Chi or Croc Flat Iron

Hairdresser here....Chi irons aren't holding up like they should for the price. The Babyliss has a longer warranty, and costs about the same and work just as well. I won't buy anymore Chi irons....to expensive and aren't last more than a couple years if you use them daily.

I haven't had a Croc, but I bought a new one a few months ago..it was between the Chi and the Solia. After reading TONS of reviews, I got the Solia, and I'm very happy with it!

As long as it has a ceramic plate and adequate heat you can't go wrong, I personally hated the CHI's, I had a super expensive one for years and it broke and went and bought like a 15 dollar tourmaline one to hold me over and I've been using it for 2 years.. I know a ton of people who use the cheaper ones and are just as happy with them (if not happier) than they were with the CHI.

I love my chi. Have had one for about 8 years.

Chi gets nowhere NEAR hot enough to work in my hair.

I need at least 430 degrees... otherwise I have to spend so much time (aka going sooooo slowly, or lots of repeats) that my hair gets really damaged. Plus I don't HAVE an extra 30 minutes when it usually only takes me 5 minutes with adequate heat. Give me a HOT flatiron I can whisk through my hair in minutes leaving it glossy and UNdamaged!!!

I should note, however, that I have ringlet curly hair with a *strong* curl pattern. Anything halfway just doesn't cut it.

I've never heard of the Croc but my daughter has the Chi and would not use anything else.

It lasts a long time, good quality.

My friend who's also my beautician recommended ION as a cheaper Chi. Same style and workings, just not the big name. They are still pricey, but not as bad. I got it at Sally Beauty, and I've loved it. Had it for almost three years now with no problems.

I have a royale and it works alot better then my chi did. You can order from the website, they are pricy but well worth it.

I had a Chi for years and loved it. It finally shot craps. I now have a Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium and love it even more. I have natural curl in my hair and not much time to spend straightening it. The Babyliss does a wonderful job!

Ive been using a "global beauty" ceramic hair straightener every day since 2004 and i love it. I cant live without it actually. 3 days ago i bought my daughter a "kor" ceramic straightener. You can adjust the heat and its actually better quality. Shes almost 9 and uses it with ease. From my experience with flat irons, you want to get the kind that will run you about 100 dollars give or take. The cheaper ones sizzle my hair like burnt sugar!

But ive never noticed a difference between the varied "more pricey" brands

I love my CHI. I have had it for 8 years, and it still works fine. Granted, I don't straighten my hair every day. I bought it from a stylist before they were available through regular stores, so maybe the quality was better? It was definitely expensive, but it was the best $160 I've ever spent. (This from the girl who never spends money on beauty products; I get my hair cut at Great Clips, and then only with the $6.99 coupon!)

I used to say I should do an infomercial for CHI because it is truly miraculous how awesome my hair is with it. I've never used the other brands, so I can't speak to how well they hold up, but this is what sold me on the quality: Initially I bought it for my 10 year HS reunion, and it ended up raining that night. I was in a panic thinking my hair would frizz out, but it held up beautifully. Of course, you can't get soaked, but a little sprinkle won't hurt. :) Good luck deciding!