is there any way to determine readiness without magnifying tool

i really would like to just know if theirs a way to know if its ready without looking at trichomes

there is supposedly one day that is the raunchiest, ripest day

Look at the color of the pistils. They should have changed color from white usually Orange. Growth stagnates and the hairs usually begin to recede back against the bud just abit.

Niko is right here, experience helps this, but a lot of strains will basically entirely pull the pistils in, making just a nice chunky looking bud. Others of course don't recede the pistils at all. If all else fails, take a picture and post it on here, we will help.

yea wait to you think they look ready

then wait another 2 weeks

Yeah get some pics posted up and you'll have a better idea. But if you've got ten bucks to spend Go to radio shack. They have a 60 to 100x microscope battery powered with a focus ring and light. fits in the palm of your hand you can see one trichome at a time or a whole bunch. Best purchase youll make for harvest time.

the color of the pistils is not always full proof. some strain will stay more white.

experience with the strain is always a plus, but if you inspect the plants every day, you will see a change in color and just the overall looks when your at the peak harvest window without using magnification.

Yeah, what strain are you growing? how long you been flowering? research your strain thoroughly, find other people that are growing what you are and compare notes.