Being a long-time fan of the original INSTYLER, I was excited to hear that they just came out with the InStyler MAX. Gotta love improvements to an existing product, right? Or did they take it too far? Hmmm, click after the jump to find out if this new one is better or if you should skip it. 

Instyler VS Instyler MAX

The new MAX still uses tourmaline ceramic smoothing plates as the original and you can still do your straightening, soft curls, root boost and flip out the bottom, and has the auto safety shut-off, but there are a few new traits they have added with the new one so let’s compare a few key ones.

 

Original – called the Instyler Wet 2 Dry (I’d never use it on wet hair though so I just call it the Original)

• Available in 1 ¼” barrel (I think they just added a small barrel version of this one too).
• Multiple heat settings up to 410° F
• Available in Black only
• Rotates one way

Instyler MAX

• Available in Small (¾” barrel) and Large (1 ¼” barrel, shown here)
• Four heat settings up to 425° F
• 2 Way Auto-Rotation – just close the wand twice and it the barrel will change directions.
• Colors! This one comes in different colors like Black, Purple and Pink (shown here).
• Removable cool tip – now this is what I would mumble to myself when using the original – I had no place to put my other hand and now with this cool tip, I can help the iron through my hair.
• 30 second rapid heat up – not sure how long the original took to heat up but I know it was fast but now this one’s faster and not only does it has four heat settings.

So do you need this one in your tool collection or do you need to upgrade? If you already own the original then I would say eh, no, you don’t need it. Yes, the new features are nice, especially the cool tip, but I don't think the new one is a must have, however, I would say that if you don’t own either to pick up the new MAX version as the additional traits make it slightly better than the original.

$99 @ target.com and ulta.com.