It looks like in the ‘semi-professional’ (non-$2,000) soldering iron market there are a few key players; X-Tronic, Weller, and Hakko. Hakko & Weller are kind of the top dogs and are basically the same level of quality with varying strengths. Xtronics (at least in our foreseeable price range) follows closely behind and has the best accessories/customizable layout. Depending on what we are looking for in terms of budget on the ‘Buy-Once-Cry-Once’ scale, we have a few options from each brand which can be considered.