TRICHOMES not PISTILS

Should use more than just trichomes... Some strains won't amber up at all.. then you sit there waiting while it over-ripens. Trichomes definitely correlate to potency, but the anecdotes about them are not entirely accurate. The exact best point is based on people's unresolved feelings (eyesight etc) and not a matter of measured certainty. Figure out what you prefer and be happy with that. Don'tn worry about pre-ordained anecdotal rules. Those are unresolved and unsubstantiated. While i definitely consider state of trichomes, at this point i am more concerned about how long they ripen after the calyxes fully fatten up. If the trichomes don't show some amber within 7-10 days i'm not waiting for amber anymore...i can notice a poor taste from over-ripened buds.. they feel different when breaking it up, too. A little more brittle... older preflowers are hollow etc... unless it's naturally a long flower phase, hollow, brittle preflowers are a bad sign for my tastes.

Depends on what you're growing. If its a stativa dominant plant, you're at the back side of the harvest. If its indica, you right in the window I prefer. Good to harvest on Saturday. There is a window to harvest that you are in and it partly comes down to preference. However to your other comment, I do not think this is the single most important discussion to have. Important yes. But even if you got the trichromes perfect, if you dont dry and cure properly and you can ruin the whole grow. Too wet and it wont burn or taste good. Too dry and can take away potentcy and be harsh. You're doing well to research though rather than just going at it blind. You appear to have done a great job so far. Just dont slack off any till its dried and cured.