Spike Brewing - Ben Caya

[Punx Clever]

Today, I find myself unable to see the "Spike User Group" on Facebook after saying that Ben Caya's remarks in the group led me to stop buying from his company.

The way I understand it, Ben was a member of the group until Spike Brewing (company) became an administrator of the FB group.

I still have a Spike 20g Solo system. I can still provide feedback to folks who are considering the hardware.

But I am now banned from the user group because I won't continue to purchase from Spike.

Can confirm. Spike only cares about their customer base as long as their customer base doesn't criticize them.

 

[MaxStout]

Have you tried contacting Spike via email to ask about it? Maybe it's some glitch on their part and not intentional.

 

[Yesfan]

Today, I find myself unable to see the "Spike User Group" on Facebook after saying that Ben Caya's remarks in the group led me to stop buying from his company.

The way I understand it, Ben was a member of the group until Spike Brewing (company) became an administrator of the FB group.

I still have a Spike 20g Solo system. I can still provide feedback to folks who are considering the hardware.

But I am now banned from the user group because I won't continue to purchase from Spike.

Can confirm. Spike only cares about their customer base as long as their customer base doesn't criticize them.

What were the remarks that led you to stop buying from Spike? I think some of their stuff is a bit pricey, but I feel you do get what you pay for. I've been happy with everything I've bought from them.

I agree with Maxstout too. Maybe there's been some sort of glitch on their end that comes off as a ban. Email them and find out. At least you're owed an explanation if you were banned from the user group.

 

[wickedbeernut]

I was banned from the Spike User Facebook Group by Ben, too. Ben sent me a 1,300+ word E-mail explaining the past and present situation at Spike.

There was a large layoff at Spike around October of last year. Ben fired both of his engineers (Adam and Caleb). As of the first of this year, following further voluntary resignations, Spike was down to only six employees. You'll notice Ben has since removed the company directory from the Spike web site "About" page.

Around October is when we started seeing posts critical of Spike being deleted from the Facebook group. More recently, Ben has resorted to banning members in an attempt to improve Spike's image. 2023 was a disaster for Spike. The Flow (pump), All-In-One PRV and Solo panel all had major issues. The Glycol Chiller continues to be a total trainwreck.

Hopefully, Ben can turn things around.

 

[Deadalus]

What issues with the Flow and All-In-One?

I have the Flow maybe 2 years or so now. No problems at all with it and I use it as my wort pump. I do see some references to suck back and or leakage with the AIO PRV. I have only had it about a year and only used it once for spunding. I see there's a recommendation to keep the FV at 3 psi if using as an airlock. Problem I have with using it is it is a fruit fly magnet with the open cup. Needs a screen. Haven't gotten around to making one but I have considered using a a drawstring mesh bag as a quick fix. They are little b@3*#&^ds though, they go through most any sized holes.

 

[genotype]

That's crazy. I wonder what's going on over there. I have the flex+, aio prv, mill, counterflow and glycol chillers. No issues with any except the glycol. On my 3rd unit. 1st wouldn't get cold and the 2nd had a leak. So far so good on the latest one. Been contemplating the Solo, but may look at Braü instead.

 

[waynorth]

I’ve got a Flex+ and a CF10. It pains me to say it but from my experience Spike’s business model just wasn’t sustainable. I’ve worked in manufacturing for many years and while their products are designed to project the “your liver will fail before..” image they had serious engineering shortfalls that clearly weren’t worked thru before launch and very poor quality control that was fed into a reputation for ‘amazing customer service’ where they would just send you a replacement but nobody ever seemed to follow up to try to find a root cause and fix the issue.

Example: I was getting recurring infections and I did a fluorescent penetrant inspection on my racking tube and thermo well and they both lit up with pits in the weld. I reported this to spike customer service but I was only asked where I want the replacements sent.

As a company attempts to grow you can only raise your prices so much to cover it before people will migrate to other, more affordable solutions.

