Strainers, which to use? Does it matter?

[wormwood]

I've been using cheap nyon socks. I'm one of those health snobs and was wondering if there might be any dangers of doing this due to chemicals found in the socks etc. I'm also wondering if you guys have used nylon socks and what you feel may or may not work as well as nylon socks. Also I don't want to waste precious kavalactones, so I'm willing to drink a little soot so that my precious kavalactone molecule doesn't go to waste. So that's the type of bag Id like to find. Also I love you.

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

The only difference between strainers are the size of the holes in the weaving, the durability and price.
Nylons are good and cheap but not very durable. If you're worried about the dye you might prefer plain nylon strainer like a paint strainer. Paint strainers often aren't woven super fine, so it's good to buy two. You can choose to use one or both depending on the grind. Paint strainers are more durable, but will eventually tear.
People also make use of nut-milk bags, which are intended for kitchen use. The Fiji strainer is highly durable and often sewn 2 layers thick, it's the finest strainer I own, other people have mentioned owning fiji strainers that aren't as fine. You can also buy bags with a 'micron' size of your choice, so you can choose how fine the weaving is.
Finer weaving = lessened potency, but easier on the stomach and cleaner feeling, might require more root to achieve desired effect.

 

[Squanch72]

I started out using paint strainers and nylons. I got too much makas through with paint strainers and kept getting runners with nylons lol. Cheap though and easy to throw away after a few uses. I used nut milk bags now as they have a finer mesh than paint strainers/nylons and are very strong, so you can really lay a squeeze on them. Plus it is just fun to say nut milk bag.

 

[Edward]

I started out using paint strainers and nylons. I got too much makas through with paint strainers and kept getting runners with nylons lol.

In the UK they're called ladders which is why if you ever get stuck in a hole in the ground you want a woman with you

@wormwood I used to use a metal tea strainer but it let way too much soot through. I tried a proper kava straining bag the other day and didn't get on with it so I think my fav is a nylon "knee high" which I just throw away after use. A pack of 5 pairs (so 10) is only a few pounds.

 

[Kavafied]

We may be a little to very biased but we prefer our AluBall™ to make Kava now

 

[CactusKava]

I've been using cheap nyon socks. I'm one of those health snobs and was wondering if there might be any dangers of doing this due to chemicals found in the socks etc. I'm also wondering if you guys have used nylon socks and what you feel may or may not work as well as nylon socks. Also I don't want to waste precious kavalactones, so I'm willing to drink a little soot so that my precious kavalactone molecule doesn't go to waste. So that's the type of bag Id like to find. Also I love you.

Nylon nut milk bags are the real answer. I give a free nut milk bag out with each order, or if you're feeling crazy you can buy it on it's own: http://cactuskava.com/product/strainer-bag

 

[kavamehameha]

@Squanch72 : How fine is the mesh of these nut milk bags, how many micron? Or are all the same?

 

[Squanch72]

@Squanch72 : How fine is the mesh of these nut milk bags, how many micron? Or are all the same?

I think they come in different sizes but the the ones I have are 80 microns. This is my first one I got and still use it all the time
http://elitechefcollection.com/elite-chef-products/
And I have a few of the one Cactus Kava gives out with purchases and also sells. I am pretty sure his are 80 microns too.

 

[YogaNatureLvr]

I've been very happy with the @CactusKava nut milk bag, which is now my go-to strainer.

I have had mixed results with traditional muslin cloth strainers. They feel nicer in the hand than nylon bags, but I find that the makas often shoot out the opening as you squeeze them.

 

[wormwood]

I've been very happy with the @CactusKava nut milk bag

HAHA, you said, "nut milk bag."

 

[Edward]

I've been very happy with the @CactusKava nut milk bag, which is now my go-to strainer.

Maybe this is where I've been going wrong in life, I haven't got a go-to strainer?

They feel nicer in the hand than nylon bags, but I find that the makas often shoot out the opening as you squeeze them.

Are you sure that's makas?! If anything shoots out the top you could be squeezing TOO hard