I work in a salon and have done hair for 8 years. Personally.. I am not a fan off Chi's. They end up shorting out or one day they just won't turn back on. I have gone through 2. My sisters have gone through 3.. And too be honest they are to expensive to replace yearly.
The salon I work at quit buying them as well..
Check some of these out..
I love the Hair Art flat irons...
I have one at work and one at home
HairArt Tourmaline Flat Iron 1"
My mom has a GHD and loves it!
GHD Classic Styler Ceramic Hair Straightener, GHD MK4 | Folica.com
Also.. if you have a TJ MAXX near by sometimes they carry professional irons and dryers for REALLY good deals.. Because I am liscensed I am able to buy everything at Wholesale costs.. but TJ Maxx has them almost at prices I am able to buy them for..
My sister bought a Biosilk iron that she found at TJ for a super good deal! I think she paied 45..
Also.. Biosilk and Chi are owned by Farouk. Same Company.... the Biosilk is almost identical to the Chi but at half the cost.. And my sister's Biosilk flat iron has held up better then her previous Chi. That will save you some money!!!!!
Amazon.com: Farouk Biosilk BST1001 1" Ergonomic Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron: Beauty
I've also seen Chi Blowdryers at TJ that would retail for 250 and they have them for 49!