 

[wickedbeernut]

That's crazy. I wonder what's going on over there. I have the flex+, aio prv, mill, counterflow and glycol chillers. No issues with any except the glycol. On my 3rd unit. 1st wouldn't get cold and the 2nd had a leak. So far so good on the latest one. Been contemplating the Solo, but may look at Braü instead.

I received a "What's Brewin'...with Spike!" E-mail yesterday. Ben has enlisted the services of his dad to pack glycol chillers.

I have the Spike Trio (with two Flow pumps), counterflow wort chiller, home mill with bucket adapter / home mill table and glycol chiller. I love everything except the glycol chiller. The two sheets of stainless steel which form the glycol reservoir are assembled using caulk. WTF?

History of Spike Glycol Chiller​

After 10 months, Spike has finally redesigned the Glycol Chiller to TIG-weld the two sheets of stainless steel which form the sides and bottom of the glycol reservoir. The bottom drain now attaches to a female stainless steel nipple which is TIG-welded to the bottom of the reservoir. This design change should eliminate any leaks. You'll want to look into exchanging your Glycol Chiller 1.0 or 2.0 for the new "Glycol Chiller 3.0". Of course, if anyone is thinking about purchasing a Spike glycol chiller, they'll want to ensure they're receiving the new TIG-welded Glycol Chiller 3.0. Don't settle for caulk.

Spike Glycol Chiller 3.0 with TIG-Welded Reservoir​

 

[genotype]

I received a "What's Brewin'...with Spike!" E-mail yesterday. Ben has enlisted the services of his dad to pack glycol chillers.

I have the Spike Trio (with two Flow pumps), counterflow wort chiller, home mill with bucket adapter / home mill table and glycol chiller. I love everything except the glycol chiller. The two sheets of stainless steel which form the glycol reservoir are assembled using caulk. WTF?

Spike Glycol Chiller​

After 10 months, Spike has finally resigned the Glycol Chiller to TIG-weld the two sheets of stainless steel which form the sides and bottom of the glycol reservoir. The bottom drain now attaches to a female stainless steel nipple which is TIG-welded to the bottom of the reservoir. This design change should eliminate any leaks. You'll want to look into exchanging your Glycol Chiller 1.0 or 2.0 for the new "Glycol Chiller 3.0". Of course, if anyone is thinking about purchasing a Spike glycol chiller, they'll want to ensure they're receiving the new TIG-welded Glycol Chiller 3.0. Don't settle for caulk.

Thanks for the heads up. I definitely got them up if I notice any type of leak.

 

[wickedbeernut]

I’ve got a Flex+ and a CF10. It pains me to say it but from my experience Spike’s business model just wasn’t sustainable. I’ve worked in manufacturing for many years and while their products are designed to project the “your liver will fail before..” image they had serious engineering shortfalls that clearly weren’t worked thru before launch and very poor quality control that was fed into a reputation for ‘amazing customer service’ where they would just send you a replacement but nobody ever seemed to follow up to try to find a root cause and fix the issue.

Example: I was getting recurring infections and I did a fluorescent penetrant inspection on my racking tube and thermo well and they both lit up with pits in the weld. I reported this to spike customer service but I was only asked where I want the replacements sent.

As a company attempts to grow you can only raise your prices so much to cover it before people will migrate to other, more affordable solutions.

Spike's quality control strategy is definitely product replacement.

There's a reason Ben fired both of his engineers.

My favorite example is the CF-series lid gasket. The CF-series full-lid band clamp is notorious for leaking under pressure. Spike redesigned the gasket making it bidirectional and slightly thicker. The "New Style Gasket" fixes a majority of CF-series leaks. However, not only does Spike continue to ship the CF-series with the "Old Style Gasket", the

Conical Replacement Lid Gasket​

on the Spike web site is the "Old Style Gasket". You need to contact Spike Customer Service to order the "New Style Gasket". The New Style Gasket is essentially "hidden". WTF? All to save the company a couple of bucks? Possibly to pretend as if there was nothing wrong with the original design? Crazy.

