Last Updated: July 9, 2019 (Refresh Now)
X Tronic Model 3020 XTS Digital Display Soldering Iron Station 10 Minute Sleep Function Auto Cool Down C F Switch Ergonomic Soldering Iron Solder Holder Brass Tip Cleaner with Cleaning Flux
Last Updated: July 9, 2019 (Refresh Now)
8.9
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
998
Old Reviews
267
Unverified
26
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Review Analysis - 705 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Heating
147heats up fast, heat, tip, heats up quickly, quickly
+96%
-4%
" ... Heats instantly and maintains constant heat making soldering a lot easier. ... "
" ... Heats up in like 10 sec and is just great all around. ... "
" ... Heats up quick. ... "
" ... A replaceable heating element is a nice feature. ... "
" ... Heats to whatever you set it to on demand . ... "
" ... Heats up quickly, small foot print (without the left metal part). ... "
" ... Heats up super fast, the tip is small for delicate soldering. ... "
" ... I couldn't believe how FAST this heats up. ... "
Build Quality
90tip, holder, iron, soldering, soldering iron
+67%
-33%
" ... Didn't take it apart to look inside but it seems well made and definitely does a real good job. ... "
" ... The tube roll spot on the left side is neat, but it's too fat for my current roll of solder. ... "
" ... Its for your solder. ... "
" ... Worked fine on light duty modeling work for about 3 months, then the tip stopped holding solder. ... "
" ... By the way the center section makes a great stand to put a clip-on style desk lamp (like Pixar's Lux the Lamp). ... "
" ... The solder spool holder is also handy. ... "
" ... The solder spool has a good broad base and comes with screws to mount it to a surface. ... "
" ... Solder tip is excellent. ... "
Price
84money, station, beat, weller, unit
+94%
-6%
" ... I am so glad I purchased this and the price was great. ... "
" ... Also impressed with the quality for the price. ... "
" ... One of the Best units I have ever used and at a reasonable price, and I'm just a hobbyist, I'm sure what I consider the pros would love their hands on this unit too. ... "
" ... I think for the price, you can't beat it. ... "
" ... This is a great soldering station for the price. ... "
" ... Quality seems good for the price ... "
" ... Good quality for little money, I highly recommend it. ... "
" ... Nice for the price!! ... "
Product Reliability
75defective, failed, unit, stopped working, error
+49%
-51%
" ... Seemed good at first, but exactly two months later the unit no longer works and is displaying a 5-E or S-E error. ... "
" ... Mine stopped working after 2 uses now just blinks at me and does nothing. ... "
" ... regretting I didn't replace a 15 year old Weller with the same ... "
" ... it made me happy for a month but suddenly it stopped working . ... "
" ... The product worked fine for 10 months then didn't heat the same. ... "
" ... I have used it literally 3 times since then, and it worked well until try #3. ... "
" ... Possibly recurved a defective unit. ... "
" ... Turn it off/on and it starts working, really, really annoying. ... "
Cleaning
61tip, cleaning, sponge, solder, iron
+97%
-3%
" ... It has the cleaning supply right on its base and the temperature setting is clear as can be as well as being infinitely adjustable, it seems. ... "
" ... Nice to have both the sponge and brass tip cleaning. ... "
" ... Very well thought-out design delivers excellent usability, with solder holder, tip sponge and cleaner all together. ... "
" ... Comes with solder iron, temperature display (in C or F) solder cleaning foil, and a solder mounting rack. ... "
" ... I love the tip cleaner. ... A brass sponge with cleaning flux underneath. ... "
" ... The tip cleaner with rosin flux is also a nice little perk. ... "
" ... Tips are easy to change, nice features with the spool holder and the tip cleaner, which works quite well. ... "
" ... Came with tip cleaning sponge and brass mesh. ... "
Fit
61solder, iron, tip, tips, soldering
+62%
-38%
" ... I have always wanted a holder like this unit has on it. ... "
" ... Fits onto a crowded guitar repair station very well. ... "
" ... The iron comes with an iron holder, solder roll holder (which needs to be screwed in with the provided screw, you just need a Phillips head screwdriver to do this), Brass sponge, and a regular sponge. ... "
