Icon BJP1 clone, does anyone have hands on experience?

[ThePostman]

My OTC has warped, the Astro Goliath is still there but too big for some applications. Has anyone here got to play with the Icon ball joint press, and put it to hard use. Possibly looking at a community shop tool, the Schley/exclusively Matco the first year might be overkill for us but is also being considered since the BJP1 is $800

 

[decableguy2000]

Astro 7897, if you've been happy with the Goliath. The 7897 has done every thing I needed it to do, but just a DIY setting.

 

[wafrederick]

The Icon ball joint press,have seen pictures of them with the frame broke in half.

 

[cgrutt]

I havent used the icon but I broke a harbor freight press first time I used it (may have been Pittsburgh or Maddox don't remember). The ICON looks beefier though. I think I bought the OTC and it's been fine but I only use it infrequently DIY projects.

I think this video compares ICON to Snap on etc. Haven't watched it but hope it helps.

 

[Mr_B]

Astro 7897, if you've been happy with the Goliath. The 7897 has done every thing I needed it to do, but just a DIY setting.

+1
Astro get pretty good results in material quality and production effort out of Taiwan and the price is good 70 bucks less than the ICON sloppy copy effort .
Only downside with the Astro is no cup holding system (they really should do a V2 redesign or a complete new model kit)

 

[kudakev615]

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I saw that one picture, hopefully no one got hurt in the process.

Enrightauto is testing one versus the Snap on, I think he said the Icon accepts the snap on adapters (loosely) but the Snap on won't take the Icon. Maybe that's reversed. I'd like it to be a good tool, because when my OTC dies I could consider the Icon unit. I like the interlocking cups, but I'm cheap and won't move into the premium OTC or snap on as I don't do that many ball joints these days.

 

[kudakev615]

i dont use my bjp1 as much as i used too but i did bust it out this past fri on a set of lower bj's on a 2011 nissan xterra. made me smile to knock the dust off ole gal and put her to use. i do own and have used the otc kit with the master astro adaptor set but mostly use cups as seal driver these days.

 

[Theronswanson]

A tech in the shop bought one. He's used it a few times already with no issues.

 

[Callelle]

I don't buy the picture as genuine, with ICON's has been shown having some give without breaking, that kind of break just screams set up to me.