Pinecil V2 vs TS101: My Brutal Verdict

Fixing wires in a cold Midwest garage requires a fast tool that holds heat well. I tested the Pinecil V2 vs TS101 side-by-side to see which portable iron is truly reliable. Both offer high power and smart controls, but the grip and build feel very different in hand. Here is what I learned from using them on my own workbench.

Is Pinecil V2 Good?

I spent last Saturday in my garage trying to fix a broken connection on a small drone. It was freezing cold, and I needed a tool that would heat up fast so I could get back inside. That is when I grabbed the Pinecil V2 to see if it could handle the job.

The iron feels very light in the hand, almost like a thick pencil. The rubber grip gives you a sure hold, which is great when you are working with hot metal. It heated up in seconds using my laptop charger, melting the solder instantly. It made a tricky repair feel simple and quick.

What I Like

Short Tip Control: The best part of this tool is how short the tip is. It brings your fingers very close to the work surface. This gave me steady hands while soldering tiny pads on a flight controller board. It feels much more natural than older, longer irons.

Fast Heating: I plugged the Pinecil V2 into a high-power USB-C charger. It went from cold to hot in about four seconds. This speed is amazing when you just have a quick fix to do. You do not have to wait around for a big station to warm up.

Great Price: It is hard to beat the value of this tool for the money. It costs about half as much as similar portable irons. You get pro-level power for the price of a cheap hobby tool. It leaves you with more cash to spend on other project parts.

What Could Be Better

Tiny Screen: The screen on the body is quite small. I had to squint to read the temperature numbers in my dim workshop. A larger display would make it easier to check your settings at a glance. It is usable, but it could definitely be bigger.

No Cable Included: You only get the iron in the box, which is a bit of a pain. You have to buy a silicone USB-C cable separately to use it comfortably. A stiff plastic cable drags the light tool around your desk, which gets annoying fast.

Shipping Wait: Buying one in the USA often means ordering directly from the maker. Shipping can take a while compared to ordering other tools on Amazon. You need to plan ahead if you want this iron for a specific weekend project.

Recommendation

The Pinecil V2 is perfect for hobbyists who want high performance on a budget. It is the best choice for anyone working on drones, keyboards, or small electronics. If you enjoy tweaking settings and using open-source gear, this iron is made for you. Just remember to order a soft cable when you buy it.

Is TS101 Good?

I spent Sunday fixing a loose wire on my desk lamp. I wanted a tool that felt solid, so I grabbed the TS101. It feels like a finished product, not a cheap toy. The iron has a smooth finish that is nice to hold. It does not slip, even after an hour of work. The heat was steady and strong when I fixed the switch. It felt like using a quality tool made to last.

What I Like

Clear Screen: The screen is a huge plus. It is wide, bright, and easy to read. I could check the heat level instantly in my dim garage. It makes the job feel smoother and easier on your eyes.

Solid Build: The body feels great when you hold it. The plastic is thick and has a nice grip. It feels like a tool you can toss in a bag safely. You do not worry about cracking it if it drops.

Easy to Buy: I love that I can order the TS101 on Amazon easily. You do not have to wait for slow shipping from far away. If you need a new tip fast, you can get it in two days. This is a big help for urgent home repairs.

What Could Be Better

Long Tip: The tip on this iron is quite long. This puts your hand far away from the work. It can feel like writing with a long pencil held at the top. It takes some practice to aim well on small parts.

Higher Price: You pay extra for the nice look and feel. It costs twice as much as some other irons. If you have a low budget, the price might be too high. That extra cash could buy more solder or other tools.

Tricky Menus: The settings menu can be confusing at first. You have to press buttons in a specific way to change things. It is not as simple as it could be. A tool like this should be easier to set up quickly.

Recommendation

The TS101 is a great choice for home owners who want a reliable tool. It is perfect if you want a screen that is easy to read. If you need a solid iron that ships fast in the USA, buy this one. It is a trusty tool that looks good on any desk.

Details Comparison: Pinecil V2 vs TS101

Sitting at a workbench with a broken drone is a common frustration. You need a soldering iron that is light and heats up fast. The Pinecil V2 and TS101 are the top choices. They both replace big, heavy soldering stations.

Design and Feel: Pinecil V2 vs TS101

I picked up the Pinecil and liked the rubber grip. It feels secure in your hand. The body is very light and feels a bit simple. But the short tip is a huge plus. It puts your fingers close to the work. This gave me steady hands while fixing a small circuit board.

The TS101 feels more expensive. It has a smooth finish and a solid weight. It feels like holding a nice pen. However, the tip is longer. This puts your hand further away from the joint.

Rating: Pinecil V2 – 9/10 | TS101 – 8.5/10

Heating Power: Pinecil V2 vs TS101

I plugged the Pinecil into a strong charger. It got hot instantly. I barely had time to grab my solder. This speed is great for quick jobs in a cold garage. It saves you time and hassle.

The TS101 is also fast. It heats up in about seven seconds. But it is not quite as fast as the Pinecil. The Pinecil uses a newer power standard to pull more energy.

Rating: Pinecil V2 – 9.5/10 | TS101 – 8/10

Screen and Control: Pinecil V2 vs TS101

The TS101 has a nice screen. It is large and bright. I could read it easily. The Pinecil screen is much smaller. I had to squint to see the numbers in dim light.

However, the Pinecil has better software. It is called IronOS. It has many fun settings you can change. The TS101 software is basic but works fine.

Rating: Pinecil V2 – 8/10 | TS101 – 9/10

Value for Money: Pinecil V2 vs TS101

The Pinecil V2 is a bargain. It costs about half the price of the TS101. You get amazing power for very little money. You may have to pay shipping, but it is worth it.

The TS101 costs more. You pay for the nice finish and easy shipping. It is a great tool, but the price is higher. If you want the best deal, the choice is clear.

Rating: Pinecil V2 – 10/10 | TS101 – 7/10

Verdict

Buy the Pinecil V2 if:

• You want the best performance for the lowest price.
• You like fixing small electronics.
• You enjoy customizing your tools.

Buy the TS101 if:

• You want a tool that feels premium.
• You want a bigger screen.
• You want easy shipping from major stores.

FAQs – Pinecil V2 vs TS101