Hakko 888 vs 951

[mtdoc]

How much of an upgrade is the 951 compared to the 888? I have an 888 but am looking at getting a second iron and want to upgrade as well. I don't think I can justify a JBC class iron given my hobbyist level use, but then again if the 951 is not a big upgrade from the 888 maybe I don't need it either.

I've searched the forum and seen the 951 reviews. I understand its features relative to the 888. I just don't see much in the way of direct hands on comparison...

How much of a difference will I notice in every day use?

Opinions from those who've used both appreciated.

[GreyWoolfe]

I had a Hakko 936 and upgraded to the FX-951.  Did you see my review?  There is a significant upgrade between the 888 and 951.  It just does everything better and faster, tip changes, initial warm up, thermal recovery and ergonomics.  The closer tip to grip distance alone is worth the upgrade.  I feel I have so much more control when soldering now.  The 2 changes I made was to change the default 5 minute sleep time to 20 minutes and put a piece of electrical tape over the buzzer so it wasn't so annoyingly loud.   I didn't do a comparison with the 936 (FX-888 ancestor) because it's like comparing 4 cylinder engines to supercharged V8 engines.  Ultimately, both do the same thing, the V8 just does it better, faster and with a much higher cool factor.   Just add Kester 44 63/37 with 66 core and solder on!

[Fat]

They are nice stations, a lot nice than an 888.  I almost bought one but found a Metcal 900 in an open box with 6 tips, solder, wick and desoldering braid for 175. Couldn't pass that up.  If you do the 951 you'll enjoy it a lot and the 888 will gather dust as a backup station.

Fat