​

 

[bailey mountain brewer]

A lot of interesting stuff here, I've had spike equipment for 6ish years the 30gallon trio and 2 cf15s, added the spike flow and all in one prv. I had a small issue with the prv when I first got it, but I just took it apart lubed some things, put it back together and no problem since. My cf15s have the original gasket and I've never had an issue with either one of them sealing. So my overall experience with the company and their products have been great. I understand some people have had problems and I believe that's gonna happen, some of the newer products had design flaws, totally get that, and hopefully Ben can overcome them and continue to manufacture quality brewing equipment, seems like growing pains that need to get under control. You will always hear about the 5% of things that are poorly done and rarely hear about 95% of what you've done right.

 

[IDMaynard]

I have been pretty happy with my Solo and conical's, I bought the brew table and had an issue with one of the legs which they replaced without question. My buddy just bought a trio and both the pumps have been nothing but a headache and lead-time on all of it was terrible., pumps are still not fixed. Their quality has gone down hill since I started purchasing from them (~ 5 year now). I think they have great innovative products though.

 

[wickedbeernut]

My buddy just bought a trio and both the pumps have been nothing but a headache and lead-time on all of it was terrible., pumps are still not fixed. Their quality has gone down hill since I started purchasing from them (~ 5 year now).

I ordered a complete spare parts kit (see attached) for my two Spike Flow pumps as soon as I heard about the large layoff and both engineers being fired. I even ordered two spare Spike Flow pump front housings. Spike replaced the front housing with some of the "kickstarter" units.

I think people view Spike as a company that "manufactures" homebrewing equipment. As of the first of the year, Spike had six employees (not counting Ben and his dad) responsible for,

1. Operations
2. Fabrication / Welding
3. Shipping and Receiving
4. Line Work
5. Customer Service
6. Customer Service / Marketing

Of course, the kettles come from China. The glycol chiller is completely manufactured in China. Upon arriving in Milwaukee, Spike partially removes the shrink wrap from the glycol chiller in order to apply the "Spike" sticker. That sticker is the only part of the glycol chiller assembled in the U.S.A. At one point, Spike was at least partially assembling the mill in Milwaukee.

The Spike Mill kickstarter ended September 2, 2023. The Spike Glycol Chiller kickstarter ended October 10, 2023. Just over a month apart. The Home Mill is a beast. It's built like a tank. The construction of the glycol chiller reservoir is shoddy. The two sheets of stainless steel which form the sides and bottom of the glycol reservoir are assembled using caulk. It's hard to believe both of these products are "manufactured" by the same company. It's become impossible to predict what you'll get in the way of quality from Spike.

Of course, Spike increased the price on the mill,

Spike Home Mill​

• Original MSRP: $499
• Kickstarter Price: $499 - 15% = $425
• New MSRP: $599 ($100 or 20% increase)

Spike Pro Mill​

• Original MSRP: $999
• Kickstarter Price: $999 - 15% = $850
• New MSRP: $1,119.00 ($120 or 12% increase)

Clearly, in the case of the mill, there were cost overruns in order to achieve that high level of quality. I can only imagine the shoddy construction of the glycol chiller was an attempt to cut costs and hit a price point. Obviously, that didn't work out so well for Spike.

Ben officially announced the new Spike Premium Fully-Jacketed (cylinder and cone) Concial Unitank over a year ago on December 20, 2023. Obviously, the new unitank has been impacted by the layoff and engineers being fired. It'll be interesting to see if Ben can deliver the new unitank this year at the price point he continues to promise (25 - 50% higher than the existing CF-series).

 

[Yesfan]

I have a CF-10, Flex+, and two 15 gallon v4 triclamp kettles. The kettles replaced my Spike v3 which I regret selling. Don't get me wrong, I love my v4 kettles as breaking them part to clean is easier, I just think I hit a point of diminishing returns to appease my laziness. The first v4 kettle I get, the ports were in the wrong place and the volume markers were in the front. I didn't have any issues getting that replaced and they quickly jumped to make it right.

