Best Mate for Beginners
For a first mate, choose a stainless steel mate with leather covering: it needs no curing, is easy to clean and is very forgiving.
Why stainless steel
Wood and calabash need curing and careful drying. Stainless steel works immediately and is hard to damage.
Pick a comfortable size
Imperial-style mates are a good all-around size. Torpedo mates are slightly bigger and are popular for long sessions.
Get a good bombilla
A stainless steel bombilla with a fine filter avoids the most common beginner problem, which is a mouth full of yerba.
Your starter setup
Mate, bombilla, yerba and a thermos with hot water. Add a yerba container once you start drinking mate regularly.
Quick answers
What size mate should I buy?
A medium cup, such as an imperial mate, works well for most people.
Do I need to cure a stainless steel mate?
No, it is ready to use.
Start with an imperial mate in stainless steel with leather.
MATEAR Imperial Mate Kit, Stainless Steel Cup Wrapped in Handmade Leather, with Bombilla