Well I bought the 252sti. Has quite the following from what read liked by hobbyist and Instructors most welders...hated by diehard red and blue purists. Bad news is they are back ordered and wont receive it till April. Everlast said it's the most popular machine by far with little to know issues. I have not touched a tig torch in 22 years since I was in vocational school.. only thing wish it had was pulse mig for silicon bronze wire.