ARS vs Freedom Breeder

I'm considering purchasing a rack from either Freedom Breeder or ARS. I would like some feedback from those who has experience with both racks. I understand that Freedom Breeder just changed their design so I don't really care about comparing older model(s). I'm only interested in what they are selling now. Thank you.

I bought a 7030 from ARS and I will say this, Brian and Jason are GREAT to do business with! Both of them answered every question I had and they shipped right away! The ARS 7030 is really a great rack system and I will deffently do business with them again! Sorry I cant say anything about Freedom Breeder.

Argh, my decision-making just got harder. I'm now considering this rack system as well: 1960 rack by Animal Plastic.

Here the one I got:
http://www.arscaging.com/ars7030.html

Both are really high quality racks. They're in a totally different league as AP/RBI/C-serpents/etc.

I have experience with FB, but also like ARS.
The FB racks have removable ventilation panels so you can switch them out accordingly to your environment.
Their racks are stainless steel so it's easy to clean. I think ARS is powder coated racks right? That may look and feel better than the FB rack.
The tubs and heat for both are about the same.

Jeff from Freedom Breeder is great to work with. Excellent service.

My rack has no issue, but I've heard that some FB tubs don't slide as well as the ARS.

Either way, you can't go wrong.

Oh, please state WHY you feel one is better than the other. This will help with my decision-making. :)

Animal Plastic rack is out because I will need at least 25 tubs by next year.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

I prefer ARS racks over freedom breeder racks, but you really can't go wrong either way.

Both companies have done their fair share of innovating -- and copying the other as well. There really isn't a huge amount of difference between them these days.

A big part of your decision will likely come down to which one is closer to you as this can greatly effect shipping costs.

I prefer ARS racks aesthetics as they are cleaner and have a nice powder coated finish.

The only thing That Freedom breeder has that ARS doesn't is the option for different amounts of ventilation.

I've read some complaints with the FB sliding tubs. I guess it does not slide in/out smoothly but I don't know if this applies to their new design or the old one?

My snake room is pretty warm so I think either FB or ARS rack will be fine BUT I also rent so I will not stay here for a long time. I don't know if my next place will be poorly insulated or not. I guess I'm a little paranoid about spending the big bucks and face issues with temperature control later.

Did anyone experience issues with the NEW Freedom Breeder racks?

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Originally Posted by digizure

Did anyone experience issues with the NEW Freedom Breeder racks?

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I have an ARS rack and it slides more or less like the Freedom Breeders I have. I prefer FB because they are local and I can get my racks in a day......no shipping charges.

For what it's worth, FB is the original. Period. I was buying racks from Lindy in the early 90s. Heck, I was buying metal racks from Roylance before ARS hit the scene.

I don't remember ARS caging being around then.........hmmmmmm.

ARS makes a nice product, but they didn't innovate the metal rack. At best, maybe they were the third man on the scene.