "fire" is from the experienced TFH members. You may not get every strain that is amazing, but you'll get some. Plus, everyone I've bought TFH from has been super helpful. It's almost like having a TFH "sommelier." haha

brian b wrote: ↑Fri Jul 28, 2023 8:59 am Wish more vendors would have a more open, honest approach to their business like DTE. Stuff does sell out, but thats ok. Always a another drop coming with consistently fresh, potent powder. It doesnt hurt that the owners are friendly, fair, and knowledgable either. Who cares about the privately hyped vendors that wanna make everything a high school drama club. I'm good. You children can have those clubs. Its just like overhyped top shelf bud at a dispensary. You know damn well that its overpriced and overblown. Best to find a friend growin, or someone with their head down, doing the real work. And there's PLENTY for everyone. Companies like customers to panic over their product. Sort of pathetic.✌

I dont want to speak for them, but I think alot of the private folks set up that way as more of a lifestyle choice. As in they want to have a life so keep their customer base in check. As you say, theres plenty of good leaf to be had.

Eu4oric906 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 28, 2023 8:47 pm I dont want to speak for them, but I think alot of the private folks set up that way as more of a lifestyle choice. As in they want to have a life so keep their customer base in check. As you say, theres plenty of good leaf to be had.

Right, it takes a lot to run a business, let alone have a side job (most do).

There are ways to ask for membership, sometimes you get in right there, sometimes it takes longer or ordering during public events, joining when they have extra spots open.

I do recommend Texas Family Harvest, get a relationship from them via testing and buying TFH on the trading post.

Lucky and Heavenleaf just switched to open.

Fused Flora does not require a membership.

These are just some of the vendors I use, but there are a lot of great vendors... peep this, it was put together by our own OG Ballzdeep9:

https://saidit.net/s/KratomVendors/comm ... mmer_2022/

IndelibleDotInk wrote: ↑Fri Jul 28, 2023 8:59 pm

Eu4oric906 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 28, 2023 8:47 pm I dont want to speak for them, but I think alot of the private folks set up that way as more of a lifestyle choice. As in they want to have a life so keep their customer base in check. As you say, theres plenty of good leaf to be had.

Right, it takes a lot to run a business, let alone have a side job (most do).

There are ways to ask for membership, sometimes you get in right there, sometimes it takes longer or ordering during public events, joining when they have extra spots open.

I do recommend Texas Family Harvest, get a relationship from them via testing and buying TFH on the trading post.

Lucky and Heavenleaf just switched to open.

Fused Flora does not require a membership.

These are just some of the vendors I use, but there are a lot of great vendors... peep this, it was put together by our own OG Ballzdeep9:

https://saidit.net/s/KratomVendors/comm ... mmer_2022/

i didn't find 'the good stuff' until a few months ago, and it was even more recently that i discovered how to get to the legendary private vendors. Some of that was by reading about them here, and then finding mewe. It is actually pretty easy to establish memberships with the mewe vendors. I have no special vendors, and haven't been around for that long, but i have been able to get memberships to all of them (as far as i know - all of the ones that i read about here). No luck at all with TFH. I'm hoping that my skepticism is unwarranted, but i also don't want to hound with emails. One in June went unanswered, and i'll likely try again from time to time. but other people make it sound almost impossible - that generally the only way of actually becoming a member is by winning one of their lotteries, or whatever they call them, where very few are chosen.

Yeah I wouldnt get your hopes up for TFH, they rarely allow new members. Last time to my knowledge was like a year ago they asked for testers and let them all in rather than do a raffle as they have typically done. Grab some on trading post. Ive bought plenty there. Cheers

Nobody needs to talk down to each other or call anyone else "pathetic" over a difference opinion regarding favored vendors, of all things...

Nelson Baboon wrote: ↑Fri Jul 28, 2023 6:19 pm i guess that i find reviews to be unreliable enough

It depends on the folks - when you've been around here long enough you'll have people whose experience you trust and who aligns with yours (we found this a lot last year with TFH testing). When THOSE folks talk, I listen (because I know if they like something I will as well).

But your experience is exactly why I can't rely upon DTE (as someone here seems to suggest) - if "he" had been around here long enough he'd know. DTE is still too new (only a few years now) and, as I say, they sell out before people I trust can report on them. And I've found about a 50/50 hit/miss ratio with their stuff (which is not to suggest they don't try, or don't have good things, just that it's been that for MOST of the vendors I frequent - Denette is the exception that proves the rule but in his case I suspect that Chris' taste and mine align pretty closely, so if he likes/sells something I will as well).