Good by Itself, GREAT With Water From Another Filter
I live in an area with hard water, so you pretty much have to use a filter. This filter works as intended and is good by itself, it makes a noticeable improvement to the water quality and taste. Combined with one of the provided mouthpieces and it's like new. It's super easy to set up and the filter is snug but not tight or hard to remove. The only thing about the filter is you definitely need to rinse it for much longer than the 15 seconds instructed, it's not enough time and the water will be like those first few jugs with a new filter (weird gritty texture/slightly dark tint/off taste). You need water to actually go THROUGH the filter to get the inside of it ready for regular use, either by spitting out a few mouthfuls yourself or letting it sit in water and rinsing thoroughly before use. Whatever method chosen, it's not a big deal to me. When combined with water from another filter, it can taste better than bottled water but it's still very good by itself. It does slow the flow a little bit it's not bubbly or anything and I personally only notice it when I use it for the first time in a dry straw. Otherwise I think it's a good deal regardless. Even following the recommended 2mo period, the 2pk gives you 4mo of use before you need to rebuy another. If you live where the water isn't as bad, it could probably last a little longer. Replacement mouthpieces are hard to find and replacement filters can cost more than this 2pk that provides both and for the price it's better than storebought. You get more items of the same quality for less, so I can't think of a good reason not to buy. Read more