Clone Hakko desoldering gun? (CSI88 vs Hakko 808)

they look like the identical same product except for the big transformer on the cheaper model.

i would guess they have the same functionality, but would also like to hear from someone who has one.

Dan

$80!

I contacted Circuit Specialists today. They have "never heard of" Hakko, so are unable to provide any information about similarities/differences to a Hakko 808.

This company probably makes all these Hakko knockoffs we see around:

I'm probably going to order one... it's only $80. I'll let the group know how it works out.

Awol

I bought this model from Circuit Specialist:

It is not the same as the one you are looking at, the one I purchased was $119.00 and I have been very happy with the performance. From what I can tell, it seems to be a knock off of another Hakko model (freind up the street owns the Hakko) and seems to work every bit as well.

Bob Stemmler

Looks like I might have killed the goose laying the golden eggs....

I emailed Circuit Specialists about the differences between their CSI88 and the Hakko 808, and they pulled it from the web site. After seeing the pics I provided, they realized their chinese supplier is cloning a popular model. It is too similar, and they don't want anyone to be confused.

Hopefully, they will release another 808-type tool in a different case - $80 seems like a pretty good deal.

Awol

All of Circuit Specialists soldering tool are like this and prices are MUCH cheaper.