Croc Infrared 1" Flat Iron.. Worth The Cost?

It was time for me to get a new flat iron. Having Type 3/4A hair my main concern is heat damage to the follicle causing brittle and/split ends. I had a Gold N Hot for years and YES it fried my hair smh. While I was in Esthetics school, the girls suggested that I get a GHD flat iron from Cosmo Prof. The claimed it was the best. It worked great for about 9 months but then shorted out.

I went to Ulta during a sale to see what I can find (because Cosmo Prof was closed) and I found the 1" Infrared flat iron by Croc (it was 30% off.) The normal price is around $165 but I paid about $115 plus tax.

The box states:
"Maximum Infrared Benefits: maximize any effect of styling or treatment for optimum results within shorter time.

Dual plate technology: provides faster heat up more evenly.

Auto Shut Off: activated when no movement is detected in 40 minutes.

Style Versatility: floating plates create vivacious curls, flips and straight hair.

The Hottest Temperature available: maximum temperature up to 450 F (230 C)

Nano Titanium Plates with Ceramic Heater: generates plenty of Negative Ions that seal moisture, add silky shine on hair, and longer lasting style.

Infrared Benefits on Hair: Keeps moisture balance on hair. Prevents hair damage and dandruff. Stimulates hair growth. Protects color treated hair. Removes hair bacteria and hair odor. Keeps natural healthy hair by sealing moisture and adds silky shine."

First Impression:
I liked the price, it was on sale! And I liked that the box states that it helped prevent hair bacteria and odor with the infrared. I knew that was a fact because it does the same for skin. However, I wasn't sure about the "prevents hair damage and dandruff." claim. I'm sure that the ceramic and titanium plates help prevent hair damage but I'm not sure how the infrared prevents dandruff. I can understand how direct contact with infrared could help prevent dandruff but umm... Using a flat iron is not going to give you direct infrared contact to your SCALP especially with the infrared light down the middle of the plate sooo I don't know about that claim...

First Use:
I sectioned my hair off and applied to a small section of hair. The flat iron glided over my hair very easily and left it very soft and straight. My scalp felt great because I didn't have any tug and pull when using this flat iron. The only draw back is that the handle gets very hot if you use it on the highest setting and it can become uncomfortable to use. I also kept turning the iron off because of the placement of the on/off and on button.

Second use after blow dry:
I noticed after taking the time to open the instructions that I have to actually turn the infrared on! (lol) oops! You have to turn it on and then press the on/off button to activate the infrared technology. After that, it worked even better than the first time! My hair doesn't have that flat ironed smell and my ends are really smooth. I flat ironed my whole head in 35 mins. I LOVE this flat iron. I would definitely suggest it!