P2S vs X2D — The Numbers Don't Lie

Scope & methodology

• Head-to-head tests covered: speed (startup, color-change, total print time), material waste, print quality, power consumption (idle, peak, average), noise (30 ft / 10 ft / close), maintenance, and live monitoring.
• Reviewer background: ~600+ hours on the X2D and ownership of 45+ printers (including all Bamboo Lab models). The X2D tested was a pre‑release sample from Bamboo Lab. Video content was not restricted by the sponsor.

Key measured results

1. Speed & multicolor workflow

• Startup calibration (flow, bed leveling, vibration compensation):
  • P2S: 6:52
  • X2D: 9:02 (slower due to dual-nozzle offset calibration)
• Color-change time (white ↔ black):
  • P2S: relies on purging filament — white → black = 1:21; black → white = 2:13
  • X2D: switches nozzles (~14 s including prime tower) — much faster and far less material waste
• Print time (two-color panda):
  • P2S: ~4:00–4:05
  • X2D: 1:37 (X2D is more than twice as fast on multicolor prints)
• Waste:
  • P2S total ≈ 62 g (7 g tower + 55 g purge/waste)
  • X2D total ≈ 8 g (7 g tower + ~1 g purge)

2. Print quality

• Multicolor prints (pandas) appeared essentially identical between printers; X2D showed less stringing.
• X2D’s dual-nozzle offset calibration produced no visible seam issues in tested prints.
• X2D uses upgraded belts (1.5GT instead of standard 2 mm pitch) → fewer vertical fine artifacts and improved surface quality versus P2S.

3. Power consumption

(Printing at bed 55 °C, nozzle 220 °C, no chamber heat)

• Idle:
  • P2S: 7 W
  • X2D: 9 W
• Peak (heat-up):
  • P2S: 437 W
  • X2D: 573 W
• Average while printing:
  • P2S: 146 W
  • X2D: 175 W

4. Noise

• Decibel readings:
  • P2S: 30 ft — 43 dB / 10 ft — 45 dB / close — 58 dB
  • X2D: 30 ft — 38 dB / 10 ft — 43 dB / close — 53 dB
• Subjective: X2D is noticeably quieter in practice; P2S produced a high-pitched whining that was disruptive in the same room.

5. Maintenance & monitoring

• Both printers are easy to maintain: simple bed removal/replacement, AMS-assisted filament swaps, and straightforward nozzle removal.
• Camera/live monitoring: both use the same 1080p@30fps camera and Bamboo Lab live feed quality.
• Bamboo Handy app + Maker Lab included for printing and easy model generation from photos.

Hardware / specification differences

• Print volume:
  • P2S: ~256 × 256 × 256 mm (stated as a 256 mm cube)
  • X2D:
    • Left nozzle (single-extruder): ~256 × 256 × 260 mm (slightly taller)
    • Right auxiliary / dual-mode usable area: ~235.5 × 256 × 256 mm (usable X reduced when using auxiliary/dual)
• Weight:
  • P2S: 14.9 kg
  • X2D: 16.25 kg (extra weight from external extruder and exhaust fan)
• Bed max temp:
  • P2S: 110 °C
  • X2D: 120 °C
• Chamber heater:
  • X2D has a built-in heater to ~65 °C (enables more challenging/abrasive materials, e.g., ABS)
• Exhaust fan:
  • X2D includes an external exhaust fan; P2S requires an optional kit for external exhaust
• Nozzle/extruder topology (important):
  • X2D is a hybrid dual-nozzle system:
    • Left nozzle: direct‑drive extruder on the print head
    • Right nozzle: Bowden (auxiliary) extruder located off-head, feeding filament via PTFE tube
• Other X2D unique/hidden features:
  • Fast motorized nozzle switching (spring-loaded arm) — sub-second changes
  • Dual auxiliary fans with adjustable speeds and an exhaust fan for chamber control
  • Integrated filament cutters inside the print head (actuated by a pin/lever; not visible externally)
  • Side windows for better visibility

Pros and cons (reviewer findings)

• X2D — Pros

  • Far faster and much lower waste for multicolor / multi-material prints (no need for long purge cycles)
  • Quieter operation
  • Chamber heater (up to 65 °C) and built-in exhaust fan for more materials (ABS, abrasive filaments) and safer venting
  • Upgraded belts → improved surface finish
  • Hybrid dual-extruder gives multicolor/multi-material flexibility

• X2D — Cons

  • Slower startup calibration because of dual-nozzle calibration
  • Reduced usable X dimension when printing with the auxiliary/right nozzle or both (235.5 mm vs 256 mm)
  • Right-side Bowden extruder cannot handle soft TPU (e.g., ~95A shore) — use TPU via left direct-drive extruder or AMS-specific harder TPU

• P2S — Pros

  • Good single-extruder performance for single-color PLA and non-toxic prints
  • Slightly lower weight and lower peak power draw

• P2S — Cons

  • Much longer color-change/purge times and significantly higher material waste for multicolor prints
  • No out-of-box exhaust fan; standard belt (slightly more fine-artifacting)

Reviewer recommendation

• For mainly single-color PLA or non-toxic material printing: P2S is a good choice.
• For multicolor / multi-material printing, quieter operation, chamber heating, or better exhaust/venting for ABS/toxic materials: X2D is recommended despite the slightly reduced X build width in auxiliary/dual mode.
• Overall, the reviewer favors the X2D for multicolor/multi-material workflows and for quieter, higher-quality prints.

Additional notes

• Bamboo Handy app + Maker Lab highlighted as a strong ecosystem for printing and creating models (photo-to-model feature).
• Reviewer used these printers in a production-like workflow (predictable daily cycles; many printed wand handles for Sweet Bath Co).
• Video included a paid sponsor segment for the Narwhal Flow 2 robot vacuum (not related to the printer comparison).

Main speakers / sources

• Video host / reviewer (channel owner; uses code 3DPZ; tested >600 hours on X2D)
• Bamboo Lab — manufacturer of X2D and P2S (provided X2D pre-release sample)
• Narwhal — sponsor for the vacuum segment (Narwhal Flow 2)
• Sweet Bath Co — customer / product context (printed wand handles and noodle cups)