This was my first flatiron, purchased about two years ago. I don't think there is one negative on this tool that I can think of. It heats up quickly, has a flat, heat-resistant casing, a long swivel cord, a thick, ceramic plate that is red so that I can see what section of my hair is between the irons while I'm pressing it out. I use my left hand to hold it and can easily use my thumb to quickly adjust the temperature.
After over two years of once a week use, it's only got two tiny chips on the sides of the plates - my fault because I tend to throw it in a drawer. You can hold the (grooved, heat resistant) tip for extra control. It also makes nice curls and flips because of the wrap-around plates.
I researched this very carefully before purchasing because I wanted to get the best product for the price. I caught this on sale at Folica for $99.00. I took two points off because I feel that ALL flatirons are overpriced. Folica has great reviews on this and other irons, if you are into doing the research. I did buy a Titanium Croc about 6 months ago, but guess what? It's still in the box - that's how much I love my FHI.

awful. we paid about $100 for this ...
http://www.ukhairdressers.com/store/images/HairToolsPinkFHI.jpg
and its about as good as my revlon... priced at $30.
it makes my hair frizzy and doesnt get very hot

HG (and I am NOT an HG kinda girl)! My two sisters and I have been sharing this FHI flat iron for 3 years now and it's still going strong. We each use it daily... about 3,200 uses so far, the math turns out to be. And we are NOT gentle. The poor thing has been dropped, dragged, and anything else that would have made a CHI kick the bucket a few years back. But 3 girls sharing 1 flat iron was not working out so well... so I decided (stupidly) to order a Sedu for myself to alleviate the morning rush. I used it and while it glided over my hair better than the FHI, it got way too hot on the outside (yet not hot enough to straighten my hair), was cheaply made, and didn't get my hair as straight. I returned it for another FHI, because I'm in love! SO MANY flat irons, as I'm sure you girls know, are literally designed to fail. The abuse we put the FHI through should be evidence of its lasting power. My hairdresser has had hers for 5 years and it's still going strong. For just about $25 more than the CHI, you can save yourself from having to purchase a new flat iron annually... LOVE IT! Oh, and it makes my hair (and my sisters' hair) look great too. We all have naturally curly hair... and no, not the kind where a girl is all "omg my hair is like sooo hard to deal with" when actually their hair before they flat iron it is more straight than yours is AFTER straightening! But the FHI helps... lots. Do order!

I recently upgraded from a cheap flat iron that did an ok job to this one which does a great job straightening my hair. It leaves my hair smooth and shiny and only takes 1-2 passes to straighten from root to end and no snags whatsoever.

Yeah I don't need another iron but I got an amazing deal on it so I couldn't pass it up!
http://www.beautychoice.com/images/products/preview/fhi-207rvi.jpg
Flip, twist, straighten and curl with this improved version of the original technologically advanced 1" ionic flat iron. Now, you can adjust the temperature of the iron to suit your hair type!
Dry, damaged and frizzy hair has a positive ionic charge. In order to balance that you need a negative ion ceramic plate to neutralize the charge in the hair and thus create smoother, shinier and calmer hair.
Product Features:
# Variable temperature of 140°F - 450°F (60°C - 232°C)p
# 1" Plate size perfect for medium to long hair!
# Ceramic Plates
# Automatic Sense Recovery System - quickly recovers heat to ceramic plates
# Ultra fast heat up time 5-10 seconds to any temperature.
# 360 degree swivel cord connection to avoid tangling
# Lightweight design

The shape and design of the iron reminds me a lot of Solia. The FHI heats up fast and the heat stays consistent. I used mine at 350 and it took one pass to get my hair smooth. It also does not snag my hair. I have always wanted to try the FHI iron and I really love it!