Hi, I need help choosing a soldering station. I'm not going to do super complicated things, just a hobby. My budget is up to 300 dollars. The cheaper, the better, but not at the expense of quality. I want a reliable product that will serve for several years without serious problems. So I do not want to buy Chinese stations, such as Lukey, YIHUA, etc. I live in Russia, Amazon or eBay are not suitable because of the difference in AC (we have 220 V) and shipping costs. I found several stations in local stores that fit my budget:
1) Pace ST-25E ~ 220 $
2) Metkal PS-900 ~ 280 $
3) Weller WS 81 ~ 280 $
4) Ersa i-CON PICO ~ 240 $
5) Ersa RDS 80 ~ 230 $
6) Hakko FX-888D ~ 220 $ (the price is too high, on Amazon, the price is 99 $)
7) Quick 202D ESD Lead-Free ~ $ 150 (Chinese company)
I tend to buy the Pace ST-25E, I like the design, simplicity, price is reasonable and I heard the Pace is a reliable manufacturer.
But I have doubts, there are many good reviews about the ST-50, but I can't find anything about the ST-25E.
Quike 202D is my second choice because of price and good reviews.
But some people complain about manufacturing defects. Buying this product is a bit risky.
Metcal PS-900 is in third place. Induction heating technologies and effective thermoregulation (if this is not marketing garbage). But it's expensive, accessories are also not the cheapest, and, as I heard, Metcal have some problems with maintenance after a few years (maybe this is not so)
What is the best choice for a budget of $ 300? Maybe there are some other good models that not on the list? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
1) Pace ST-25E ~ 220 $
2) Metkal PS-900 ~ 280 $
3) Weller WS 81 ~ 280 $
4) Ersa i-CON PICO ~ 240 $
5) Ersa RDS 80 ~ 230 $
6) Hakko FX-888D ~ 220 $ (the price is too high, on Amazon, the price is 99 $)
7) Quick 202D ESD Lead-Free ~ $ 150 (Chinese company)
I tend to buy the Pace ST-25E, I like the design, simplicity, price is reasonable and I heard the Pace is a reliable manufacturer.
But I have doubts, there are many good reviews about the ST-50, but I can't find anything about the ST-25E.
Quike 202D is my second choice because of price and good reviews.
But some people complain about manufacturing defects. Buying this product is a bit risky.
Metcal PS-900 is in third place. Induction heating technologies and effective thermoregulation (if this is not marketing garbage). But it's expensive, accessories are also not the cheapest, and, as I heard, Metcal have some problems with maintenance after a few years (maybe this is not so)
What is the best choice for a budget of $ 300? Maybe there are some other good models that not on the list? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.