What next?

I've been under a no new snake restriction for about 18 months now. I made a pact with my GF that I wouldn't add any more critters until we moved out of our apartment and into a house. Now that we're scheduled to close on our new home in a few weeks, and even though I know it'll take a while to get settled in, I'm already looking forward to my next acquisition. I'm just not sure what I want. I do know that I want a larger animal. Something fairly heavy bodied and in the 10-12 ft range perhaps. I have a thing for numbers and since I currently have 8 snakes there's no way I could add just one and be stuck on 9 so I'll probably end up with a total of 10. That's a nice round number of completion. The plan is to add one snake this year and another in a year or two. My top choices right now are a SD retic, scrub python, or maybe a boa. I'm also considering an albino olive python or Eastern Indigo. The latter two are dream snakes and would be the 2nd addition after I get on top of this house stuff :). I'm also open to other suggestions. Any thoughts?

an Indigo and a SD retic. :)

cha-ching! it's fun to spend other people's money. :P

also, congrats on your new home!

Congrats on your new house!!!!

As I was reading your thread I saw "heavy bodied" and immediately thought blood/STP...then I saw 10-12 feet...

Once my enclosures are upgraded I have the green light from the girlfriend to add another too!!! I'm a ways out still, but my gears are turning too...

I'll be stoked to see what you decide on when the time comes.

Pssst... SD retic... You know you want to... [emoji16]


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Congrats on the new home, and a SD retic!!

heavy bodied? go Burm! or something a lil more rare - African Rock or Indian Rock Python. :)

and most def Eastern Indigo!

Edit: are u gonna put a basketball hoop in the driveway/over the garage at the new house?

congrats Ziggy!

Boelen's Python!

(is it too early to take out a second mortgage on the house???)

Thanks all. I'll admit the SD retic has a slight lead over the others. I love reading the retic keepers threads. The pushing, pooping and peeing stories do concern me a little bit though. Not to mention those gnarly a** teeth :).

@ Ax- I might put an adjustable hoop in the driveway :). The Burm might just be another feasible option too. Not as many cool morphs as retics but I really like the hypos.

@ Hilabeans- Those Boelens are the cat's meow for sure. A little outside my budget though :).

Great news Ziggy! :)

Man, that little voice keeps whispering Scrub, Scrub, Scrub to me and I keep pushing it away. I’m plum out of room. I hope you stay Aussie so I can get my Scrub fix through you.

@ Reinz- You know I love those Aussie critters! That's why the scrubs are on the list. I'd have 2 of Australia's largest snakes with the scrub and my olive. Speaking of Olives, your girl is looking GREAT! My male is close to 5ft and about 1700g. We might have to put those 2 together when you're ready to breed. Who produced your girl? My male came from Jeff Hartwig.

Boa. Get a Boa. Then a Burm. Then a Scrub. And then after the GF has left you, get the retic (i'm awful sorry I hope you 2 have a long happy life together :) )

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Boa. Get a Boa. Then a Burm. Then a Scrub. And then after the GF has left you, get the retic (i'm awful sorry I hope you 2 have a long happy life together :) )

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Or if you really want heavy bodied, there's always anacondas...

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

@ Reinz- You know I love those Aussie critters! That's why the scrubs are on the list. I'd have 2 of Australia's largest snakes with the scrub and my olive. Speaking of Olives, your girl is looking GREAT! My male is close to 5ft and about 1700g. We might have to put those 2 together when you're ready to breed. Who produced your girl? My male came from Jeff Hartwig.

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Thanks!

Olivia is 4.5 feet and due for a weigh in next week. I suspect that she is in the low 500 mark.

I wanted a Hartwig as well but he was out. Olivia came out of FL but the guy that sold her to me is from San Diego. She is CBB.

We may need to work something out in a few years. There aren’t enough Olives in this country. [emoji4]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fe354d2304.jpg

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Or if you really want heavy bodied, there's always anacondas...

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I’ve wanted an Anaconda ever since I got addicted to snakes. I have been looking hard at them lately even though I don’t have room. If I do decide to ditch some furniture I wil probably go Scrub or Anaconda.

