Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain
A cheap large capacity softener for big households on city water, for buyers who want capacity on a budget and accept a short valve warranty.
Amazon $749$749
The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain is the better water softener overall, rated 2.8 to 2.1. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain leads on value. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain costs $1,236 less ($749 vs $1,985).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
AFWFilters Fleck 9100SXT 64K Twin
A twin tank Fleck system for large households or businesses that cannot tolerate hard water during regeneration, at a steep premium over a single tank.
Amazon $1,985$1,985
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain for value ($11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) vs $31.02 per 1,000 grains ($1,985, 64,000 grains)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 48,000 grains water softener; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain | AFWFilters Fleck 9100SXT 64K Twin |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.8/5 | 2.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 67 $11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) | 0 $31.02 per 1,000 grains ($1,985, 64,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Flow 15% | 50 service flow not published (neutral score used) | 50 service flow not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 0 1 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
| Certification 10% | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 |
Specifications
| Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain | AFWFilters Fleck 9100SXT 64K Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 64,000 grains | 64,000 grains |
| Resin | 2 cu ft | 2 cu ft |
| Highest iron | 0.3 ppm | - |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Tier1 ceramic disc metered valve | Fleck 9100SXT |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Resin tank | 12 x 57 in | 12 x 48 in or 12 x 52 in, two tanks |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | No | No |
| Valve warranty | 1 year | - |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | - |