I purchased the original style X-Tronic with the temperature dial. I've been using this since 2018, and it has never broke. I'm still using the original tips that came with it. The tips never pitted or corroded, they've always maintained their tin.
This soldering iron is the best looking. The station's plastic base, and the look of it is just a lot nicer than anything else on the market. The Weller is just plain stupid, because it looks like a soldering station from 1995. I remembering seeing the same Weller soldering stations back in 1995.
The X-Tronic looks modern. It's extremely light, it feels like there's nothing inside of it. But it doesn't tip over, and it's easy to move around. Note: many other soldering stations have 2 parts, and so they aren't convenient to store or move around on your desk, because the base is separate. Some others have a narrow base with the cord coming out of the center of the tiny narrow base, which can tip over.
The X-Tronic got the design fundamentals correct. The only thing I don't like is the angle, and the diameter of the metal coil that holds the soldering iron. But this is just a person gripe, and it has no effect on the actual function or operation. I just wish the soldering iron was a little further away from contacting the "spring" that holds the soldering iron. The way it's designed, some of the heat can transfer to the spring, but this really doesn't affect anything, and I've never gotten burned from it.
The "Sleep Mode" is not ideal, because I'm not sure what the point of it is? It goes down to 350F, but that is way too hot for safety. I think it should simply shut off completely after 10 minutes of non-use, for safety reasons. It NEEDS an auto shut off for safety reasons. However, the sleep mode will prevent it from getting damaged or self destructing with heat, so it's a lot safer than nothing at all. It heats up so damn fast, in less than 30 seconds, that you don't really need it to stay "pre-warmed" unless you're a complete idiot and trying to solder something and finish the whole project in 41 seconds (not a good way to work on sensitive electronics or important tools).
| Included Components | 1 - Soldering Station Power Unit, 2 - Helping Hands (Attachable/Detachable) 1 - Soldering Iron with Ergonomic Grip, 1 - 50g Roll of 60/40 Solder, 1 - Spring Steel Soldering Iron Holder, 1 - Solder Roll Holder on Side of Main Unit, 1 - Brass Sponge Soldering Tip Cleaner with Supply of Cleaning Flux in Round Tin, 1 - Wet Sponge Soldering Tip Cleaner, 1 - Complete Instructions |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | X-TRONIC |
| Part Number | FBA_3020-XTS |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 5.5 x 8 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | FBA_3020-XTS |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Style | Classic Style - 1 Solder Tip |
| Material | High Impact Polystyrene & Metal |
| Power Source | ac |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 10 |
| Special Features | ESD Safe, 10 Minute Sleep Timer, Centigrade to Fahrenheit Toggle Switch, Blue LED Readout on Control Panel, PSD (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) Technology often referred to as Magic Temperature Compensation Technology, 40 Inch Very Pliable Soldering Iron Cord (Virtually No Memory) and a 55 Inch Power Cord from Wall Plug to Main Unit. |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
