5 ms·

It will almost certainly be a class up, if only because it uses integrated tips that combine heating element, temperature sensor, and tip itself into a single e

It will almost certainly be a class up, if only because it uses integrated tips that combine heating element, temperature sensor, and tip itself into a single element, rather than having thermally bulky and inefficient interfaces like the FX888d's replaceable separate tips. So you get faster heating and more accurate temperature control. But there's the rub: there are a TON of USB-C irons that use integrated tips, and most are cheaper than this new iFixit iron, so you can get that class improvement for the same price as your Hakko station, so I'm curious if their improvements are a big enough step up from _those_ irons to justify the price.

mysteria 2y ago
On the flip side wouldn't that make replacement tips much more expensive? On my old Hakko station I've replaced the tips several times but the element and sensor seems to be going strong.
- jdboyd 2y ago
  Yes, it makes tips more expensive. However, for the about of improvement in performance, I think it is worth it. I use Hakko T15 tips and they are about $20 each. Cheaper Chinese compatible toys are available and probably are good enough, but I don't replace yours frequently enough to care to find out.
- SAI_Peregrinus 2y ago
  They're more expensive, but they tend to last longer (at least for JBC & this new iFixit iron since they lower temperature when not in use), allow much nicer more precise temperature control, and often can have significantly more power output and/or thermal mass (depending on the particular tip). JBC tips in particular can be changed while still hot, one-handed, thanks to their iron holders having a tip puller & holder built-in.
- Kirby64 2y ago
  The delta in price isn't that different. Legit Hakko tips for FX888/903/907 are ~$7-10 each. Legit Hakko tips for T12/T15 are only $12-20 apiece. Twice as much, sure, but how many tips do you really go through? We're talking probably sub-$30 over many years in cost delta, for some significant advantages. Legit JBC tips are closer to $20-40, but those are just a different price tier and much more premium. You can also get knockoff/clone JBC tips for $10 pretty easily, and in my experience they work just fine.

mysteria 2y ago

On the flip side wouldn't that make replacement tips much more expensive? On my old Hakko station I've replaced the tips several times but the element and sensor seems to be going strong.

jdboyd 2y ago
Yes, it makes tips more expensive. However, for the about of improvement in performance, I think it is worth it. I use Hakko T15 tips and they are about $20 each. Cheaper Chinese compatible toys are available and probably are good enough, but I don't replace yours frequently enough to care to find out.
SAI_Peregrinus 2y ago
They're more expensive, but they tend to last longer (at least for JBC & this new iFixit iron since they lower temperature when not in use), allow much nicer more precise temperature control, and often can have significantly more power output and/or thermal mass (depending on the particular tip). JBC tips in particular can be changed while still hot, one-handed, thanks to their iron holders having a tip puller & holder built-in.
Kirby64 2y ago
The delta in price isn't that different. Legit Hakko tips for FX888/903/907 are ~$7-10 each. Legit Hakko tips for T12/T15 are only $12-20 apiece. Twice as much, sure, but how many tips do you really go through? We're talking probably sub-$30 over many years in cost delta, for some significant advantages. Legit JBC tips are closer to $20-40, but those are just a different price tier and much more premium. You can also get knockoff/clone JBC tips for $10 pretty easily, and in my experience they work just fine.