Budget pick
7.4
Direct drive extruders
Generic BMG-style Dual Drive
A proven dual-drive pattern on a budget
$32
Honest BMG clones still work. Plastic housings flex more than premium units and gear concentricity varies, but for a first direct-drive conversion they are a sensible start.
See the full Direct drive extruders comparison guide for alternatives and score tables.
Scorecard
Overall7.4
Print quality7.6
7.6
Durability7.0
7.0
Value9.0
9.0
Ease of use7.5
7.5
Compatibility8.8
8.8
Pros
- + Inexpensive dual-drive grip
- + Huge mount ecosystem
- + Fine for PLA and PETG
Cons
- − Heavier than modern compact extruders
- − QC lottery on gears
Specs
- Drive
- Dual gear
- Weight
- ~200 g+
- Filament
- 1.75 mm
- Ratio
- ~3:1