buyer's remorse-keep or return?

[happyhomemaker]

At the Sephora VIB sale I ordered the ghd Classic styler 1" flat iron. I haven't tried it yet (will tomorrow morning). I am having a bit of buyer's remorse since I have never spent this much on a flat iron before. I got 20% off which is awesome, but I also have concerns about its longevity. I have read some reviews that it died on a number of owners right after the warranty ended on not long after they bought it, but too late to exchange it at Sephora. It could have been user error, but I seem to have read that frequently. Also, I came across this duo at Ulta for roughly the same price as the ghd and I would get a hair dryer (I need a new one) also (as well as a wine opener as a side point...score!!!! ). The reviews are not great for this set which I find odd. The dryer and flat iron are the same as the blue nano titanium versions, which have excellent reviews.  These ones just happen to be purple, not blue. So my question is do I keep the ghd or return it for the duo at Ulta? How do the brands compare in quality and performance? Maybe it will be a moot point after I try it, but I would love your thoughts. TIA!

[happyhomemaker]

I have fine hair but a lot of it, by the way. I forgot to mention that. I use my current flat iron almost everyday. That is why I really want a quality one that is high quality and does an awesome job. I have a revlon one that I bought trying to save money. It had really great feedback, but I really don't like it. I had an HAI one I bought on eBay over a decade ago. It was my first flat iron. I thought about getting it again if i could find it, but the iron was a little thicker than I would like. I would prefer a 1".

ETA: I tried the ghd this morning. Wow! Not surprisingly, it crushes my revlon one in performance and results. i really like it a lot! The best flat iron I have ever used thus far!  I just wish it had multiple heat settings. I still am curious about the Babyliss pro.

[Deleted]

I think the ghd is the best straightener! It beats anything I've ever used! Ghd's website has sales all the time. I got the curling iron for 50% off.

[starlily]

I use my GHD flat iron almost daily. My first one lasted 7 years. It was still functional when I replaced it, but finally had an exterior crack after numerous falls onto the tiled floor. I happened to come across a great deal on Woot, which is why I replaced it. My 2nd one is on year 3 and is still going strong.