Metcal PS800 or SP200?

[Teerawit]

Any thoughts about these two stations? The PS800 is the "lower" model, but will the practical differences be insignificant for the hobbyist? It also uses replaceable tips, unlike the cartridges with the SP200 -- boon or bane? I guess what matters to me most is the efficient heating system and being good for lead-free.

I ask this question because I can get a PS800 station for $100 new. Or should I try to snipe a used SP200 on fleabay instead....

 

[jl123]

I'd say it's pretty obvious that you would like the sp200 but I really doubt the ps800 would disappoint. I think the cartridge system is still better I would think. I'm making the metcal switch this weekend so I'll let you know.

I'm coming from a weller wes51 station that I feel has served it's time.

If you go with the ps800 you'll always wonder what the sp200 would of been like.

Hopefully someone who has used both systems can shed some light on the tough choice for you.

I'm sure Edwood is having fun with his sp200. http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=98743

 

[Teerawit]

Interesting. Both use the SmartHeat system, but I wonder how much more efficient the SP200's heating/recovery is.

 

[jl123]

If you can get the ps800 that cheap and you think you can sell it for that much if you don't like it then I see no reason to not try it.

 

[Edwood]

Much easier to find a used SP200 for a better price on eBay.

But if buying new, the PS800 is cheaper.

I have the SP200, really am spoiled by the extremely quick heat up time.

-Ed

 

[bigcat39]

Well, let's just say that my employer has well over 1,000 SP200's

 

[Teerawit]

Yes, but how's the PS800?

SP200 seems better for industrial use, no doubt, but for hobbyist use, would even the PS800 be overkill?

 

[jl123]

lol well the mx500 is jawsome

I wasn't expecting such solid construction either. I thought the casing was plastic. Heatup is just...wow...

 

[Teerawit]

Wow you got an MX500? Dang.....

 

[jl123]

Within 6 or 7 seconds it'll melt solder.

Just made a cable with it early this morning.

Hell, I say go for the sp200. Since you seem to be looking for an answer. You probably won't see fast heatup with the ps800 with it's added tip mass. Just my 2 cents.

This thing is too leet for me. For now....

 

[SubRosa]

I say get the PS800...

Only so I don't have any more competition trying to snag a SP200 on Ebay.

But really, if you're having doubts why not just go with a proven winner? Get the SP200.

 

[Sgtyapd]

I would go with either the SP-200 or the PS-800E version. Both are Smartheat and they heat really fast. But the PS-800 / 800E uses $8.00 tips vs. $15.00 for the SP-200

 

[jl123]

Teerawit ended up getting a good deal on a mx500 on ebay.

He copied me.

 

[Sgtyapd]

You can't go wrong with the MX, established technology and readily available tips and accessories. They have some new POWER tips for the MX that really work great.

 

[Sgtyapd]

You can't go wrong with the MX, established technology and readily available tips and accessories. They have some new POWER tips for the MX that really work great. They come with a 4 year warranty and they tend to be very generous.