The fermenters, I agree about the band clamp/pressure issues. I could never get those to hold more than 10psi, but I have heard/read you can take a rubber mallet and gently tap the sides to get it to seal/seat better. Should I have to do that? Probably not, but I think that's just the nature of these band clamp style conicals. I've heard the same stories about More Beer's BrewBuilt conicals. I haven't had the chance to try that tweak for a couple of reasons. One, I don't have as much time to brew and two, I've been doing a lot of smaller batches which I use my 3 gallon kegs as fermenters when I do brew. Also using a 15 gallon keg for my double batches (which I haven't done in a couple of years) has forced the CF-10 into semi retirement. I just don't drink that much beer anymore.

 

[wickedbeernut]

The fermenters, I agree about the band clamp/pressure issues. I could never get those to hold more than 10psi, but I have heard/read you can take a rubber mallet and gently tap the sides to get it to seal/seat better. Should I have to do that? Probably not, but I think that's just the nature of these band clamp style conicals. I've heard the same stories about More Beer's BrewBuilt conicals.

Yup. Rubber mallet, silicone grease, thick tape and various other silliness. If you want to fix the leak, contact Spike Customer Service for the New Style Gasket. It's a few dollars more than the Old Style Gasket (starting at $14) listed on the Spike web site.

You're absolutely correct with respect to the BrewBuilt full-lid band clamp / gasket. This was the BrewBuilt X2. BrewBuilt moved to a welded lid and 8" tri-clamp main lid port with the X3. The new Spike Premium Fully-Jacketed (cylinder and cone) Conical Unitank will also have a welded lid.

 

[matt_m]

I'm guessing the Jacketed unitanks are on indefinite hold.

Its a shame to see what was and probably still is a great company go through hard times. My personal thought was that all the new electrical products were a huge stretch financially and expertise wise. QC is significantly harder and early failures are more common. Coupled with the market, that's got to be tough.

I've got a LOT of Spike equipment--2 very well optioned CF10s, Flex, Tank eBIAB setup (did BIAB pre-Solo) with pump and a steam condenser lid, wort chiller and glycol chiller. My control panel was purchased directly from Electric Brewing Supply as Spike didn't do a SVBS yet. EBS builds a beautiful panel, in Michigan, I thought it was a shame Spike came out with a Chinese Solo controller but TBF, they did have to comepete with others' Chinese controllers. The "issues" with leaking PRVs are invariably solved with keg lube which should be in the documentation as SOP. The conical gasket is operator error, directions are clear but who reads directions?

In my first ever Spike purchase, my first kettle, I had a really weird leak in the dip tube, weeping out a pinhole in the middle of the tubing no where near any welds that was too small to even see. It was promptly replaced and they did ask me to return it so they could look. Guessing they spent 30s putting a dab of weld on it and put it on a bargain cave setup. Its not nuclear, can't expect that level of QC.

I had a pump failure I've never seen mentioned by others--front bearing went bad. They use a really common bearing and I actually had some sealed bearings, repaired it in about 15 minutes. I couldn't tell why it went bad but was definitely crunchy. I did contact them about it and got a thank you for repairing it and a promise to stand behind it if I had further issues.

Glycol chiller I did the "kickstarter". We all know how those first units are going. They are taking care of it.

I'd own the mill, but I just can't justify going from a geared MM3 with a nice gear motor I never have to adjust to have easier adjustments.

I've owned some Blichman equipment. They failed to stand by a broken weld on a leg. And I've owned SS Brewtech equipment that had very noticeably poorer fit and finish. All I own from either today is a Brew Cube, some SS Valves, and a wort flowmeter Bobby_M modified to be a TC unit.

 

[Deadalus]

I have two X2s. V bands aren't new technology, although the construction could be flawed. In my limited experience view, I think some of the failures are operator failures and some may be design flaws. The gaskets are hard to keep inside the lid when you have to flip it over for placement. And there's a right way and a wrong way to position the gasket. In my opinion, I think the mallet tapping hack is simply to make sure the lid gets positioned properly dead center. If true, also operator error. I did shave off a little band length to get a tighter grip. But I too haven't brewed enough with them to better gauge whether it's me or the manufacturer. I did mess up gasket position and placement. And when there might just be a manufacturing defect sometimes, people may place all the blame on the manufacturer. Notice Spike has redesigned the gasket. The angled part is supposed to face down, so now you can't mess it up. I don't know whether anything else was changed to correct some perceived manufacturing defect. The V bands are enough of a PITA though that I bought a bigger SS Brewtech uni to skip the bands on that one. I'll still use the X2s as needed however.

