KX Matrikx 01-250-10-GREEN High Capacity Chemical, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction Filter, 10-Inch

***Note: It's been brought to my attention that the Matrikx CTO Plus should probably be installed first (tap source). Based on the product description, it is designed to deal with turbidity and sediment and has a slightly larger pore size. This is crucial if you're dealing with an untreated water source (e.g. well water). I've updated the review to reflect my current configuration.I'm on typical city-sourced water (with no turbidity/sediment problem). I was looking for a substitute for  Watts Premier 560088 Lead, Cyst, VOC Carbon Block Two Stage Replacement Filter Pack  that I was using in my Watts WP2BVC under-counter filter system (identical to the  Watts 500313 2-Stage Undercounter Lead, Cyst & VOC Reducing Drinking Water System  (WP2LCV) system, but uses different filter media for the carbon block).I decided to go with dual carbon block system because I had concerns about finding a sediment filter that didn't introduce additional contaminants, and I don't have a really turbidity/sediment problem. I got the  KX Matrikx 01-250-125-975 High Capacity Chemical, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction Filter, 10-Inch  (Matrikx CTO Plus, purple cap) and the  KX Matrikx 06-250-125-975 Lead, Cyst, Chlorine Taste and Odor Reduction Filter, 10-Inch  (Matrikx Pb1, grey cap). I flushed the filters in stages: installed the CTO Plus in the front housing (tap source) and flushed for 10 minutes, then installed the PB1 in the second housing (leave the CTO Plus in as well) and flush for another 10 minutes. This was to prevent the second carbon block from being saturated with the flush waste from the first carbon block. The first taste test yielded exactly the results I was expecting: high quality clean water. While impressive out of the gate, I'll have to revisit this review and see how these filters perform in the long run.FYI: If there are problems unscrewing the filter housing (even with a  Housing Wrench ), the system is probably hydrolocked. In addition to closing the tap source valve, check that the faucet valve is open to let air in. Also, if the O-ring is not replaced, be sure to carefully remove the existing one (I used a small straight-slot screwdriver), and coat it with  silicone grease .Update 21-AUG-2015: Changed rating from 4 to 5 stars. It's been well over a year and these filters continue to provide clean water at original pressure. I estimate we use no more than 5 gallons of filtered water a day. While that is less than half the expected life of this configuration, I'm pleased that it's working as advertised.Update 16-AUG-2016: I've decided to replace the filters for good measure. There was no problems with the flow, but I believe the taste was finally starting to be affected. The attached photos show a build up of sludge from two years of use on the tap source filter housing. I cleaned this using a half cup of bleach in hot water, rinsing, then soap and hot water with a paper towel. I will definitely be buying another set of these filters.

I've used these for years in a residential R.O. system, and have never had an issue. I use them as a post-filter. I've had them in for up to a year, and the output water is clean, free from any taste. The filter does release some carbon during initial use and it should be flushed; typically I find that after 5 - 10 gallons, there is zero carbon. For those of you who are critical, the actual filter media block is not the same diameter as the end cap, and yes there is a gap. This does not affect anything. The filter seals by mechanical compression on the flat rubber seals on the outside of the end caps, and the media itself is glued to the inside of the end caps.

The ones that were made in the USA actually stopped our dirty suburban well water water flowing once this filter couldn't filter anything else out, which was about 2 months of usage max, leading me to believe that it actually worked well filtering out contaminants. Now I've noticed the new made in India versions lasting longer than 6 months with hardly any noticeable flow rate change making me wonder how well these are filtering out the contaminants. Maybe manufacturer could comment on this.

I had purchased an alkaline Filter but then discovered you shouldn't drink Alkaline water with a meal because it depletes your stomach acid so you don't digest your food well, so I went back to this filter and it works fine.UPDATE: The first filter I ordered back about 6 months ago worked fine. Took out the chlorine etc and the water tasted great, I reordered the same filter as a replacement. I installed it and ran the water for at least 20 minutes as per instructions. It has been in a few days now and I let the water run a few seconds before filling my glass. I still smell and taste chlorine and possibly other chemicals. There's something about this filter that seems different than the last one.I will update as needed.After a week, still has a chlorine smell and taste. May return it and replace it.

Lets see, I put this in my Dupont under sink universal unit. It fit and works fine. No major water pressure reduction or more then the Dupont filter that came with their unit. I have no idea on the particulars as I don't have any type of meter regarding that. I wanted water that tastes clean with no odor and this fills the bill. Most likely will purchase again. It works to remove city water chlorine taste/odor without a major pressure drop. Of course any filter will cause a pressure drop 'somewhat' but this item isn't a deal breaker for that reason.

I was ordering Pentek and KX Matrix all kinds for over 10 years. But have never seen anything like it. Usually the KX block was much thicker 1/2" thicker than I've got last time. Pentek I ordered few months ago; the water was with chalk odor for over 2 months of use. I have triple housing system : 1st - sediment removal, 2 & 3rd - carbon blocks. This filter have no chalk odor in fact water tastes very good=soft and better that Avian or Figi use to buy in stores. But what bothering me is the "cave age technology" to glue cups to the block. The sealing must be so tight than even microscope shouldn't find any gap between, coz water under pressure can bypass block through this gap's. See the pictures I attached.

I ordered this in October, planning to replace water filters at the end of the year. This evening, when I opened the package, one of the two has a broken cap--the piece of blue plastic. I've no way of knowing if it'll compromise the quality of the filter BUT it seems I'm past the return window and even though it's BROKEN, Amazon doesn't have an avenue for me to pursue.Thanks guys.