Introducing… the Spike FLEX!

[SpikeBrewing]

We’re bringing you small batch fermenting to another level. The Flex will open doors to quality, flexibility and functionality you can’t find anywhere else. With all sanitary welded, 1.5” tri-clamp fittings and over 20 a-la-carte accessories available, you’ll be able to control temps, carbonate, pressure transfer and more in this 304 stainless steel fermenter. Link below to see more about the FLEX!

Link: [URL='https://spikebrewing.link/Flex_']https://spikebrewing.link/Flex_ [/URL]​

 

[k-os]

I saw a prototype of one of these when I stopped in to pick up my kettle. Looked really nice! I'm looking forward to seeing some reviews on it.

Are these stack-able, or would the top 4" TC port interfere with the conical bottom above it?

 

[cwise]

Wow! Looks quite impressive!

 

[cnash]

They look great.
May have to look into one of these before my next fermenter purchase.

 

[TheHopfather]

Uhhh, how big is it? I can't find any info on batch size or exterior dimensions. Looks really nice.

 

[sfrisby]

Uhhh, how big is it? I can't find any info on batch size or exterior dimensions. Looks really nice.

Specs say it’s 7gal in size and the coil is positioned to properly cool from 2.5-6gal batches.

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

I'll probably buy at least one these soon. Only thing that I won't be able to do is put it in my 7.2 cu.ft chest freezer. I can fit two SS Brew Buckets in there, but with this being 15" wide, and the internal depth of my chest freezer is 15.25", I'll have to ferment somewhere else with it.

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

Uhhh, how big is it? I can't find any info on batch size or exterior dimensions. Looks really nice.

Flex : 15" wide by 19¨ tall
Flex+: 15" wide by 21¨ tall

 

[crooow]

I'll probably pull the trigger on 1 or 2 of these once I confirm that I can fit one in my fermentation fridge. I wonder if that 15" diameter includes the racking port.

 

[zoned_post_meridiem]

Very nice. Makes me rethink if I really need that unitank I've been eyeing...

 

[chewse]

Looks great! I have the Spike 10 gal conical and absolutely love it. But, I need to rationalize in my brain the difference in price between the simple Anvil brew bucket at $135 and the bells and whistles Flex at $250. Just wish Spike to throw out a one time discount for us on the HBT forum as an incentive to pick up a Flex.

 

[Thorrak]

Why is capacity not listed anywhere?

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

The clear cap on the Flex + is cool. I just purchased one.

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

Why is capacity not listed anywhere?

It's listed. You have to click on the Flex or Flex+ to see the details.

Designed for 2.5 to 6gal batches
-7gal total capacity

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

Ordered the Flex+ 2 hrs ago. Already shipping and will be here tomorrow.

 

[PADave]

Thank you Spike brewing! Been waiting a long time for this. Will be ordering one soon.

 

[Blazinlow86]

Looks great! I have the Spike 10 gal conical and absolutely love it. But, I need to rationalize in my brain the difference in price between the simple Anvil brew bucket at $135 and the bells and whistles Flex at $250. Just wish Spike to throw out a one time discount for us on the HBT forum as an incentive to pick up a Flex.

Anvil/ ssbrewtech is a stainless bucket. Spikes a stainless unitank minus the cone for dumping. No comparison imho. Cheers

 

[chewse]

Anvil/ ssbrewtech is a stainless bucket. Spikes a stainless unitank minus the cone for dumping. No comparison imho. Cheers

Good point but I use conicals for more controlled fermentations and brew buckets for simple fermentations. I just can't get my head around why I would spend the incremental money to gain features I already have with the conicals. However saying this, I would bet I'll buy one in the coming months.

 

[Mordhaus]

The clear cap on the Flex + is cool. I just purchased one.

I saw you post that you had a 7.2 cf freezer with the same measurements as mine. Im very curious to see if it might fit. It’s the only thing that’s keeping me from pulling the trigger. The Flex + is exactly what I’ve been looking for. As close to a CF series while still (possibly) using a chest freezer to control temps and a big step up from a brew bucket.