But man, if I Do get rid of furniture just to add a Giant Snake, I have definitely become THAT GUY! :D

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Originally Posted by Reinz

I’ve wanted an Anaconda ever since I got addicted to snakes. I have been looking hard at them lately even though I don’t have room. If I do decide to ditch some furniture I wil probably go Scrub or Anaconda.

But man, if I Do get rid of furniture just to add a Giant Snake, I have definitely become THAT GUY! :D

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Lol. Same here. No room. But they day I hit the lottery/actually have the space and money is the day I build the worlds most amazing private anaconda enclosure. Realistically though, the day will come when I will get one just not quite there yet and I'm ok with that (for now..)

A yellow anaconda is my unicorn of snakes. Unless I hit the super lotto...

I say a SD retic and either the Indigo or to toss out another choice.....a black headed python.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

A yellow anaconda is my unicorn of snakes. Unless I hit the super lotto...

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I'd like a black headed python. Maybe I'll skip the red neo gtp or etb and just blow the wad on a black headed python and then send BRB on here photos of it as i know he really wants one too :)

Congrats on the house, Zig! Great news.

As for a potential new snake, you're not going to be able to shake the need for an SD Retic. Just have to decide at what point you'll take one on!

I second the Boelen's, Scrub or Eastern Indigo. I thought I saw an Eastern Indigo in the wild last year on Sanibel Island but it was more likely a large Black Racer. Since then, though, I have wanted one.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I say a SD retic and either the Indigo or to toss out another choice.....a black headed python.

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Oooh a BHP! Stellar suggestion Sauzo!! We have a new contender ladies and gentlemen. :)

@ Rock - The main issue I have with the Eastern Indigo is there's some sort of permit required since they're a protected species here in GA. I'm not sure if I want to jump through those hoops. There isn't a more majestic snake out there though.

I'm slightly surprised a white-lipped hasn't entered this conversation...

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I'm slightly surprised a white-lipped hasn't entered this conversation...

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WLPs are another gorgeous critter Craig. I really love the black WLPs. I hear a lot of them are WC though and have to be treated for parasites. I prefer CBB animals.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

WLPs are another gorgeous critter Craig. I really love the black WLPs. I hear a lot of them are WC though and have to be treated for parasites. I prefer CBB animals.

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Yeah, I'm not interested in WC either. I've barely scratched the surface researching them, but they're definitely on my "maybe someday" list.

I’m a believer of born free, stay free. Other than zoos, I just don’t like caging wild animals.

Yup I'll chime in on that. D'Alberts is definitely up there for me. I prefer the Southern (black ones) but the Northerns appeal to me as well, really beautiful goldish brown body. But yeah, seems extremely difficult to find CBB which is a must for me, especially considering parasites and supposed feisty nature.

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Or if you really want heavy bodied, there's always anacondas...

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omg how did i forget about Conda's?!

look at this! (i actually don't know if it's fake)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...-boa-snake.jpg

then i saw the same image @ 1:51 of this vid. look at the size of these Anacondas!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpFO6YfCr5k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpFO6YfCr5k

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Originally Posted by Reinz

I’ve wanted an Anaconda ever since I got addicted to snakes. I have been looking hard at them lately even though I don’t have room. If I do decide to ditch some furniture I wil probably go Scrub or Anaconda.

But man, if I Do get rid of furniture just to add a Giant Snake, I have definitely become THAT GUY! :D

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me too! Conda's were my fav's as a kid. i remember seeing them at the Pacific Science Center and how easily they coulda swallowed a kid like me.

anyways Reinz - u could get rid of your bed to put in a T100. then u can get a sofa bed. bed goes in when u wake up, bed comes out when u wanna sleep. it will all work out. ;)


Edit: Ziggy u should getta Green Anaconda. :)

Zig, if you’re going to go all out I have to agree with the recommendation of the green or yellow anaconda. I mean, you can play games with the retics and various rock pythons and even a scrub, but, nothing really says “I’m all in” than an anaconda.