 

[hilljack13]

Wow, I never looked that deep into Spike before purchasing their equipment. Every post and thread I read on this forum was nothing but positive. I ended up with 2 Flex+, 2 AIO PRV, new home mill, new glycol chiller, and all the pumps and connections. I can confirm their sending a replacement without question method. I had an issue putting the gaskets on the flex lid and they sent two of the new types. Same with one of the small pumps used for the glycol chiller. The pump randomly started and stopped while it was supposed to be on.

Another issues, that I see anyway, is one of the PRV's started releasing pressure through the top relief "button". After about 5 brews this was the first I had seen this. Spike said it was normal. I still disagree, but that was the first time and issue came up and a replacement not sent. That was back in October 2024 so after reading this thread, their reply makes a lot of sense.

I also had to get a swap on the chiller due to the first one leaking. The one I currently have is going strong. I actually just turned it back on this evening to get ready for tomorrows brew day.

After one year of using their equipment, I am realizing I don't need two fermenters and am considering selling one. I have only used both at the same time once and I need to clear some space!

 

[wickedbeernut]

My control panel was purchased directly from Electric Brewing Supply as Spike didn't do a SVBS yet.

I purchased my control panel directly from Electric Brewing Supply, too. I wanted a RIMS and Spike refused to sell me the Nano control panel with a Trio system.

Glycol chiller I did the "kickstarter". We all know how those first units are going. They are taking care of it.

Spike is taking care of it by TIG-welding the glycol reservoir with Glycol Chiller 3.0.

 

[wickedbeernut]

Notice Spike has redesigned the gasket. The angled part is supposed to face down, so now you can't mess it up. I don't know whether anything else was changed to correct some perceived manufacturing defect.

In addition to being bidirectional, the New Style Gasket is also slightly thicker.

 

[wickedbeernut]

I had an issue putting the gaskets on the flex lid and they sent two of the new types.

It sounds as if Spike sent you the New Style Gaskets for free? That was my original understanding. However, more recently, customers are having to pay for the New Style Gasket. I suspect word got out that the New Style Gasket fixes most leaks.

 

[hilljack13]

It sounds as if Spike sent you the New Style Gaskets for free? That was my original understanding. However, more recently, customers are having to pay for the New Style Gasket. I suspect word got out that the New Style Gasket fixes most leaks.

Yes, it was about this time last year. I never had an issue with leaking, but the old gasket just would not fit the lid. Too big and always had a good 2" piece hanging out.

 

[Punx Clever]

Oh, dang. This was dead in the water then gained traction all of a sudden. Anywho, it was a customer interaction post more than a product quality post... Ex: I've got a solo (early adopter, pre-order), figured out the basket wasn't for me early on, whatevs. Heck, I got a bit of a chuckle with the Flow pumps when they used some of the same tactics as Chugger did back in the day to claim Riptide was inferior, but whatever.

I even refrained from the satirical "Have you checked your liver?" posts on the FB group when people shared their problems with the chillers, pumps, and conical seals like folks have talked about in this thread.

It's the ham fisted shut down of critiques on a platform that was, previously, a user group but is now run by the company itself that lead me to start the thread.

Have you tried contacting Spike via email to ask about it? Maybe it's some glitch on their part and not intentional.

No need, saw reports of the same actions against other people on other FB brewing groups.

...

I think people view Spike as a company that "manufactures" homebrewing equipment. As of the first of the year, Spike had six employees (not counting Ben and his dad) responsible for,

1. Operations
2. Fabrication / Welding
3. Shipping and Receiving
4. Line Work
5. Customer Service
6. Customer Service / Marketing

...

