If a Flair 58 shot rushes through, the useful fix is usually to increase puck resistance—not to push the lever harder. Flair’s own pressure/time chart directs low-pressure, short shots toward a finer grind.
What counts as fast?
Flair currently uses about 25–35 seconds as a common 58 extraction reference. Taste still matters, but a shot that reaches target yield far earlier while never building useful pressure is a clear low-resistance symptom.
Should you grind finer or increase dose?
Use grind as the first fine-control variable. Dose also changes resistance, but changing both together hides the cause. If basket fill/headspace is already appropriate, grind finer and retest.
Could channeling make a shot look fast?
Yes. A cracked or uneven puck can create a fast path even when the average grind is fine enough. If a bottomless portafilter shows jets or uneven flow, fix distribution/tamp before making extreme grind changes.
Does pre-infusion fix a gusher?
No. Flair suggests pre-infusion—especially for some light roasts—but it cannot compensate for a puck with far too little resistance. Establish a workable grind first.
When should you stop grinding finer?
If pressure climbs too high, lever force becomes excessive, or flow nearly stops, you have gone too far. Move coarser rather than forcing the lever.
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Fast + low pressure | Finer |
| Fast + spraying/channeling | Fix puck prep |
| Slow + high pressure | Coarser |
| Correct flow but sour | Evaluate temperature/ratio after repeatability |