" ... Love the roller on the side to hold the solder. ... "
" ... I recommend buying a roll of solder to go on it's roll holder. ... "
" ... - The soldering iron holder is stable, holds the iron securely, and it is easy to take the iron in and out of the holder. ... "
" ... I will be looking for some tips to fit. ... "
" ... The tips are easy to change, and the holder for the iron works well. ... The solder spool holder is also handy. ... "
Cables
39iron, cord, soldering, solder, flexible
+95%
-5%
" ... Sturdy (enough), comfortable to use, good cord length. ... "
" ... I solder a lot of guitar and microphone cables ... "
" ... VERY nice, flexible silicon cable. ... "
" ... Though I do wish that the soldering cord was detachable for easy storage but at this price point this soldering iron seems to be a very good purchase. ... "
" ... I know this because we solder a lot of high-current bullet connectors, which require a lot of heat ... "
" ... I have been soldering electronics and wiring for years. ... "
" ... Used for a couple of hours with audio wires and it worked great! ... "
" ... Needed a stronger soldering iron to do my EC5 ends on 10 gauge wire and much to my surprise this did the trick honestly after buying a regular china 60 watt soldering iron with variable temp not do it and perform less than a 40 watt Weller i was in doubt but it worked out just fine. ... "
Marketplace
37seller, works as advertised, works, exactly as advertised, described
+92%
-8%
" ... good product, quick ship ... "
" ... You can certainly buy from this vendor with confidence. ... I am very impressed with the customer support from this vendor. ... "
" ... Works As Advertised ... "
" ... One of the best sellers I've had to deal with yet! ... "
" ... Excellent product, excellent seller! ... "
" ... The black hold down unscrews from the gray handle, see images. ... "
" ... Cheaper, but similar. ... "
" ... Does exactly as advertised. ... "
Comfort
32tip, iron, feels, soldering, solder
+72%
-28%
" ... I wish it came with different tips but I'm sure it works with most tips. ... "
" ... I purchased a variety of tips because I was not sure if the supplied tip would be the right size for precise electronics work. ... "
" ... Ergonomically, the iron is light and easy to hold with either hand. ... "
" ... I now feel comfortable enough to tackle larger and more delicate projects. ... "
" ... It feels sturdy and it a big improvement over the run of the mill pen ones I was using. ... "
" ... The iron is comfortable in the hand and the handle doesn't get hot in short order as some others I had in past years did. ... I like the tip and the extra tips. ... "
" ... The iron is light and small in the hand, making maneuvering around cluttered areas a breeze. ... "
" ... Easy to change tips. ... "
Sleep Tracking
31sleep, function, wake, temperature, mode
+77%
-23%
" ... It heats up quickly and has the 10 minute sleep function for safety. ... "
" ... The sleep mode is a welcome relief for the forgetful. ... "
" ... i use it for a lot of small electronics and with its rapid heat up and ten minute sleep mode it makes all my jobs that much easier . ... "
" ... Good sleep function. ... "
" ... I really like that it goes into sleep mode and when awakened, it is up to temperature in a snap. ... "
" ... Nice sleep timer when not being used. ... "
" ... I love the sleep function and the fact that it heats up incredibly fast. ... "
" ... I really like the sleep mode! ... "
Ease of Use
27easy, setup, makes soldering, easy to change, tips
+100%
" ... Great for beginners and easy to understand. ... "
" ... Really makes soldering easy and enjoyable. ... "
" ... This tech is pretty old and simple, so it shouldn't be hard to get right. ... "
" ... tip changing is a breeze. ... "
" ... Great beginner setup ... "
" ... Makes soldering easy. ... "
" ... Easy to use and accurate. ... "
" ... easy to use, good quality tool. ... "
Features
24feature, auto, soldering, shut, nice feature
+83%
-17%
" ... Auto-off function has saved me more than once. ... "
" ... love the auto off feature. ... "
" ... delivered all features as promised ... "
" ... The auto shut off is an excellent feature for someone as forgetful as me. ... "
" ... The stand by feature is really useful when I forget to turn it off. ... "
" ... The product they sell literally sells itself with the quality and features that it has. ... "
