Review on Hakko FX600 05 High-Temperature Soldering Iron - 500°C by Brandon Ball

As a long time Hakko 936 user I was looking for a similar soldering iron that I could use in the field or away from my desk or when work was taking too much time to return it to the lab. There are several adjustable irons similar to the FX600 and almost any manufacturer can design electronics to provide IPC J-STD-001 temperature control, but their weakness lies in the quality of their tips, the heater assembly if not the quality of the iron itself. The price is similar to the FX600, why bother with strangers when you can get a Hakko version that works like the 936? The clone's days may be numbered as Hakko was awarded a US patent in April 2016 covering much of the FX600 and 601's design. The Pros are customized in the same way as the 936 or FX 888; compared each temperature setting to a Hakko 191 thermometer. Excellent build quality, very similar to the Malaysian made FX888. Uses renowned Hakko ceramic technology and standard T18 tips. Lower costs compared to the FX 888 station. Controller and heater in one housing. than a 936-based iron. Adjustable in a few steps compared to the many increments of station-based irons. The handle is noticeably warmer than the 936 iron when in use. Spartan packaging comes with no stand or instructions [although available in PDF format on the Hakko USA website]