I have used many soldering irons and if you are looking for a quality soldering iron for professional use or heavy duty hobby use this is absolutely your kid. I have used Metcal irons which I liked better but the parts are MUCH more expensive. Replacement tips for Edsyn irons are surprisingly affordable as they are designed for floor standing assembly aerospace irons. Especially if you like very thin tips this is your baby as you can get a few of these and they work well. It's an investment, but all spare parts are EXTREMELY cheap. Tips cost a penny and last forever. I still have to blow out the heating element. These things are cool, accurate, and bulletproof. Fully recommended. Not very portable but neatly stowed in a can of 7.62mm tape ammo which you can find at any surplus store with some foam which I recommend as a case. Oh, and consider buying a second pod so you can hold a desoldering tool, alternative tip iron, etc.