Hot combs

A hot comb has not touched my head since I was about 8, right around the time that my mother couldn't take my tears on Sunday evening any longer. But, I'm looking for an option other than a flat iron, b/c that's just not working for me (that clamped down heat really stresses me out. I'm think the hot comb may be slightly better, b/c it's not just sitting on my hair. Does that make sense??). I've seen a few blogs with people having success with hot combs, so I wanted to know what you all thought. Am I crazy for even thinking this is a possibility?

I have used both for years. In my opinion the flat iron is better because the heat is better control. After learning how to probably use my flat iron (great tips from taren916 on youtube) I have not touched that hot comb in years. I don't even know why I still have it.