Gaggia Classic Evo Pro 80-100g shots

[old ginkgo]

Working with the newest Gaggia Classic as my first ever espresso machine and since day 1 have had issues with shots pulling way too fast. At first I thought it was because I was using pre-ground espresso and 0 pick prep tools but at my current setup which I’ve put together over the last few weeks (pictured) I’m still
getting a roughly 1:4 or 1:4.5 ratio in 20-25 seconds.

I’m using Medium Roast beans that are less than two weeks old (Trade sub) and this mornings shot was as follows:

18g at 5 grind setting
WDT, distributed, 30lb tamp
Shot pull was around 23-25 seconds (no temperature surfing)
Output: 80.6g

Any advice? I thought the Evo Pro was pressure capped at 9 bars but it feels like I’m consistently getting too high pressure with how fast it’s pulling. Can I even do the 9 bar spring mod in the new model? I can’t find the answer anywhere online

I’m a total at-home espresso noob and the shots taste good enough (plus I can split them with my wife with just one pull considering it’s 80g) but I’d love to really start dialing things in.

[rocky pumice]

Is that the ESP?

Classic suggestion is “grind finer”

I would also suggest working with an espresso blend from a reputable roaster, no more than two weeks off roast. Once you can dial in shots with that, then maybe try a medium roast

[old ginkgo]

It is the ESP!

[worthy trellis]

Grind size is too fine

I think new GCP comes 9bar

[rocky pumice]

Seeing the ESP’s suggestions, I agree that you may be grinding too fine. Too much resistance and the water can break through a weak spot and “channel”

[old ginkgo]

Hmm i hadn't considered that the grind could be too fine. Pulled 2 decent double shots today though with a roughly 1:3 ratio

One shot was on 3 and the other on 1 and both came out pretty tasty! Not the ideal 1:2 in that 25 second range but I could probably stop the shot between 18-22 and get closer to 1:2. I'm thinking about getting a lower profile drip tray for the gaggia before changing out the portafilter as I quite like pulling a double shot into two separate cups to split w/ the wife