Thanks chaps.
OK so sounds good.. glad I can now narrow down my choice to this inductive system.
So BD is very happy with his original / genuine Metcal.
As for the Thermaltronics, I just had a look at their site. Prices are way more affordable than I though, between 200 and 400 USD, which even it's without VAT, is still only... just as many Euros.
As for quality well.. I think they kinda implicitly tell you about it : they sell 3 models : 30 / 40 / 50 "RF" watts.
30 and 50W are the cheapest and have only one year warranty.
OTOH their 40W model though not even the most powerful, is however the most expensive at 400 bucks... BUT the of FOUR year warranty on the thing ?!
![Shocked :o](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/shocked.gif)
That's to say the 40W model is the only on to buy...
Also, 30/40/50W is weird, extremely low.... "normal" irons are usually 50/90/130 Watts. So I guess this "RF" wattage means it's more concentrated to the tip, less losses than a conventional heating system, so in the end the tip receives as much power for 30W RF as it does for a 50W, then 40W RF for a 90W, and 50W RF for a 130W ? Something like that ?
Will check Hakko's website for their range of products and prices..
Standby Holder yes, definitely want that ! Typically I power on the iron then leave it on for hours until I am done working at the bench. Huge waste of electricity which I do'nt like, but the Weller is so slow to heat up that I have no choice. Another reason why I want quick heating and stand-by mode... to get excellent " availability " so to speak, yet waste as little electricity as possible.