If you cant use a microscope, or at the very least, Take a photo through a magnifying glass? there is the train of thought that 3/4 of pistols go brown, that's done but trichome color is the most reliable, especially now paranoia & 'messy stone' is linked to immature trichomes. you need cloudy for 1st crop or main crop or wait until a 1/2 of your trichomes are amber, this allows for full 'couch lock' effect.