dolepatrol

Yes exactly. I think it either has the term Dj or IMPROVED in the title and it is rated for 3.5G tracking weight , as opposed to the one I purchased which is marketed w/ 3.0G Tracking weight.Typically the 3.5G jico models have a guard whereas the 3.0G dont. I haven't found any info on performance difference between the two or if there's any difference at all, but I'm really hoping they're on improvement on the 3.0G jico model . BTW what ortofon model do you use for turntablism?

Hey, I recently got into vinyl and turntablism and managed to grab some shure m44-7 carts. I love these carts including the sound quality, low record wear, and how they track tremendously while scratching and backcueing even at 3.0G tracking weight. My first needle is on its way out and I heard Jicos are reliable replacements for the original needles and with the steadily increasing price of the OEM needles I decided to give the Jicos a shot. I ended up purchasing a Jico 3.0G model marketed as a replacement for the n44-7. I calibrated the weight and TT height just as I would the OEM n44-7 but it skips all over the place on the simplest scratches and backcueing. I tried breaking it in for a couple days (left it sitting on the record and played some records) and tracking at 3.5G but I'm seeing little improvement. Did I just get a dud here, what has been your guys' experiences with the Jico's? Are the 3.5G models better? Am I better off just buying OEM needles? Picture of the Jico: https://i.imgur.com/6UTTmYc.jpg