itguy I thought I’d just do a quick update on how I’ve been getting on since upgrading my v1 to the v2 gicar and software.
It’s utterly brilliant!
Thank you for sharing your experience! Fantastic to hear this has improved the machine so much for you. It certainly sounds like it was worth doing.
I also think it is brilliant that there is such an easy way to bring the machine up to date. It is often a frustration for consumers when a new model comes up with good stuff, and they are forced to upgrade the whole thing, or stay behind.
My understanding is that the V2 Mara X has two changes compared to V1 (I am disregarding the printed logo): The OPV reroute to the pump (which anyone can do and costs nothing); And the updated Gicar box with new software. Replace the Gicar box and do the OPV mod - and you have turned your V1 to a V2. I don’t know if Lelit intended to make it so easy to update the machine, but it is certainly great from a consumer perspective.
Having read your report, my understanding is that in Steam boost mode the V2 improvement is in steam performance only, and that brew temp stability is the same as V1. I further understand this is important for steaming larger quantities of milk, or making multiple milk drinks. So am I correct in concluding that in my personal scenario (only making single drinks and only steaming small quantities for a single 170ml flat-white) there is actually no benefit in the V2 behaviour? The way I use the machine I never had an issue with not enough steam power, so I think that for me the V2 software wouldn’t do anything, but maybe I am wrong?
(I know there is also the new no-steam-boost mode in the V2, but this is only a benefit when making multiple back-to-back espressos with no steaming - which is another thing that I don’t do).