Signal fire AI-6A+ Fusion Splicing Six Motor Core Alignment Fiber Fusion Splicer with OPM and VFL, Automatic FTTH Fiber Optical Welding Splicing Machine Splicing 8S Heating 18S

6 star rating based on value for the money. Hands down one of the best tool purchases for the price I've made in years. I would assume anyone purchasing one of these is at least familiar with what these types of devices cost just a decade ago. Inconceivable these would go from $10,000 down to sub $500?!? Amazing. This unit performs quite well, really comes down to the quality of the cleave more than anything, the rest is pretty much done for you. And at this price, core alignment? Incredible. Real world performance test confirms the quality of the splice, as does a 500x microscope scan and OTDR trace. Might the estimated loss be a bit 'biased' in favor of the splice being a bit more perfect than it actually is? Sure. But seriously, for the price, you are buying a machine that, just a few year ago, you would have spent more to have a couple of fiber tips connected for the cost of the machine. And might the OTDR estimate 0.02db versus the splicer estimate 0.01db? Sure. But seriously? That's insane for less than $500. Do yourself a favor, ditch the included cleaver. Sure, it looks decent, feels decent, and right out of the box without adjustment, it cut the fiber for sure. However, it shatters pretty poorly. Even after 20 minutes of attempting to adjust properly, it's results are mediocre and unpredictable at best. I was able to fit a blade from another decent cleaver I have to test that, and that is not the only issue unfortunately. A nice Inno v7 or comparable lower cost entry level tech quality unit will increase your success rate 10 fold right out of the gate, and will elevate the results of your splices by about the same. If I were the manufacturer, I would probably make clear that what is included should be immediately replaced for optimal results. I get it, they want to provide a complete package and compete at the low price point, but they are doing themselves a disservice by including the cleaver that provides such sub par performance. There's no hope for a decent fusion if the cleave has any perceivable flaw, the cleave must be absolutely perfect for satisfactory results. Take it from someone who has performed tens of thousands of field polish terminations and near as many indoor plant fusion splices over the past two and half decades, this unit will serve 95% of the people looking for a unit under $5000 very well. There are many options above that price point that warrant the cost for various reasons, but general indoor plant and FTTH repairs, etc. you cannot touch another unit at this price point that performs this well. And at this price, if it gets dropped, water logged, stolen - it's really a minor issue compared to losing a $5,000 or $15,000 unit for sure. I will report back in a year as to its long term longevity, but over the past month I've owned it, so far it has performed flawlessly and earned its keep the first day I owned it. It's also saved me countless thousands of dollars and many field hours over doing field polish ends versus splicing premade factory tails, and the customer received a better value and solution. Win win!!

This was a gift to my son-in-law. He lives in the Caribbean and uses it for his work. He loves it.

Great splicer. Great protective case. Cleaver is junk. Just need to get a decent one. But the splicer it Great.