Sunstone Zapp Plus 2 vs Sunstone Zapp

Same maker, same Utah factory, same 3-year warranty, $450 apart. What the money buys is range. The Zapp runs from 3 to 10 joules, a narrow band that Sunstone sells as its beginner setting: small jump rings, and not much else. The Zapp Plus 2 runs from 1 to 30: low enough for the finest chain, high enough for thicker rings and the odd repair. It also gets a 72-inch removable stylus, where Sunstone's own comparison chart, dated August 2024, gives the Zapp a 42-inch cord. If you already know you'll only close small rings at a market table, the Zapp does it. If you're unsure, the Plus 2 is the one you won't have to replace.

Sunstone Zapp Plus 2: 1 to 30 joules, 30 settings on one dial, one weld per second; controls: dial with a lock. Sunstone Zapp: 3 to 10 joules in single-joule steps; controls: energy dial. For bracelets, anklets and necklaces you spend your day at the low end of the range, on fine jump rings (Everlinx's own strength test used 22 gauge): a low starting point and small steps matter more than the top figure. A welder with no published joule range can still weld; you just can't compare it on paper.

Sunstone Zapp Plus 2: shaded safety glasses in the box; Basic ADL, Upgraded ADL, PJ Scope or 5x arm microscope sold separately; training: operator's guide and Sunstone's US-based phone and text support; no course in the price. Sunstone Zapp: shaded safety glasses in the box; auto-darkening lenses sold separately; training: user manual and Sunstone's US-based phone and text support; no course in the price. A pulse arc weld is a bright flash a few inches from your face. Shaded glasses do the job; a screen that darkens for each weld lets you see the ring before and after without lifting anything.

On November 13, 2026, Sunstone Zapp was $1,249 and Sunstone Zapp Plus 2 $1,699, each on its brand's own US store. That is $450 between them. Warranty: Sunstone Zapp Plus 2, 3-year manufacturer warranty; optional paid "forever warranty" plan (Sunstone Circle); Sunstone Zapp, 3-year manufacturer warranty. Returns: Sunstone Zapp Plus 2, 30-day return policy with a 10% restocking fee; refunds are paid by check (Sunstone refund policy); Sunstone Zapp, 30-day return policy with a 10% restocking fee; refunds are paid by check (Sunstone refund policy).

Sunstone Zapp Plus 2 weighs 1.9 lb and plugs into a wall outlet; argon: argon-ready: 7 ft of argon tubing in the box, tank and regulator sold separately. Sunstone Zapp does not list its weight and plugs into a wall outlet; argon: argon-ready: 7 ft of argon tubing in the box, tank and regulator sold separately. Neither price includes chain, pliers or a course: add them to your budget.

Full reviews: Sunstone Zapp Plus 2 review and Sunstone Zapp review. Both appear in our ranking of permanent jewelry welders, permanent jewelry machine, permanent jewelry welder for beginners, mobile permanent jewelry, cheap permanent jewelry welder.

Other head-to-heads: Sunstone Zapp Plus 2 vs Sunstone Orion mPulse, Pepetools Helix vs Sunstone Zapp Plus 2, Sunstone Zapp Plus 2 vs Everlinx EVERARC, Pepetools Helix vs Sunstone Zapp, Sunstone Zapp vs LINKED Luxe.

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