New or Used Thermostat?

[Driver]

I am in the market for a good thermostat. I have been looking at Helix, Herpstat, and Vivarium 200. I know that they are all practically the same in features and are all reliable. I have read what people have to say and I am happy with what I have heard about all 3. I am pretty fortunate with the fact that ARS Caging is 20 miles from me and they sale all the thermostats.

I have seen various ads throughout the reptile forums out there where people are selling used thermostats and at a pretty good price. Would you prefer to buy a new one or a used one if you could save a good amount of money?

[Royal Hijinx]

Depends on the thermostat and condition. I would not by a used on/off as they seem to have a limited life span.

[West Coast Jungle]

I have purchased new and used T stats. The only problem with used is if the used one breaks you have no recourse. I had this happen to a Ranco I bought used.

I pretty much use only Herpstat Pros now. They are the best IMO and if you EVER have issues you email them and they respond with advice immediately. I have used them for over 4 years now and they are flawless! Great customer service!

[Annarose15]

A good thermostat is the most vital piece of equipment for the protection of your snakes. If you really can get a great deal on used ones, I'd suggest buying two and using one to back up the other. The odds that both will fail are much lower.

[Driver]

I found a Herpstat for $80 shipped. Would this be a good deal to go over a new one. I would be saving close to $50 after taxes.

[kitedemon]

As long as the unit is working there should be no problem. I can't speak for the others but Dion @ spider robotics has raised the bar for customer service. I not only have had good service but some of the best service I have ever had from any product period. I am sure that he will be able to help if there is a problem.

incidentally I 100% agree with a fail safe t-stat. There is always a chance of unit failure or a larger chance the probe will get pulled. There has been too many posts about a door cat or child pulling the probe loose on a rack and most of the animals being seriously injured or killed. That being said just to be clear a proportional unit cannot act as a back up for a proportional unit it needs to be an on off type. I was told by Dion even a pro in on off mode cannot back up a second pro not sure why but I trust him.

"One Pro cannot backup another Pro. :^) No way to have them checkup on the
other unit...."
Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics