My latest design is through hole with copper pour on both sides. The pads are a little too small and the thermal reliefs are a little too thick. I'll fix it on the next spin, but I have to get through the 100 I have. I'm through about 30 of them. I'm itching for a new toy anyway!
My main iron is older Hakko FP-102. I'm thinking of picking up a JBC. Just how much better is the JBC than the Hakko in terms of pumping heat into a board? I have to solder much of the board at 700 degrees, and lately I've been just leaving it on 750, which is what Kester recommends for their 44 solder anyhow, but I'd love to be able to do all of this at 650, which is where I usually am for all the other work I do.
From what I gather, the JBC will blow away my Hakko in performance, especially on the grounds connected to the copper pour. I have no experience with the JBC, however. I'm also looking at Pace. I would love to give Pace my business because I like to buy from my own country if I can, but as I understand it the JBC trounces the Pace irons as well....and Metcal too. Are they really THAT much better than everyone else?