 

[gunhaus]

I like Spike stuff, I like the spike people. I had VERY MINOR issues with ONE purchase - they fixed it immediately. I will stick with their stuff, and I will buy one of these soon as i pay of my last stuff from them. They have treated me like gold - nuff said personally.

 

[Blazinlow86]

Good point but I use conicals for more controlled fermentations and brew buckets for simple fermentations. I just can't get my head around why I would spend the incremental money to gain features I already have with the conicals. However saying this, I would bet I'll buy one in the coming months.

Just depends on your process and obviously the level finished product your going for. Again unitank advantages vs bucket. I can't think of any logical reasoning to choose the bucket besides the cost. Cheers

 

[Rob2010SS]

Can someone explain to me why this is better than say the brew bucket? To me, this is just the spike version of the brew bucket, no?

 

[Blazinlow86]

Can someone explain to me why this is better than say the brew bucket? To me, this is just the spike version of the brew bucket, no?

It can hold higher pressures to carbonate. Cheers

 

[Gregory T]

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0152/1071/files/Flex_Assembley_Rev._01_02.06.19_1.PDF?257

 

[Gregory T]

Can someone explain to me why this is better than say the brew bucket? To me, this is just the spike version of the brew bucket, no?

the main thing for me would be the TC fittings and the ability to upgrade. the down side is no trub dump and the flex+ is getting pretty close to the spike conical once you add similar options and if you add a butterfly valve to the flex your getting close to the flex+

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0152/1071/files/Flex_Assembley_Rev._01_02.06.19_1.PDF?257

Nice! Thanks for sharing. Spike needs to make this available on their site. It would be very helpful.

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

Can someone explain to me why this is better than say the brew bucket? To me, this is just the spike version of the brew bucket, no?

For me, I've been eyeing Spike's conical's, specifically the CF10 & CF15. I own 2 SS Brewtech brew buckets, and an Anvil SS fermenter. The reason I haven't splurged on a CF10 or CF15 conical is because of the additional cost of the accessories I'd need & they wouldn't be as easy to move to where I am going to ferment. The Flex + (for me) is a step in the right direction when compared to the SS Brewtech Brew Bucket or Anvil SS fermenter because of the TC fittings.

 

[TheMadKing]

Anyone know how much one of these weighs?

My problem with it is that you will still need to pick it up and dump the yeast out to clean it. I can't think of a way to truly clean it in place.

With all those welded fittings I bet this weighs a fair bit more than a glass carboy. Granted there's no risk of breakage and the handles make it easier to move. But if I have a setup like this I want to be able to clean without picking up a single heavy thing.

The price is right and the features it does have are awesome but not being able to dump the yeast in place is a deal breaker for me. I wonder if they can cut a hole in the bottom of the cone and weld a TC fitting there...

Another thing,

Why would you even want to carbonate on top of the yeast cake when a closed transfer to a keg is just as easy?

I'm still planning to go with the spike conical for all those reasons. 2x the price but with all the features plus a few more, and way more convenient to clean, or harvest yeast.

 

[Nagorg]

The Flex looks like an interesting alternative to the SS Brewbucket.. I'd want the thermowell and I guess the racking port could double as a sample valve. As interesting as the Flex+ is, seems that it gets close enough to the cost of a CF5 that I'd probably just buy the C5 instead given the additional accessories.

When you are spending that much on a 5G fermenter, whats another couple of hundred bucks?

 

[Wagon_6]

Another thing,

Why would you even want to carbonate on top of the yeast cake when a closed transfer to a keg is just as easy?.

I think it’s an interesting idea to now have the option that’s lower price than a full blown unitank. I like the idea of almost no exposure to O2 and having carbonated beer coming out of the fermenter. Wonder if there are any effects with the yeast staying put during carbonation?