" ... Next X-Tronic is going to have a lot more features but for now I get er done just right. ... "
" ... All the features of the more expensive units. ... "
Hair
22iron, great soldering iron, projects, back, weller
+100%
" ... Great soldering iron. ... "
" ... Fantastic soldering iron. ... "
" ... The soldering iron worked fine for me although, a smaller finer tip would have been desirable for my first project. ... "
" ... Great soldering iron! ... "
" ... Great Soldering Iron. ... "
" ... Great soldering iron for my projects. ... "
" ... Once you use this soldering iron you won't go back to a regular iron or solder gun. ... "
" ... The cheap junk soldering iron was light-years better. ... "
Overall performance
18fast, works very well, weller, tip, performance
+94%
-6%
" ... For my application the supplied tip did the job just fine. ... "
" ... Is this going to satisfy hard-core electronics junkies? ... "
" ... Works well and holding up. ... "
" ... It heats very fast. ... "
" ... Is this going to satisfy hard-core electronics junkies? ... "
" ... Good Job Xtronic! ... "
" ... However, its performance has been outstanding. ... "
" ... It does a great job. ... "
Drying
18soldering, temperature, heats, great soldering iron, x tronic
+89%
-11%
" ... It gets to temperature quickly, much faster than my name brand soldering iron. ... "
" ... Great soldering iron. ... "
" ... absolutely FANTASTIC soldering Iron. ... "
" ... The dial turns with smooth precision and iron heats up quickly in mere seconds unlike the horrible $10 iron I was using. ... "
" ... A good soldering iron makes all the difference! ... "
" ... This is the nicest soldering iron that I have ever owned. ... "
" ... I was pleasantly surprised to learn how easy this tool would make my work compared to the other lower powered soldering iron. ... "
" ... This iron does everything this hobbyist needs. ... "
Display Clarity
18digital, temp, led, iron, station
+94%
-6%
" ... The display is bright and the unit heats up quickly. ... "
" ... The digital display, is nice, and geives you an idea of what temp you are at. ... "
" ... LED Display is very helpful. ... "
" ... The display is bright and the unit heats up quickly. ... "
" ... Has a digital display. ... "
" ... The digital display is great, the station itself is alright in terms of build quality. ... "
" ... Has a digital display. ... "
" ... The readout is clear and bright. ... "
Product As Described
16works, exactly as advertised, described, product, images
+100%
" ... Does exactly as advertised. ... "
" ... Only had it a short time and have used it once but everything works as advertised. ... "
" ... It works exactly as advertised. ... "
" ... Works As Advertised ... "
" ... Exactly as advertised. ... "
" ... Product works as advertised. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... It works exactly as advertised. ... "
Returns
15replacement, return, returned, hakko, sent
+33%
-67%
" ... Maybe mine was just defective. ... "
" ... I WANT MY MONEY BACK !! ... "
" ... Return window now closed so into the trash it goes . ... "
" ... Didn’t use till after the 30 days so I’m out of luck for a return or replace. ... "
" ... I didn't power the unit up and just re-boxed it for return. ... "
" ... Unfortunately, I had to return this product. ... "
" ... I returned the item for a refund and went for the HAKKO FX-888D. ... "
" ... Had to replace it three times. ... Eventually bought a Hakko because I got tired of sending it back. ... "
Size
15small, size, nice, station, footprint
+100%
" ... It is compact so that is a real plus. ... "
" ... The one piece design is very compact. ... "
" ... Nice and compact and works for my use. ... "
" ... I like how it is set up with everything you need on one portable station. ... "
" ... Overall size is pretty compact ( I leave the spool holder detached ). ... "
" ... I like how it is set up with everything you need on one portable station. ... "
" ... Not very big but a good size. ... "
" ... It does make for a very compact setup, though. ... "
Controls
14knob, temperature, temp, sensitive, adjust
+79%
-21%
" ... The controls are good and sensitive and I highly recomend it for beginners that what to get a little more serious. ... "
" ... I like the adjustable temp control. ... "
" ... I like the adjustable temp control. ... I can lower the temp when soldering LEDs. ... "