That being said, a BHP sounds like a really great choice as well.

Condas are a little too much critter for me. I'd have to feed that monster pigs and deer. :)

I love Anacondas, but nothing says “monster” like an an Anaconda!
They are beyond “pet size” to me. It is like keeping a lion, a rhino or a crocodile!

I used to have a Nile Monitor. They are a blast too. My guy would get thrown in the bath tub when i came home from work and i would turn on the heat lamp in the bathroom. He loved it. I would also let him roam the room. He HATED a buddy of mine. Not sure why but he took a shot at him once with his tail and missed but put a a huge dent in the sheet rock wall. I had him since he was a hatchling and when i finally rehomed him, he was around 5 feet. I actually miss him as he was such a laid back guy for me.

Well I'd vote for the Retic. Although I'm bias since I have one. I haven't had the pushing issue which some do but at first he wasn't that great of a feeder but now he's stepped up his game. I also have a Blood and he is just an awesome snake. Again I haven't had any of the hissing, puffing or any defensive attitude some experience. He's a very laid back fatty and I'll probably add a SSTP too. Anacondas would be one of my dream snakes but their need for water is a big problem for me. Maybe if I get a Snake shed on my land then my wife would approve.

Black-headed python or a yellowtail cribo.

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Originally Posted by reinz

great news ziggy! :)

man, that little voice keeps whispering scrub, scrub, scrub to me and i keep pushing it away. I’m plum out of room. I hope you stay aussie so i can get my scrub fix through you.

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scrub, scrub, scruuuuub!!

I checked with Derek Roddy and he says he'll probably have some BHPs next year to sell but nothing this year. Which is probably for the best. When I told my GF I wanted to drop $1700 on a snake she gave me one of coldest stare downs I've ever seen :tears:. I was really just testing the waters for her response but I see this isn't the time to fight that battle so I think it's coming down to the SD retic or a Scrub. I think either would be a challenging and rewarding species to work with.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I checked with Derek Roddy and he says he'll probably have some BHPs next year to sell but nothing this year. Which is probably for the best. When I told my GF I wanted to drop $1700 on a snake she gave me one of coldest stare downs I've ever seen :tears:. I was really just testing the waters for her response but I see this isn't the time to fight that battle so I think it's coming down to the SD retic or a Scrub. I think either would be a challenging and rewarding species to work with.

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If I was dating someone and they were not happy with an animal I wanted and could afford, I think would be a compatibility issue for me. That is just me. I have to be me and someone would have to enjoy and love the animals I have. They are my kiddos. Thankfully my GF loves them as much as I do and helps with them.

Not giving advice on that one though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I checked with Derek Roddy and he says he'll probably have some BHPs next year to sell but nothing this year. Which is probably for the best. When I told my GF I wanted to drop $1700 on a snake she gave me one of coldest stare downs I've ever seen :tears:. I was really just testing the waters for her response but I see this isn't the time to fight that battle so I think it's coming down to the SD retic or a Scrub. I think either would be a challenging and rewarding species to work with.

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Lmao!
On the SD retic topic, Daniel Solis has some smoking hot 87.5% kalatoas. Both tigers and normal wild type.


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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

If I was dating someone and they were not happy with an animal I wanted and could afford, I think would be a compatibility issue for me. That is just me. I have to be me and someone would have to enjoy and love the animals I have. They are my kiddos. Thankfully my GF loves them as much as I do and helps with them.

Not giving advice on that one though.

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Hey now - life is give and take! Compromise is not a bad thing and sounds like Zig's GF is a real keeper.

I've had to reel my man's tastes in occasionally, as he does mine from time to time. Just because one has an idea doesn't always mean its a good one and sometimes it takes a third party to keep us in line.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I checked with Derek Roddy and he says he'll probably have some BHPs next year to sell but nothing this year. Which is probably for the best. When I told my GF I wanted to drop $1700 on a snake she gave me one of coldest stare downs I've ever seen :tears:. I was really just testing the waters for her response but I see this isn't the time to fight that battle so I think it's coming down to the SD retic or a Scrub. I think either would be a challenging and rewarding species to work with.

