T12 vs 900 series type tips/element?

[DW1961]

Are things moving towards the T12 element/tip in favor of the slide on 900 series tips?

If you were buying your first station, would it be better to get the T12 design or the old 900 type standard?

[n4u]

900m is crappy, hat transfer is horrible, u need pliers to change tip stations are looking fancy but thats all ... (i have one, bought when t12 doesnt exists).
T12 is fine stations, there is a lot of newest models even better, but t12 is cheap tips are cheap - as first station its the best choice.

[PeterG]

900m is crappy, hat transfer is horrible, u need pliers to change tip stations are looking fancy but thats all ... (i have one, bought when t12 doesnt exists).
T12 is fine stations, there is a lot of newest models even better, but t12 is cheap tips are cheap - as first station its the best choice.

I second this. I have been using T12 for a couple of years now. Big improvement over 900m.

[DW1961]

Thanks guys.  Looks like I'll be moving to the T12 system! Hope the new station works well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCJNWTQJ

[DW1961]

Where do you buy T15 (T12) cartridges? Also, do any other name brands make them, and are they reliable as are the Hakko?

[thm_w]

Where do you buy T15 (T12) cartridges? Also, do any other name brands make them, and are they reliable as are the Hakko?

You can buy T12 clone tips from aliexpress/amazon from hundreds of vendors. Reliability wise they are OK considering the low price (some early failures).
Performance wise they are not great. Which may or may not matter depending on the tip shape.
Genuine T15 can be had from digikey for $15 each.

General advice is to buy ~10 pack of assorted tips from aliexpress, see which style you like the most, then get the genuine version of that one for long term use if needed.

[DW1961]

I just bought one from Amazon, a Hakko T15-D12 because I use that size a lot.  (Yes, I meant name brands, since my experience with 900 series knock offs was worse than poor.)

I just checked and the other two chisel tips I want are not on Amazon, free shipping, for 16.00 each.

I'll note "Digikey" down also for future use. Thanks.

[thm_w]

It looks like Hakko does sell some products on Amazon so it could be genuine, for $16. Just not a guarantee.
The genuine ones have engraving on them between the tip and the sticker.

edit: engraving that says "Hakko lead free"

[shapirus]

Thanks guys.  Looks like I'll be moving to the T12 system! Hope the new station works well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCJNWTQJ

Pause for a second and consider stations compatible with C245/T245 tips. Still good for small stuff, but can provide extra power when you need it. Not much more expensive than T12 as long as chinese implementations are considered.

p.s. I read further and saw that you already ordered a T12. Well, you're gonna be happy with it for a long time anyway, so not a problem .

[DW1961]

It looks like Hakko does sell some products on Amazon so it could be genuine, for $16. Just not a guarantee.
The genuine ones have engraving on them between the tip and the sticker.

I was concerned about that. I looked into the company. It's been around since 1986 and is a truly US vendor, so I'm hoping it is genuine. Thanks for the engraving tip:
CONCORDE ELECTRONICS
https://concorde-electronics.com/products/about-us.html

[DW1961]

Here are the pictures:

[thm_w]

Yeah that is genuine.

[DW1961]

Yeah that is genuine.

I thought it might be interesting to note that the Yihiua cartridges that came with the soldering station also have engraving on them, but you can tell it's much less precision than the Hakko tip.

[bobbydazzler]

Probably want to check if the tip/case are earthed too to make sure it's esd safe, my KSGER t12 came with the tip earthed but the case isn't.

[DW1961]

Probably want to check if the tip/case are earthed too to make sure it's esd safe, my KSGER t12 came with the tip earthed but the case isn't.

It is. I just checked it.