I'm looking for some advice on GHD straighteners

[Primrose123]

I've had a pair of GHDs for years, and have used them practically every day, as have my two teenage DDs. They have lasted really well, but no longer work, so I am looking for a new pair.

My old ones were the mark IV straighteners. I don't know whether to get the same again, the mark Vs or the new GHD Eclipse. I've read reviews on all of them, and they are varied. It seems that it depends on the individual's hair as to which straighteners suit them best.

The new Eclipse model costs £150!!!! That is a lot of money, but, if they were absolutely amazing to use, and really straightened my thick, wavy, untidy hair quickly and easily, and lasted for years, then I think it would be worth it. However, I don't want to spend that much and be disappointed!

Has anybody got any experience of these straighteners? Any hairdressers who have used them all and have a preference? Best of all, I'd love to try them out, but I don't think that there is anywhere I could do that. I did wonder about buying them from amazon, and trying them, and sending them back if I was disappointed but I don't think would give me a refund unless there was actually something wrong with them.

Also, is there any advantage to buying wide plates? My hair is just below my shoulders, but both my DDs have long thick hair.

Thanks for any advice.

[Primrose123]

Actually, I've just looked at my GHDs and they are model number 3.1B.

[Maverick66]

There are lots of places to get your GHD's fixed. If you google GHD repairs you will find someone near you. I have got my daughters repaired for £25.00 it was a 48hr service. Can't remember name of company but I posted them to them and they returned them by post. Having said that my daughter got the Cloud Nine GHD as a present at Christmas and prefers them to her GHD :)

[Primrose123]

Thanks Maverick :)

[Hipster1]

Do you only straighten or curl as well? Hairdresser reckons eclipse very good for straightening. But v better if you want to do both.