Weller 9400 or 8200 Soldering Gun

[Johnny2Bad]

Cooper Tools / Weller is discontinuing the venerable Weller 8200 100/140 Soldering Gun, and replacing it with a new model 9400.

Broadly speaking, they seem equivalent ... minor functional differences seems to be limited to a 3-LED lamp vs the single bayonet lamp to illuminate the work. The gun is much more ergonomically designed, and claims a 6 second heat time but that is about all you can find without actually using the gun.

Anyone have experience with both? I don't remember how long the heat time was for my old 8200 which has disappeared somewhere, but it wasn't long. I do remember the 30 second / 5 minute duty cycle though.

There are still some NOS 8200's for sale, at reasonable prices. The 9400 is a bit cheaper, but not by enough to make a difference if there is any quality or functional difference between them. I have a HAKKO for lighter duty stuff, but sometimes you need to throw some heat on the subject.

Comments?