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My financial limit is about 1/3 Of that!!! Hahahahaha.
Both self imposed and in my girlfriend's eyes. To me, since they're just pets, I just can't see spending that kinda scratch. There are so many beautiful snakes that are much more budget friendly.
Maybe someday my limit will rise, but it'll probably have to rely on the lottery, hahaha!!

To this who can afford some of the "expensive" snakes, more power to ya, I'm only a little jealous, ha!

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

If I was dating someone and they were not happy with an animal I wanted and could afford, I think would be a compatibility issue for me. That is just me. I have to be me and someone would have to enjoy and love the animals I have. They are my kiddos. Thankfully my GF loves them as much as I do and helps with them.

Not giving advice on that one though.

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I feel you Sky but I'm not the kind of guy that loses too much of me in the we. My GF doesn't share my love and passion for reptiles, or animals in general, but she definitely doesn't try to stop me from being me either. I appreciate our relationship for the things we have in common and for our differences as well. We have plenty of both :). I can do whatever I want but she sometimes helps me control my impulsive tendencies, keep things in perspective, and to prioritize our needs and wants. She also helps me maintain a healthy work/play save/spend balance. I don't need her to tell me that furnishing our new home and paying for our son's multiple summer camps is more important than buying a fairly expensive new critter right now, but I love the fact that she's sometimes more frugal and prudent than I am. She's a thrifty shopper and saver and I'm more of a free spender. I like it that reins me in sometimes. If she thought more like me we'd have a lot more stuff but less coin. We work well because I help her loosen up and she helps me tighten up so it's all good. :)

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

Hey now - life is give and take! Compromise is not a bad thing and sounds like Zig's GF is a real keeper.

I've had to reel my man's tastes in occasionally, as he does mine from time to time. Just because one has an idea doesn't always mean its a good one and sometimes it takes a third party to keep us in line.

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Agreed! My girl is very understanding and supportive of my snake hobby and sees my passion. When she wants to drop $400 on a dress she'll probably wear once or twice (asinine in my eyes, wink wink) who am I to tell her it's silly??? I'll tell her as long as we can afford it, go for It!

We support each other and it works!


Ziggy, sounds like we've both got ourselves a keeper!!

@ Hilabeans- I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you. ;)

@ Craig- I'm with you brother. My most expensive snake to date only cost me $400. I'm only going big on the BHB because it's a dream snake for me. $1700 could buy a lot of other more responsible things but we only live once right?! And we deserve to have some of the nicer things we want as long as our responsibilities are met. ;)

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I feel you Sky but I'm not the kind of guy that loses too much of me in the we. My GF doesn't share my love and passion for reptiles, or animals in general, but she definitely doesn't try to stop me from being me either. I appreciate our relationship for the things we have in common and for our differences as well. We have plenty of both :). I can do whatever I want but she sometimes helps me control my impulsive tendencies, keep things in perspective, and to prioritize our needs and wants. She also helps me maintain a healthy work/play save/spend balance. I don't need her to tell me that furnishing our new home and paying for our son's multiple summer camps is more important than buying a fairly expensive new critter right now, but I love the fact that she's sometimes more frugal and prudent than I am. She's a thrifty shopper and saver and I'm more of a free spender. I like it that reins me in sometimes. If she thought more like me we'd have a lot more stuff but less coin. We work well because I help her loosen up and she helps me tighten up so it's all good. :)

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This is SSSOOOOOO well said!!!
I seriously was picturing Katie and I in every sentence I read. You and I seem to be a lot alike, and our girls seem a lot alike!! I'm more free spirited, free with money, etc...but she keeps me grounded. She's a little more reserved, but from the first time her and I hung out, I knew there was a fun, amazing girl in there. It took a while, but I found it. There's an angel inside my girl, but I truly believe that only myself and her mother ever saw it. She makes sure that angel only comes out when she trusts that it won't be broken. And I know how lucky I am to have earned her trust and love enough to have met the angel inside her.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

@ Hilabeans- I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you. ;)

@ Craig- I'm with you brother. My most expensive snake to date only cost me $400. I'm only going big on the BHB because it's a dream snake for me. $1700 could buy a lot of other more responsible things but we only live once right?! And we deserve to have some of the nicer things we want as long as our responsibilities are met. ;)

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No doubt, my man!!!

