Hakko FX-971
A 100 W cartridge station for busy repair and production benches that want Hakko support and software control. Hobby users get most of the benefit for less elsewhere.
Amazon $329.97$329.97
The Hakko FX-971 is the better soldering station overall, rated 3.2 to 3.1. The Hakko FX-971 leads on value and features. The JBC CD-1BQF wins on power and stability. The Hakko FX-971 costs $382.57 less ($329.97 vs $712.54).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
JBC CD-1BQF
A professional cartridge station for repair shops and production lines that solder all day. The price only makes sense for heavy use.
Amazon $712.54$712.54
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Hakko FX-971 for value ($3.30 per watt ($329.97, 100 W) vs $5.48 per watt ($712.54, 130 W)) and features (cartridge tips, auto sleep or standby, preset temperatures, settings lock, calibration vs cartridge tips, auto sleep or standby, ESD safe, calibration).
- Choose the JBC CD-1BQF for power (130 W iron vs 100 W iron) and stability (±1.5 °C at idle vs ±3 °C at idle).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every soldering stations soldering station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Hakko FX-971 | JBC CD-1BQF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 25% | 18 $3.30 per watt ($329.97, 100 W) | 0 $5.48 per watt ($712.54, 130 W) |
| Power 25% | 57 100 W iron | 73 130 W iron |
| Top temperature 10% | 50 up to 450 °C | 50 up to 450 °C |
| Stability 10% | 60 ±3 °C at idle | 90 ±1.5 °C at idle |
| Features 20% | 85 cartridge tips, auto sleep or standby, preset temperatures, settings lock, calibration | 70 cartridge tips, auto sleep or standby, ESD safe, calibration |
| Warranty 10% | 25 1-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Hakko FX-971 | JBC CD-1BQF | |
|---|---|---|
| Soldering iron | ||
| Iron power | 100 W | 130 W |
| Station power | 100 W | 175 W |
| Temperature range | 50-450 °C (122-842 °F) | 90-450 °C (194-842 °F) |
| Idle stability | ±3 °C | ±1.5 °C |
| Tip system | Hakko T39 cartridge | JBC C245 cartridge |
| Tips included | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| Ports | 1 | 1 |
| ESD safe | - | Yes |
| Auto sleep or standby | Yes | Yes |
| Preset temperatures | 5 | - |
| Calibration | Yes | Yes |
| Settings lock | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 2.6 lb | 6 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |