through-hole desoldering iron/tool/station recommendations in 2024?

[Gold]

You cannot use the Hakko FM-2024 without the parent station, which is considerably above your budget.

+1 When looking at desoldering stations you have to make sure it doesn't operate on "shop air". Shop air means you need a separate air compressor for the vacuum. You want a self contained vacuum.

 

[zzzzz]

Gootwick Goot TAIYO Desoldering Wick Soldering Remover 2.0mm x 30m CP-20B is amazing stuff...never turn on my desoldering iron once I started using it...the larger size isn't recommended for pcb work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284436964789

it is indeed good stuff. just gotta keep an eye out for counterfeits!

 

[Khron]

Gootwick Goot TAIYO Desoldering Wick Soldering Remover 2.0mm x 30m CP-20B is amazing stuff...never turn on my desoldering iron once I started using it...the larger size isn't recommended for pcb work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284436964789

I'm partial to Chemtronics myself, if we're talking wick...