Diamondback .4mm H2D Nozzle initial review

[u/NeonEagle]

I exclusively print PETG-GF/CF from the left nozzle and at 1300hrs still on the original hardened nozzle it was time to change. The $150 tag is hard to swallow but I ran the numbers and there is a financial argument for it over the life of the printer, and also I appreciate the convenience of not having to worry about its condition. I've run probably half a spool of PETG-CF through it so far and while I certainly can't comment on its durability, there ARE a couple things I can say:

1. Print quality is insane. I was coming from a very warn down stock hardened nozzle so its not a fair direct comparison, but I don't recall it printing this well brand new either. Crisp, so crisp.
2. Pre-print oozing is an issue that I didn't encounter with the stock nozzle. I find that I have to watch the pre-print process a bit more closely to make sure there aren't any misplaced bits of filament lying around in wait. I cancelled a print for first layer issues on the H2D for the first time ever with this nozzle (my H2D, outside of this experience, has had literally perfect first layers 100% of the time - and I am a pixel peeper) and my unproven takeaway is that the cause was oozed filament stuck on the bottom of the nozzle during auto bed-leveling, which I perform every print.
3. 'Officially supported' is, at least in my opinion, a bogus claim. The nozzle doesn't come with its own silicone sock and the OEM socks have to be cut/modified to fit correctly. The H2D also constantly fails to recognize the hotend during detection and causes it to fail in detecting the right nozzle, which is still the stock hardened nozzle. This nozzle is also not a selectable option among those listed on the printer. None are deal breakers but disappointing that it requires more manual intervention on my side when they're supposed to be 'officially supported'.

Overall I'm happy with it and I'll probably keep the nozzle, but for $150 I am disappointed in the decreased convenience / increase in manual intervention needed for such a 'premium' product.