Helix vs. Herpstat?

I need one for an Animal Plastic rack and one for a DIY incubator.

Also, where does everybody buy their thermostats from?

Big Apple Herp has both, and that is the last place I bought mine.

I went through the same decision making a few months ago and decided on Herpastat. That being said...I could not be happier. The Herpstat has some very cool features and the customer service was excellent! I'm sure they both make great T-stats though, so you can't really go wrong.

I have a Helix right now, and as much as I like it, I just ordered a Herpstata II. I'm keeping a couple of different species, and it was nice basically getting two thermostats for little over the price of one.

I've used both and like both, Herpstat's tend to have a better user interface.

I would recommend also checking Reptile Basics new Vivarium line of thermostats http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats So far I've heard good things.

Thanks! Yeah, I was looking at the Helix because LLL sold them, but several people have been VERRRRY pushy about how much better the Herpstats are. (Actually, what they say is: "They're equally good, really. But the herpstats are just better!" Wait, what?)

I only have one rack, and to be honest I have no idea why I chose the Herpstat over the Helix, but I really like my Herpstat. I bought it directly from SpyderRobotics http://www.spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat.html I went the ND though because you don't need the additional cable for the night drop. I think the only thing I've heard against the Helix is that they only have one button.

I have both, I like the helix's the best, I absolutely hate the herpstat II, waiting for the thing just to make a simple adjustment annoys me. Between the helix and and the regular herpstat I'd put them at the same, I just like how helixs are easy to mount, where herpstats are kinda goofy shaped.

If either one of them would give me 3 buttons (up/down and biggest factor of all, the enter button) so i don't have to wait for it to cycle, i would easily convert over.

I love my Helix but will be buying VEs from now on;);)

Bought my basic Herpstat from Spyder. Very happy with it.

I have a herpstat pros (3) a II (1) and an ND (1) I admit the nd and II is a pain to set but no worse than my clock. I really love the pros faster to set and well just nice. The new VEs sound quite good but I am reserving my final comment until I have my hands on one. Rich has been great in answering my questions about the details of the VEs. It looks like a good product but in all honesty if you compare the typical units (helix, herpstat, VE, and ecozone) they all use a triac system and have similar accuracy and functions and to my mind they are very close to each other the menus and setting of them is about the biggest differences. The ecozone is likely the easiest to set (played with the demo) as it can be set from a computer and checked remotely. But every little part you buy separately so cost is against it the rest are almost the same price. Pick one they all will work, and are similar accuracy the rest is not much importance.

I bought 3 VE's from Rich today and am patiently waiting for them to show up next week. I have a Herpstat and it has been bulletproof for over 6 years now. I have a Helix that I bought last year and I like it also. I am going to switch the the VE's because for the same money as a Helix I can get more options and it is rated for 700 vs the Helix 500.

I love my helix and hate the herpstat it constantly is adjusting the Temp and isn't consistent as my Helix I did purchase a VE and have it on a rack but not been up long enough to say good or bad but stick with Helix there what the pro's use and what I will stick with unless the VE is better.

Lance

Helix VE, where do you get those? All I see are the Helix DBS1000 for sale?

(Hey Herpstat people, what model are you recommending? Remember I'm starting out here, I don't want to get completely extravagant yet.)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lance

I love my helix and hate the herpstat it constantly is adjusting the Temp and isn't consistent as my Helix I did purchase a VE and have it on a rack but not been up long enough to say good or bad but stick with Helix there what the pro's use and what I will stick with unless the VE is better.

Lance

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Have you setup your proportional curve settings in the Herpstat settings(Lo1 Lo2 Std Hi1 Hi2)? I had to use Hi1 to get mine constant but after that I never have more than .2-.3 degree swing in any direction. That's more than reasonable. Just a thought...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by loonunit

Helix VE, where do you get those? All I see are the Helix DBS1000 for sale?

(Hey Herpstat people, what model are you recommending? Remember I'm starting out here, I don't want to get completely extravagant yet.)

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I love my Herpstat and will definitely be buying a Herpstat II when I add another rack. My current Herpstat will go to hatchling rack duty at that point. If you are using a metal rack you should get the Herpstat Grounded, otherwise, the standard Herpstat will work just fine!

Regards,

B

Quote:

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Originally Posted by loonunit

Helix VE, where do you get those? All I see are the Helix DBS1000 for sale?

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A VE is not a Helix model.................... http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-300

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

A VE is not a Helix model.................... http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-300

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Hah, this thread make much more sense now! Thanks!

I prefer the herpstat for my incubator, it gives me more accuracy on the temp in there. But for my racks and cages, I use Helix. I have been using them for years and they are work horses I have been relying on for years:gj:

I'm using Herpstat for my rack and planing another one for my Incubator... Bought it directly form Spider Robotics....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Simple Man

Have you setup your proportional curve settings in the Herpstat settings(Lo1 Lo2 Std Hi1 Hi2)? I had to use Hi1 to get mine constant but after that I never have more than .2-.3 degree swing in any direction. That's more than reasonable. Just a thought...

I was just on the phone with herpstat and they told me to do that so I am going to work on that today when I get back from the reptile show. Thanks for pointing that out to me as well. How did you set yours up, cause I am still a bit confused on it lol?

I love my Herpstat and will definitely be buying a Herpstat II when I add another rack. My current Herpstat will go to hatchling rack duty at that point. If you are using a metal rack you should get the Herpstat Grounded, otherwise, the standard Herpstat will work just fine!

Regards,

B

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Lance, check out this post: It should get you close enough to figure it out :)

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?143587-Thermostat-help&p=1553400#post1553400

Regards,

B

If you are looking at the herpstat how many probes do you need?If you only need one get the basic non ND one I don't really use the nd feature myself the ambient temp drops in the night with the room temps that is all you really need so the drop feature may be useful for other animals but not so much with balls.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lance

I love my helix and hate the herpstat it constantly is adjusting the Temp and isn't consistent as my Helix I did purchase a VE and have it on a rack but not been up long enough to say good or bad but stick with Helix there what the pro's use and what I will stick with unless the VE is better.

Lance

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Lance, if your having a problem with you temps just shoot me an email (sales@spyderrobotics.com) with the description of your setup and what settings you are using with the Herpstat and I'd be happy to help get things working right. :)

-Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spyderrobotics

Lance, if your having a problem with you temps just shoot me an email (sales@spyderrobotics.com) with the description of your setup and what settings you are using with the Herpstat and I'd be happy to help get things working right. :)

-Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

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Just another reason i love the Herpstat...

Herpstat for both :salute:

I use a combo of things. I have several Helix, and Herpstats. Both good, but we are in the slow process of changing over to eco zone just like them better. I have a VE being tested now so far so good.

if the rack and incubator are close enough get a herpastat 2 or pro and use 1 thermostat to control both

all ive used is helix and have never had a problem with them but if anyone has a herpstat that theyd like me to try and keep let me know and i will give it a go :D

I have Herpstat, Helix and Vivarium Electronics thermostats. All three are well made and will work well. Before buying the VE, Herpstat was my favorite because it just seemed easier to set up for ND in my breeder's rack. Now that I have the VE, it is becoming my favorite, especially since it sits flat on the top of a rack instead of needing a stand.

You really can't go wrong with any of them. It is just a matter of preference.

u should look into the VE's from basic reptiles ..i have mine hooked up to a rack and its working great, very happy with it:D

We are using VE stats exclusively. We are running 30 racks, 10 cages and several incubators with 3 ve100's, 6 ve200's, and 5 ve300 x2's. Could not be happier since the switch.