Anyone have an opinion on OKi soldering irons?

[TopherTheME]

I've decided to upgrade my iron but I'm tired of waiting for the hakko fx-888 to come out and see if its any good. I've been looking at the OKi brand irons (they own metcal) as I've seen a few good deals on ebay that have the metcal like pencil grip type irons that I really like. Anyone know if they are any good? The tips are on the expensive side but I'm willing to pay a little more for quality gear.

[djsb]

I considered getting one of the OKI PS-900 series irons but felt that they had compromised on the earlier Metcal designs. The earlier Metcals are better in my opinion.
I finally bought myself a PACE MBT 350 system which has 3 independent channels with adjustable temperature using cartridge heater tips (10 second heating up time). Prefered having the adjustable temperature rather than the smartheat fixed temperature.
The unit also has vacuum and air built in so the desoldering tool, soldering iron and a hot air pencil can all be used at the same time. Saves a lot of space on the bench and no shop air needed. Tips are around £5 each but will last me a lifetime. The thing is also built like a brick s**t house and oozes quality (built in the US of A).

[Ernie Milko]

I've been using Metcal for...........not sure..............quite some years now.
Wouldn't go back to Weller if you paid me.

[osmosis321]

I've been using Metcal for...........not sure..............quite some years now.
Wouldn't go back to Weller if you paid me.

What's wrong with Weller?

[FreeThinker]

I've decided to upgrade my iron but I'm tired of waiting for the hakko fx-888 to come out and see if its any good. I've been looking at the OKi brand irons (they own metcal) as I've seen a few good deals on ebay that have the metcal like pencil grip type irons that I really like. Anyone know if they are any good? The tips are on the expensive side but I'm willing to pay a little more for quality gear.

Think you will find them OK(i)  Lol

[TopherTheME]

I considered getting one of the OKI PS-900 series irons but felt that they had compromised on the earlier Metcal designs. The earlier Metcals are better in my opinion.
I finally bought myself a PACE MBT 350 system which has 3 independent channels with adjustable temperature using cartridge heater tips (10 second heating up time).

While the PACE MBT 350 is nice, there is no way in hell I would ever be able to afford it in the near future. Plus, I just ordered an el cheapo hot air + soldering iron station and I'm not really looking to buy a second one. What I'm really after is just a simple iron that has a pencil grid style handle like the OKi/Metcals have.

Think you will find them OK(i)  Lol

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make that joke.

[FreeThinker]

I considered getting one of the OKI PS-900 series irons but felt that they had compromised on the earlier Metcal designs. The earlier Metcals are better in my opinion.
I finally bought myself a PACE MBT 350 system which has 3 independent channels with adjustable temperature using cartridge heater tips (10 second heating up time).

While the PACE MBT 350 is nice, there is no way in hell I would ever be able to afford it in the near future. Plus, I just ordered an el cheapo hot air + soldering iron station and I'm not really looking to buy a second one. What I'm really after is just a simple iron that has a pencil grid style handle like the OKi/Metcals have.

Think you will find them OK(i)  Lol

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make that joke.

Happy To Help!