Okay, you guys are going to laugh but you gotta hear me out.
I've been through the same problem finding a decent iron. Especially for RC applications where you need it hot and reliable.
Most of those high tech irons like the Hakko is made for precision electronics which is why the high price plus bulk. While others like the Weller and the Ungar
will work great for a while and then burn out and become difficult to find parts to replace and repair.
I've also gone down the Radio Shack route and their irons were even more crappier. The last iron I had was a 60W Weller that eventually just smolders.
So here it is my current iron,
Hobbico Soldering Iron. It heats up quick, it does batteries and motors in a snap. If the tip burns out, it comes with a replacement tip (haven't used mine so far). If the iron completely craps out on you, which hasn't for me, thats okay because
it only costs $5.99
I got mine at my local hobby shop who recommended this to me. Sometimes you gotta give them some credit and a little business.