" ... The temp adjust knob has a nice rotational feel. ... Wish: Minor and I'll fix it, the knob is a shiny silver and the position indicator line on the knob face is just an etched line making it hard to see the knob position at a quick glance. ... "
" ... I really like the precise temperature control, as opposed to the simple dial of cheaper models. ... "
" ... Temperature control is excellent and easy to set with digital readout and control knob. ... "
" ... The temperature control and power switch are simple ideas, but indispensable. ... "
" ... The temperature control jog dial is in the front and is very smooth and precise enough to control the temperature. ... "
Delivery
12arrived, unit, received, delivered, parts
+75%
-25%
" ... delivered all features as promised ... "
" ... Product arrived as shown and everything worked correctly. ... "
" ... It arrived as advertised and works great. ... "
" ... Product delivered on time and was just as described. ... "
" ... Received a very positive response. ... "
" ... Fast shipping, very satisfied. ... "
" ... My order arrived on time and in great shape. ... "
" ... delivered all features as promised ... "
Design
9looks, design, quality, nice, look
+89%
-11%
" ... I like the design/finish. ... "
" ... The quality and look are top notch. ... "
" ... Nice compact design. ... "
" ... All is excellent design and production quality. ... "
" ... Looks cool on my bench (maybe its best attribute as far as I’m concerned ) ... "
" ... The build quality is OK. ... The knob is metal and feels great. ... "
" ... This feels cheaper. ... The knob is metal and feels great. ... "
Setup
8set, super, price, hours, easy to use
+100%
" ... This is an upgrade to my old setup. ... "
" ... Amazing little setup used for over 20 hours and one time for 6 hours straight. ... Great beginner setup ... "
" ... love this setup very professional especially for the price. ... "
" ... Digital display, easy setup. ... "
" ... Still use it all the time in school (studying aviation maintenance). ... "
" ... It does make for a very compact setup, though. ... "
Software Platform
8e, user, unit, screen, phone
+38%
-63%
" ... I bought this product as an occasional user that was tired of dealing with hardware store rejects (i.e. ... "
" ... No one answers the phone on their web site. ... "
" ... Seemed good at first, but exactly two months later the unit no longer works and is displaying a 5-E or S-E error. ... "
" ... Buyers beware this product lasted for approximately 45 days and is now giving us an error code s-e I have left multiple messages on their answering machine with no return phone calls ... "
" ... Works for a minute, then error code shows on the screen and it stops heating. ... "
Cooling
8temperature, setting, quickly, past, hot
+75%
-25%
" ... Warms up fast and temp stays consistent. ... "
" ... So far it's been great, heats up and cools down quickly. ... "
" ... Wouldnt get past room temperature. ... "
" ... Heats up fast and cools down fast. ... "
" ... Gets hot very fast and does a nice job! ... "
" ... Temperature setting works well, and is cold to full temperature in 30-45 seconds. ... "
Ease of Cleaning
8works, tip cleaner, tip, flux, brass tip cleaner
+100%
" ... The brass tip cleaner with flux in the bottom of the tin works great. ... "
" ... I like having 2 methods of cleaning the tip. ... "
" ... I cleaned it up and re-tinned it and it seems to do quite well. ... "
" ... Also the included tip cleaner works great too. ... "
" ... Parts are easy to clean and if need easy to swap out. ... "
" ... Nice to have both the sponge and brass tip cleaning. ... "
" ... I love the tip cleaner. ... "
" ... A brass sponge with cleaning flux underneath. ... "
Storage
7take, sponge, desk, top, tip cleaner
+86%
-14%
" ... Does not take up a lot of space and I love the blue digital readout. ... "
" ... First, the tip cleaner and sponge compartments are dinky. ... "
" ... It has room for two ... "
" ... Photo makes product appear bigger than actual size. ... "
" ... It takes up very little desk space, yet has all the features and quality I was hoping to find. ... "
" ... It takes up very little desk space, yet has all the features and quality I was hoping to find. ... "
Accuracy
6temp, seems, pretty, temperature, easy to use
+100%
" ... I've measured the temperature as displayed independently and the read out is very accurate. ... "
