Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Resin 3d Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo score essentially the same (4.3 vs 4.3). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
Ranked #3 in Best Resin 3d Printers
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra
4 sources3 derived$299.99as of Aug 1

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra stands out as a feature-rich resin printer with a 9K monochrome display and 18 µm XY resolution, making it one of the most capable consumer models Elegoo has produced. Reviewers praised its tilt release mechanism and AI camera, though the latter was deemed ineffective due to poor positioning. The printer lacks an air filter and chamber heating, which may disappoint users seeking advanced environmental controls. While it offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly interface, the placement of ports and the camera's functionality are notable drawbacks. This printer is ideal for users wanting high-resolution prints with smart features but may not suit those needing advanced environmental controls.

Strengths
  • Features a 9K monochrome display with 18 x 18 µm XY resolution for high-detail prints
  • Includes a tilt release mechanism that reduces print stress and improves adhesion
  • Equipped with an AI camera for real-time monitoring and time-lapse photos
Watch-outs
  • AI camera is poorly positioned and ineffective for monitoring prints
  • No air filter or chamber heating included
  • Power switch and USB port located on the right side rather than front
HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
Ranked #4 in Best Resin 3d Printers
HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
4 sources3 derived$999as of Aug 1

The HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo is a production mSLA printer that delivers impressive print quality and ease of use, according to 3DPrint.com's review. It features a sturdy build with a steel plate and robust Z tower, along with a 29.7 µm pixel size and consistent UV light that produces sharp details. The Blueprint software is praised for its simplicity and intuitive interface, though it limits user customization. Reddit users noted the printer's durability and performance, though some criticized its lack of resin flexibility. This printer is ideal for users seeking a plug-and-play solution but may not suit advanced users wanting full control over their printing process.

Strengths
  • Sturdy build quality with steel build plate and robust Z tower
  • Easy-to-use software with intuitive Blueprint slicer interface
  • Excellent print quality with 29.7 µm pixel size and consistent UV light intensity
Watch-outs
  • Limited resin compatibility - only works optimally with HeyGears proprietary resins
  • No user control over layer cure time or calibration settings
  • Packaging quality was poor with severely damaged shipping box

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra boasts a 9K monochrome display and tilt release mechanism, outperforming the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S in resolution and functionality. However, it falls short of the Anycubic Photon P1 in terms of thermal control and dual-material printing capabilities. Its AI camera is poorly positioned compared to the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra's network connectivity features.

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo

The HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo offers fast printing speeds and easy-to-use software, surpassing the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra in automation and user-friendliness. However, it's limited to proprietary resins, unlike the Anycubic Photon P1 or Uniformation GK Three Ultra, which support a wider range of materials. It also lacks the large build volume and heated chamber features of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra or Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S.

Specs side-by-side

SpecElegoo Mars 5 UltraHeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
Build Volume153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm³222 x 122 x 230 mm
Pixel Size18 x 18 µm29.7 µm
Light Source9K monochrome405 nm Wavelength
Print Speed150mm/h4.5 seconds per layer
Layer Height0.01-0.2mm0.08 mm
MaterialMetalMetal
Dimensions13.78"D x 14.96"W x 22.04"H15"D x 23"W x 15"H
Weight8.8 kg23 kg
Display Resolution16K8K
UV Wavelength405nm
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