I've walked the floor of Blichmann's facility in Lafayette, IN (the commercial sales manager at the time happened to be the bartender at the local Irish pub when I was in college)... It's the same model. Base stock comes in from China, it's modified in house, and shipped out. Similar number of employees. Spike had the nicer kettles with welded fittings vs weldless, etc, but the business model was the same.

Blichmann managed to expand horizons in homebrewing with innovative products, expand the business to real micro-brewery equipment, and continue on when John retired leaving a successful operating business.

Spike is, apparently, laying off employees and struggling to put out chillers that don't leak.

My theory is that it's a personality problem.

 

[matt_m]

On the gaskets gaskets, I'm sure like any product there may be some out of spec. Possibly damaged or malformed lids and rims as well. However all of mine have been seemingly "too long" at times, sometimes significantly. I've found being so soft they are really easy to stretch. I work them back in all the way around and get them to fit. With keg lube on the gasket that can be tricky to hold in place while getting the lid on.

Early on I read that the rubber mallet is SOP for band clamps like this in industrial and aviation use. I tap all around after snugging it up and retighten, repeating 2-3 times total. I bought a mallet I keep in the brewery so I'm not using the one thrown in the toolbox right next to the tools I used to change out a toilet. Spike should put this in the documentation (which again no one would read) and probably sell a $50 Spike branded mallet.

The best thing I ever did brewing-wise was listen to the people who told me to buy CF10s for 5 (now 6.5) gallon batches. I believe I've had the krausen get to the lid and gasket once. I rarely take the lids off now. When I do I find no evidence pointing to a reason to do it more frequently.

 

[Deadalus]

Both my Brewbuilt gaskets seem overly long too. Can't decide whether attaching at 3, 6, 9, 12 o'clock first then working the rest in or starting at one point and working it around is better.

Spike would redesign the mallet and claim it outperforms Mjölner!

 

[Willy]

I got a used CF-15 on FB with the old gasket and had issues of leaks under pressure. In my case - it was more about user error than a faulty gasket.

1) you have to insert the gasket properly. Start at 12 o'clock then insert at 6 o'clock, followed by 3 and 9. If you try and just insert it around the circle - it won't seat properly.
Once I put it in properly - no issues at all. I figured it out via a Spike video that explained the correct way.

Also have the AIO PRV, and am patiently waiting on a mill.

Personally, I really like their product line and am from Milwaukee. Running a small niche business like that is brutal and difficult in good times. And you know, if my 2 engineers came up with crap solutions, that cost the company tons of $$$ and reputation - I would fire them too.

 

[Deadalus]

Yes, I didn't specify completely but a little like lug nuts on a 4 lug tire for the gasket. Helps to keep the lid horizontal too. But knowing it's kind of long, I started it at one point and gently and as evenly as I thought necessary, I pushed into the gasket back towards the start as I worked it around the lid. I held the starting point tight. This worked on the first go the last time I tried it. It would take practice to get a feel for it consistently. But using the four point method, you could also have sections end up different lengths. Spike's "better" here might be less prone to newbie errors or a shorter learning curve. I've found in my interactions here and in observing their marketing that Spike is a bit too cocky at times. Looks like it's bitten them on the butt. Spike or Spike's Dad if you are reading this, try being a little more precise about improvements and a little less arrogant.

 

[matt_m]

Introducing the Spike Brewing Rubber Mallet, specifically designed for installing conical fermenter band clamps. This mallet features the Spike Brewing logo, ensuring authenticity and quality. Key advantages over standard off-the-shelf mallets include:

1. Non-Marring Surface: The soft rubber head prevents damage to your equipment, maintaining the pristine condition of your fermenter.
2. Controlled Force Application: Allows for precise adjustments when securing band clamps, ensuring a tight and secure fit without over-tightening.
3. Reduced Vibration: Minimizes hand fatigue during extended use, providing a comfortable brewing experience.

Enhance your brewing setup with this specialized tool, crafted to meet the high standards of Spike Brewing enthusiasts.

 

[YeastFeast]

The "issues" with leaking PRVs are invariably solved with keg lube which should be in the documentation as SOP.

What is your procedure for lubing the PRV?
Thanks!