Generic soldering iron vs. Hakko

[simplechamp]

I'm in the market for a new soldering iron, and figured I would just get the Hakko 936 since that seems to be the standard model people use, but then I saw this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:X:AAQ:US:1123

It's obviously a generic, but for $60 with the 8 extra tips (Hakko-compatible) and extra ceramic heating element it is tempting, and I like that it has an LCD display for temp. Warranty support is based in the US and it has a 1 year warranty. One downside is that it is only 50W compared to the 60W Hakko.

If I soldered on a daily bases or did it for my job I would definitely go for a top-notch model, but for the amount I would use it I think this might be the way to go. What do you guys think?

[Bondonutz]

Sounds like a good deal but, With the Hakko you customer support no questions asked.

The other Company is in China and I'm sure in order to get support you have to call or ship your defective iron over there. Where as Hakko is here in the states.

If you want opinons, I'd spend the 30-40 bucks more and know what your getting and have peace of mind.

[simplechamp]

Well that was one of my main concerns, but I emailed the guy and he said any warranty service would be directly through him here in the US.

[Bondonutz]

Ok, Who's to say the guy wouldn't be closeing his account next month.
Sorry to sound so negative but it is a ebay seller after all ?

[TexasSP]

Spend the extra and get the hakko. Even soldering once in a while it's better to have a good piece of equipment that operates without frustration.

In reality the hakko is pretty inexpensive for a quality soldering station. I have been the other route and the hakko just works flawlessly. I have never even had to replace a tip and have owned it for over 2 1/2 years. This is with constant use.

Buying the hakko is like getting a budget Ferrari, still awesome, still made by Ferrari.

[BrianG]

I have have cheap irons and also a Hakko 60w. Personally, if you know how to solder properly, it really doesn't matter. Just have to use the right iron power and tip for the job, and take care of the tips. As long as the power rating is correct, heat is heat.

[simplechamp]

I think I'm going to buy the generic. The guy has been a member selling these irons and hot-air rework stations for over 4 years and has 100% positive feedback. For something I'm going to use maybe once a month at most this should do just fine. If it turns out to be bunk I'll report back and you guys can all say "I told you so".

[What's_nitro?]

X-Tronic makes pretty decent stuff. I think you'll be happy with that station, especially if you only use it occasionally. Just keep the tip clean all the time and it will last forever. AAMOF I might buy one for myself because it has all those extra tips and heating element. The station I have now has the same iron on it and it cost ~$100 and only came with one tip...

[simplechamp]

The extra tips, extra heating element, and US support and parts service were the things that sold me on it.