Newb trying to find the right BP morph

[Jessicat]

Hey all, kind of a random first post. I currently have 4 leopard geckos and a jungle carpet python, but was thinking of getting a ball python in the future. The thing is, I'm a BP newb and even though there's over 1,000 different morphs and I can't seem to find something that I both like and is within my price range [also being in Canada doesn't seem to help with the price point part, lol, I swear I've seen some normals go for $100].

For the most part I really like BP morphs with a dark colouration/pattern or the ones that are monochromatic/minimal brown and yellow. Looking around on World of Ball Pythons I've seen these so far that are interesting:
-Axanthic/Axanthic combos
-Desert/Desert Ghost [is "Desert Ghost" Desert+Ghost or is it it's own morph?]
-Sable
-Black Pastel
-Black Lace
-Cinnamon/Super Cinnamon/Lithium

Not sure if there's anything else out there that's similar to these? I also kind of like the Calico-types, but are there any other morph combos that work with the Calico that bring out only the "upper half region" patterning, if that makes sense? Aside from the Calider/Calico-Spider, which brings me to my next point,

My restrictions on these are:
-under 4 digit price [preferably under $750, but that seems unlikely]
-don't really want to deal with Spider-related morphs
-don't need "hets", probably not going to breed them [but who knows, lol]
-preferably less than a year old [I think the younger ones are usually cheaper]
-don't think gender matters, do females grow that much bigger than males?

And I think that's about it ^^; Hope I posted this is in the right sub-forum, and thanks in advance for the help :3

[LotsaBalls]

Black pastels are cheaper.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Cinnys and Black Pastels are cheap, you can grab males cheaper.
Take your money and go to your local show. Walk around and see what catches your eye.

[DooLittle]

That isn't the cheapest list of morphs. . As far as size, females to get bigger. I like the spider gene so I am not much help as far as what to chose. Lesser/butter is also nice, but they are lighter. Clean pattern though.. Couldn't you order from a breeder and have it shipped? Welcome to bps, and bp.net!

[jcoylesr76]

my suggestions would be to hit shows, look online, find something that stands out to you. not sure on the prices of a few you have listed, but a few of them will be under your predetermined price cap (and could get a couple of them). and generally the males will be less than females, and females generally will be larger than males, as far as age a late 2011 early 2012 should be young enough in your standards.

[travis11]

Cinnamon, Woma, and Black Pastel maybe? Those are all fairly cheap and very nice looking snakes! Or you can find a really cool looking Normal if you search around the web enough....

[Cameron Lamb Exotics]

Chocolate or super chocolate

[Slim]

Buy a Normal. At the rate things are going, a Normal BP will be rare in 5 years......

[QuidsBalls]

Haha
I don't think Normals will be rare at any point in the future

I have personally picked up a pretty nice Male Black Pastel for $140
He looks great, only weighs 225g right now but when he's bigger i'll be breeding him hopefully to a female Cinnamon
Also, I have picked up normal females who weigh only 120g for only $20

Keep a sharp eye out though, 2 of my normal females came with scale rot I've been treating them both ever since..

Anyways, keep a list of morphs you want, figure out what they are worth, and keep an eye on the market for something that is cheaper than average

Yes, the younger ones are normally cheaper, unless the person you go to is selling out their collection or they are looking to get rid of their current breeders for new ones

[Dragoon]

look at the pastel calico. makes a nice high contrast looking animal