Lets limit this to the 2 plastics found here at Do-It.
What are some of the differences between the Essential series plastics and the Crystal Clear that you have taken note of? I am really starting to like using this plastic and have found a few that I'll name.
*no or very few bubbles in the Essential
*faster conversion time for the Essential but a higher first cook time and temperature to eliminate the " initial thick" consistency
* tolerance to higher heat in the Essential, especially when cooked without stabilizer
* the overall color clarity in the Essential plastic
My re-melts have been excellent using both plastics but the Essential seems to be ready faster at a lower heat which is nice now and again.... it depends on what I am doing with the plastic....how I am going to use it.
On the initial cook it seems that it takes a slightly higher heat than what we have been acclimated to using the Crystal Clear products. I'm finding that getting the Essential up to 365 degrees on that first cook makes the first round of use way easier than if I stop the first cook at 350. At 350 the Essential is still very thick, almost clumpy, on the first cook. Re-heats and re-melts are getting done easily with the plastic as low as 310 degrees in some instances.
In many colors I no longer use stabilizer when using the Essential. Its tolerance to higher heat levels is a thing of beauty for me especially when I jack the heat for welding baits.
The lack of bubbling issues is a biggie. Being able to pump on the first cooking without having to wait for bubbles to disperse is great.
Color clarity seems to be much easier to maintain with the Essential and clear is clear.
I'd like to hear what others have found with it.
