Stay EXT? or go EX?

Howdy Folks! So, Here's the latest dilemna. Thanks to Oleg, and the creative folks at the leasing company, I now have a shiny, new 250 EXT coming my way. After actually seeing the new machine in real life, and the beautiful welds that it creates, I'm for some reason still on the fence as to whether the 250EXT or a 250EX is a better choice for me. Here's my areas of concern 1.Footprint. Until actually seeing the pictures that DVA posted of the unit set up next to his Blue MIG welder, I was under the impression that it was the same general size as a 250 EX, not quite. And floor space in my shop is at a serious premium. 2. Price. Let's face it, it took a small miracle for me to actually come up with the funding, and the grand or so in price difference could be spent maybe buying another EVERLAST unit to offer for sale, or towards a mig set-up with a spoolgun for HEAVY aluminum, or a plasma cutter, so I could return my brother-in-law's unit. 3. Performance. I know that the EXT is being touted as having the best AC TIG welding characteristics that Everlast has offered to date, but I refuse to believe that that fact suddenly makes the 250EX a bad unit, in fact quite the opposite. I believe that the EX still offers the best bang for the buck, bar NONE. So there you have it, I have been called impetuous by nature, (that means that I like to change my mind a lot), and I KNOW that whichever unit I end up with, I'll be thrilled, it's just that I want to make sure I make the right choice on the first try. Is there anyone out there who has used BOTH units for any amount of time? Either way, I'd like to hear from other members on this, as it will help us all better define the pros of both units.

well if you go to the ex you could always use the spare cash on a plasma, or anything else. maybe even put it back in your pocket. really, if there "almost" ( i say that lightly ;) ) the same machine and your on a budjet, why upgrade if the ex will do exactly what you want.

When there is doubt, there is no doubt...As I see it, depends on how much TIG time you do, day in, day out, all day, the 250EXT may be a better choice, then again if you are like me a hobbyist, having a 250EX and a power plasma 80 is the better choice, as in my case.

Another consideration is that the EXT is a brand new machine - and thus likely to have issues. See the other thread about low power welding - it seems there may be some issues. I am also on the order queue for a 250EXT, call me an early adopter, but I also want to make sure that I am very well supported by Everlast because of this risk money I am putting in. I like to buy the best equipment I can afford, and I figure the EXT was the best at the time. That being said, if I ordered a month before, I might have ordered the EX.

Cheers,

Mike

Not issues for the future. Most people are getting good results. Some may be unfamiliarity with settings.

Its nice to have latest and greatest and if you are willing to deal with the teething problems of first year machine then I would buy EXT it looks sweet. If you don't think you willing to then go with the EX thats got bugs worked out.

I am saving for the EXT and only have to come up with half the retail price due to the generous 50% discount from 2 contest ago. ;) I believe that the EXT's are coming from a different factory (rumors are that they also manufacture for some other fairly big name brands, there might have been a post here in the last week or two to that effect, but rumors are just that till posted as fact though by someone who actually knows: Oleg)

Hooda, if you want to send me that EXT I will guarantee free tungsten sharpening for LIFE! :D

Thurmond