" ... Easy to use and accurate. ... "
" ... Does what it's supposed to do and the DRO seems to be pretty accurate within 5-10 degrees. ... "
" ... The pen is comfortable and the temp display seems pretty accurate. ... "
" ... I can't say how accurate the temp holds because I have no precise measurement capabilities, but the ranges I have tried appear to be close to what it claims based on behavior. ... "
" ... I can't say how accurate the temp holds because I have no precise measurement capabilities, but the ranges I have tried appear to be close to what it claims based on behavior. ... "
Battery Life
6one, x, tronic, charge
+100%
" ... If it lasts, might be one of the best purchases of my life . ... "
" ... This one should be adjustable enough to do what needs to be done with solar cells. ... "
" ... Hope it lasts awhile. ... "
" ... Hope it lasts awhile. ... "
" ... We'll see how long the X-tronic lasts. ... "
" ... We'll see how long the X-tronic lasts. ... "
Power Consumption
5got
+100%
" ... It is compact enough to take out to the field (we got 110V power available). ... "
" ... And, it's got tons of power. ... "
" ... 75 wats of power delivers consistent heat to the tip. ... "
Cable Length
5product, power cord, long, cord, xlr
+100%
" ... I Really Love this product I did a big sound job in a church and made all the XLR cables with ease. ... "
" ... The build quality is good and the length of cable is decent without being too long. ... "
" ... Lengthen the power cord please. ... "
" ... High quality and the cord is long. ... "
" ... High quality and the cord is long. ... "
Defective Delivery
5unit, opened, box, stopped working, returned
-100%
" ... Possibly recurved a defective unit. ... "
" ... The second unit was broken as soon as I opened the box. ... "
" ... My first one unfortunately was defective. ... I will increase my rating upon receiving the replacement unit defective free. ... "
" ... Maybe mine was just defective. ... "
" ... Maybe mine was just defective. ... "
As Gift
4son, present, got, christmas
+100%
" ... I bought it as a Christmas gift and he is very happy with it! ... "
" ... I got this as a present for my son. ... "
" ... This was a gift for my husband. ... "
" ... This was a gift to my son, although we have not used it yet I'm sure it will work out well when we need it. ... "
Sound Quality
4tube, hear, assemble, amp
+50%
-50%
" ... This would be he 5th time using the iron and it lights up and turnes on but won't hear passed 140degrees. ... "
" ... After ~10 minutes of using it, I heard a popping sound and then smoke from the body of the unit. ... "
For Running
3+100%
" ... I’m usually running at 600. ... "
" ... Very quick to warm and cool, and tip has lasted a long time and is still running strong. ... "
" ... Worked great for replacing a few capacitors to get my surround sound receiver up and running again. ... "
For Kids
3school, bought
+100%
" ... Bought an extra for my son to use. ... "
" ... Bought it in 2017 for school to do all my soldering for projects etc. ... "
" ... My son love it . ... He's using it every day at home and in his high school. ... "
Food Items
3temp, switch, quickly, need, fast
+100%
" ... After initial warm up it's ready to go and melts solder like butter. ... "
" ... Heats to whatever you set it to on demand . ... "
" ... Heats to temp very quickly. ... "
FM
3+100%
" ... I have been using a cheap radio shack one for the last 20 years. ... "
" ... I'm glad that I chose to buy this station and highly recommend it to other antique radio restorers like myself. ... "
" ... I'm glad that I chose to buy this station and highly recommend it to other antique radio restorers like myself. ... "
Weight
3iron, size, projects, power cord, light
+100%
" ... It's small size and light weight really make it seem cheap, but it seems to perform well, so I'm pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend this tool to any electronics hobbyist. ... "
" ... I have used this on both light-duty projects and heavier projects. ... "
" ... I liked the fact that the power cord was flexible and the iron was light weight. ... Though the base was stable, it was a little light weight, meaning that it could slide around when handling the iron, until a roll of solder was added to it. ... "
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Specifications
Display
Type: LED