Hmm, I use all Weller soldering irons. (Pace for desoldering.) I've been using the EC1302B iron for ages, works pretty well. I've moved up to the WSL station and WMP iron in the last couple years. Certainly heats up faster, not so sure the temperature control is as good, but it is good enough. One problem is if the plating breaks down on the EC1302B, the back of the tip can swell and jam it to either the temp sensor or heater, costing about $60 to repair the iron. The WMP seems to be immune from this.
The tips seem to last about a year for me, which is really quite good enough.
Jon