Was joking more than not. A good relationship is worth a lot. Wish you the best man.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I feel you Sky but I'm not the kind of guy that loses too much of me in the we. My GF doesn't share my love and passion for reptiles, or animals in general, but she definitely doesn't try to stop me from being me either. I appreciate our relationship for the things we have in common and for our differences as well. We have plenty of both :). I can do whatever I want but she sometimes helps me control my impulsive tendencies, keep things in perspective, and to prioritize our needs and wants. She also helps me maintain a healthy work/play save/spend balance. I don't need her to tell me that furnishing our new home and paying for our son's multiple summer camps is more important than buying a fairly expensive new critter right now, but I love the fact that she's sometimes more frugal and prudent than I am. She's a thrifty shopper and saver and I'm more of a free spender. I like it that reins me in sometimes. If she thought more like me we'd have a lot more stuff but less coin. We work well because I help her loosen up and she helps me tighten up so it's all good. :)

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I agree. Was joking more than not.

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Originally Posted by hilabeans

Hey now - life is give and take! Compromise is not a bad thing and sounds like Zig's GF is a real keeper.

I've had to reel my man's tastes in occasionally, as he does mine from time to time. Just because one has an idea doesn't always mean its a good one and sometimes it takes a third party to keep us in line.

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

Was joking more than not. A good relationship is worth a lot. Wish you the best man.

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Thanks Sky. I took no offense and I agree with the sentiment that nobody should be in a relationship where they're not accepted, loved, and supported for who they are. It's good when you find someone that makes you want to be a better person. My son and my GF are two people that bring out the best in me. I guess my cat and my snakes do too ;).

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

@ Hilabeans- I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you. ;)

@ Craig- I'm with you brother. My most expensive snake to date only cost me $400. I'm only going big on the BHB because it's a dream snake for me. $1700 could buy a lot of other more responsible things but we only live once right?! And we deserve to have some of the nicer things we want as long as our responsibilities are met. ;)

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I spent $1200+ on a World Series Astros baseball signed by every player, GM and the owner for my husband on our 20th wedding anniversary. In my mind - an absolutely ludicrous amount of money to spend on a ball with some ink scribbled on it. But the look on my hubby's face when I gave it to him? Worth EVERY PENNY! To him, it is a priceless treasure. And I make a good living and wasn't sacrificing important things to do it. So, why not?

Now, I may be asking him to be ok with me dropping some serious money on a snake in the next year. To him, it will be absurd. To me, I liken it to investing in an expensive piece of art, only better since it's living art. And if I have to play the baseball card, I totally will. ;)

But ultimately, if he was 100% against it and would not come around, I would not do it. We are a family and big decisions are made together. How else could we stay happily married for 20+ years???

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I agree. Was joking more than not.

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I totally knew you were. Just felt like I had to take one for the GFs/voices of reason out there! :)

I'm sure you guys love your snakes, but nothing beats an awesome woman/human partner by your side...if I do say so myself. :D

Well considering you said heavier bodied and in the 10 to 12 foot range I would go for a boa. Some kinda of main land bcc boa. Its not the most interesting but you don't have a boa and it's not a terrible choice over all.

Example my Columbian red tail.
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil..._42_12_pro.jpg

I was gonna say go for the albino olive but you already have a olive python. You have some underrated stuff like bull snakes and olive pythons so for me indigo snakes and scrub pythons seem right for you. I know I recommended a boa but boa's and sd retics seem to common for your collection. I guess that's a tough choice lol. Well what ever you decide on I'm sure it'll be a good addition for you.

Beautiful boa EDR. I really like boas too and I hear they're usually a bit more mellow than a scrub or retic.

so what did u decide to get? SD Retic or Scrub this year and $1700 BHP next year? maybe all 3? ;)