Starter Needed?

[carrboropanther]

I’m brewing on Saturday. I have a Wyeast activator pack. I plan on making a starter.

Will it hurt to:

Smack the pack today and let it expand, and once expanded, make a starter out of it for use on Saturday?

Or should I bother with the starter since it is an activator pack?

Thanks
CP

 

[SuperiorBrew]

You should smack it 3-24 hours before using. If you are going to make a starter you can just smack it and dump in in your starter.
I always make starters for mine, I think you end up with even better beer that way. But you do not have to unless you are making a big beer or lager.

 

[TheJadedDog]

My general routine with Smack packs is to smack it Thursday morning, make a starter Thursday night, then pitch on Saturday (brew day). If I am making a big beer, I'll smack on Wednesday morning and make a starter Wednesday night.