Simon's or Robadope, which one do you need?
This version has been translated from Polish and links to the relevant test kits have been added. In a life-threatening situation call 112. This article is informational and serves harm reduction. It does not encourage the use of psychoactive substances and does not replace medical advice.
Usually both, because they are a matched pair rather than alternatives. Simon's reacts with secondary amines and turns deep blue. Robadope reacts with primary amines and turns red or pink. Neither recognises a drug; each recognises a shape, and the pair of results is what identifies the compound.
MDMA and cuts kit, carries both, 28.97 EUR
| Simon's | Robadope | |
|---|---|---|
| Reacts with | secondary amines | primary amines |
| MDMA | deep blue | no change |
| MDA | no change | red or pink |
| Methamphetamine | deep blue | no change |
| Amphetamine | no change | red or pink |
The two questions they answer
Is this MDMA or MDA? Simon's blue and robadope blank says MDMA; the reverse says MDA. Is this speed or meth? Same logic, because methamphetamine is the secondary amine and amphetamine the primary one. Those are two of the most common substitutions on the market and marquis cannot separate either pair, since it gives near-identical results for both members.
MDA and MDMA compared · Meth or amphetamine mixed in MDMA · MDMA and cuts kit, 28,97 EUR
What they do not do
Strength is a separate question, answered by a quantity test or a plate. And give robadope a moment: its reaction is slower and fainter than simon's, so read it against white and let it develop before calling it.
Simon's reagent · Robadope reagent · Simon's instructions · Robadope instructions · TLC purity kit, 84.95 EUR
Which kits include them
The MDMA and cuts kit carries both alongside marquis, mecke and zimmermann, which is the standard five for a pressed pill. The cocaine kit includes both as well, because they exclude different families of substitute.
MDMA and cuts kit · Cocaine and cuts kit · Full reagent kit
Questions?
Can I use just one of them?
You would lose the ability to separate MDMA from MDA and amphetamine from methamphetamine, which is the main reason to own either.
My robadope barely changed colour.
That is common. Its reaction is fainter and slower than simon's, so give it time and read against white.
Do they identify the drug?
No. They identify an amine type, and the combination narrows it down.
What if both react?
That indicates both amine types are present, so a mixture. A TLC plate will show you how many compounds there are.