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PRODUCTS / FILTERS / COMPETITION FILTERS

Elite Precision
for Perfect
Extraction

Featuring patented conical perforation and high-gloss electropolished finishes, the choice of World Barista Champions.

WHY CHOOSE COMPETITION FILTERS

Unmatched technology for absolute sensory control.

Patented Perforation

Patented
Perforation

Exclusive conical holes ensure a zero-defect flow and perfectly balanced resistance.

Electropolished Finish

Electropolished
Finish

Mirror-like surface repels coffee oils and maintains pristine flavor clarity.

Champion Performance

Champion
Performance

Designed to enhance sweetness and clarity, trusted by elite baristas worldwide.

FIND YOUR
COMPETITION FILTER

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The Competition Filter

Pushing the boundaries of espresso extraction.

Conical Perforation

Problem: Traditional cylindrical holes can clog easily with coffee fines, slowing down the extraction and causing harsh bitterness.

The IMS solution: Our patented punching technology creates holes with a conical cross-section, wider at the bottom than at the top.

The result: A self-cleaning effect where coffee liquid flows freely without obstruction, resulting in a cleaner, sweeter cup.

Hole Area Precision

Problem: Uneven distribution of holes across the bottom of the basket causes water to channel through paths of least resistance.

The IMS solution: Geometrically perfect hole matrices (e.g., exactly 715 holes) mathematically calculated to match the specific diameter of the basket.

The result: Perfectly uniform resistance across the entire coffee puck, allowing you to grind finer and extract more flavor.

IMS Competition Filter Structure

Electropolished Finish

Problem: Micro-roughness inside the basket grabs onto coffee oils and fines, requiring aggressive scrubbing that degrades the metal.

The IMS solution: An advanced electropolishing bath that smooths the metal at a microscopic level, creating a mirror-like finish.

The result: Enhanced durability and a surface that actively resists oil buildup, ensuring pristine flavor clarity in every shot.

Shape & Geometry

Problem: Tapered walls and generic bottoms cause the tamper to leave uncompressed coffee at the edges, leading to side-channeling.

The IMS solution: Perfectly straight walls designed for 58.4mm/58.5mm precision tampers, paired with specific bottom geometries (flat or convex).

The result: A flawless edge-to-edge seal when tamping, maximizing extraction yield and creating visually stunning bottomless pours.

La Marzocco
Kees Van Der Westen
Nuova Simonelli
Slayer
Victoria Arduino
Faema
Rocket Espresso
Gaggia
Sanremo
Lelit
La Marzocco
Kees Van Der Westen
Nuova Simonelli
Slayer
Victoria Arduino
Faema
Rocket Espresso
Gaggia
Sanremo
Lelit

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Everything you need to know about our elite filter basket technology.

Ridged filters have an internal groove that locks securely into the portafilter spring, making it harder for the basket to fall out when knocking out the puck. Ridgeless filters have completely smooth vertical walls, which many baristas prefer as it allows for a slightly more uniform tamping experience and eliminates a potential trap for coffee oils. Both perform exceptionally well.

For our 58mm Competition line, we strongly recommend using a precision tamper sized between 58.4mm and 58.5mm. Because our filters have precise, straight walls, a standard 58.0mm tamper will leave a gap of uncompressed coffee around the edges, leading to side-channeling.

A Flat bottom tends to highlight distinct flavor notes and acidity, offering a very clear cup profile. A Convex bottom gently funnels the extraction towards the center, which often enhances body, mouthfeel, and crema production. Convex bottoms are visually spectacular when used with bottomless portafilters.

The height of the filter determines its capacity. For example, an H24 typically holds 14-16g of light roast, while an H28 holds 18-20g. You should choose the height that matches your preferred dose. Keep in mind that darker roasts are less dense and will take up more volume than lighter roasts for the same weight.

Usually, yes. Because our filters have a higher total open area and perfectly circular holes with less friction, the water flows more freely. To achieve the same extraction time (e.g., 25-30 seconds), you will typically need to grind your coffee slightly finer compared to a standard stock basket. This allows you to extract more flavor from the beans.

Yes, our Competition Filters are the ideal pairing for bottomless portafilters. The precision of the perforation ensures a beautiful, unified central cone during the extraction, minimizing messy spraying (often caused by defective holes in cheap baskets).
IMS Competition Series Filter