Boaphile vs. Reptile Basics

Which rack would you choose:

Boaphile cb-70 rack

or

Reptile Basics cb-70 rack


If you have some what are your likes and dislikes, photos are nice also.:D

Im only using Reptile Basics for all my racks, nothing against Boaphile I just haven't tried them.

reptile basics! Unless you dont mind waiting months to recieve your order vice one or two weeks.

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Originally Posted by tmartin2347

Which rack would you choose:

Boaphile cb-70 rack

or

Reptile Basics cb-70 rack


If you have some what are your likes and dislikes, photos are nice also.:D

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I would go with Reptile Basics.

As already stated - Rich's customer service and turn-around time are top notch.

I have dealt with Reptile Basics many times and really like them. They have great customer service, and I have received all of my racks / cages very quickly. I have noticed, on the other hand, that they recently raised their prices pretty substantially. I was going to buy a rack a few days ago that used to be $235 shipped, and the price is not $270 shipped plus they wanted an extra $20 for belly heat, which was included in the price before... I decided against it.

I have only dealt with Boaphile once. I bought two videos from them. I sent payment and did not receive the videos. I called approximately three weeks to a month later, and they told me that they were sorry, but that he forgot and would get them to me right away. The videos arrived within the week.

I think there needs to be another option, Animal Plastics! Just as good as RB racks faster shipping than Boas and a little cheaper than both.

er double post...

edit:I'll make some use of it...

Other rack companys take longer to ship too compared to rbi, but I have heard good things about all of the companys so id just choose what you can afford and have time to wait for shiping.

RBIs racks a built well and are a rack that I know will last me a very long time.


Dont forget that RBI racks shipping is included in the price, so do not think they are too much more than other places that dont.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FIREball

Im only using Reptile Basics for all my racks, nothing against Boaphile I just haven't tried them.

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I was lucky enough to have a breeder in my area sell off a bunch of his sweaterbox and 41qt boaphile racks.

I got them dirt cheap and instantly - two big reasons why I have avoided ordering from Boaphile in the past.

As far as comparing them against Reptile Basics - Rich's product is thicker and sturdier.

If Jeff began producing Boaphiles for the same price as Rich, with the same turnaround time, I would still opt for the Reptile Basics rack.

Animal Plastics has quoted me some long turnaround times when I have spoken to them. I got one of their racks used over Craig's List and have been impressed with the quality.

Rich at Reptile Basics produces a quality product without the long wait times. He also provides some of the best customer service in the industry. You can't go wrong with him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Beardedragon

RBIs racks a built well and are a rack that I know will last me a very long time.


Dont forget that RBI racks shipping is included in the price, so do not think they are too much more than other places that dont.

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plus it comes with the tubs!

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Originally Posted by nixer

plus it comes with the tubs!

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That too!

I would go with Reptile Basics also.

Might want to check your facts Mr Strong-

Belly heat on the sweaterbox rack has ALWAYS been $20 extra. You paid $245 (not $235) shipped in Feb. of 2007. Now that same rack is $290 shipped. In both cases that includes tubs and belly heat. Price went up $45 since Feb 07. It is now just about 2 years later. Unfortunately the tubs have gone up 26%, shipping about the same, PVC about the same since then. That would get you to about $308 if I added all the increases I have had to pay. Seems like I am actually losing out here somewhere???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reptilebasics

Might want to check your facts Mr Strong-

Belly heat on the sweaterbox rack has ALWAYS been $20 extra. You paid $245 (not $235) shipped in Feb. of 2007. Now that same rack is $290 shipped. In both cases that includes tubs and belly heat. Price went up $45 since Feb 07. It is now just about 2 years later. Unfortunately the tubs have gone up 26%, shipping about the same, PVC about the same since then. That would get you to about $308 if I added all the increases I have had to pay. Seems like I am actually losing out here somewhere???

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You the man Rich, I'll be in touch with you again shortly. Even with your increases you're still less money than others.

for what its worth rich i love all the racks i have right now and i want more only setback is im now unemployed but i assure you ill be getting them from you!
p.s. rich how about an incubator :D

I like Vision.

There are a few good builders out there and I would not care to put one over the other. We all have pros and cons and fill a niche. As some of you know I really did not want to raise the prices, frankly they were selling very well and I am doing alright with it. I was considering other more rash options and sent out some feelers to see how they would be received. Not well. But I also can not go out of business one rack at a time either.

I know it is old news and been beaten to death but the oil skyrocket this past season really put a hurting on prices of about everything. My only gripe is when someone distorts the issue. I sincerely hope that the plastic prices start to slide here in the USA soon and I will be lowering the prices back to pre summer levels. The market on a few plastic types has started to soften a bit and pressure is in the right direction now. Demand in China has plummeted. We will see......I make about the same give or take $5 on most all of the racks and just because the price went up does not mean the profit did- atleast not for me anyway :)

Lower prices are good for all of us. Lower they are, the busier I am and the more money I ultimately make. The more racks I make the more you guys can afford to buy, the more animals you keep and so on and so on and so on. I think you get the idea.:gj: One very large factor is transportation costs- Trucking companies are Sloooooowww right now and with gas/diesel down the rates will be going down here pretty quick I should think.

I am adding the Tampa shows this year and dragging the trailer south from here in NC full. I am hoping many of you will take advantage of the lower costs of buying at shows. It really saves quite a bit not having to pack and ship- and guess what? Gas is cheap again.

Have fun and get to breeding your Balls!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Beardedragon

er double post...

edit:I'll make some use of it...

Other rack companys take longer to ship too compared to rbi, but I have heard good things about all of the companys so id just choose what you can afford and have time to wait for shiping.

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Sorry...:(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reptilebasics

There are a few good builders out there and I would not care to put one over the other. We all have pros and cons and fill a niche. As some of you know I really did not want to raise the prices, frankly they were selling very well and I am doing alright with it. I was considering other more rash options and sent out some feelers to see how they would be received. Not well. But I also can not go out of business one rack at a time either.

I know it is old news and been beaten to death but the oil skyrocket this past season really put a hurting on prices of about everything. My only gripe is when someone distorts the issue. I sincerely hope that the plastic prices start to slide here in the USA soon and I will be lowering the prices back to pre summer levels. The market on a few plastic types has started to soften a bit and pressure is in the right direction now. Demand in China has plummeted. We will see......I make about the same give or take $5 on most all of the racks and just because the price went up does not mean the profit did- atleast not for me anyway :)

Lower prices are good for all of us. Lower they are, the busier I am and the more money I ultimately make. The more racks I make the more you guys can afford to buy, the more animals you keep and so on and so on and so on. I think you get the idea.:gj: One very large factor is transportation costs- Trucking companies are Sloooooowww right now and with gas/diesel down the rates will be going down here pretty quick I should think.

I am adding the Tampa shows this year and dragging the trailer south from here in NC full. I am hoping many of you will take advantage of the lower costs of buying at shows. It really saves quite a bit not having to pack and ship- and guess what? Gas is cheap again.

Have fun and get to breeding your Balls!

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Everything in price is going up except gas, cars, houses, and Bps right now. When Rich raised his prices I started thinking of alternatives...

1. Finding my own PVC supplier, I did and with the rising cost of PVC and building something to quality as RBI it didnt make sense.
2. Going with an ARS rack, the price per tub comes out similar until you get to shipping and that upfront cost.
3. Having my friend who does metal fab build me a metal rack similar to ARS, metal is going way up too and is just as expensive.

Im trying to hold out until March so I can get more racks delivered to Tampa but who knows. Even if I have to order I know they will be here quick and in great shape. I highly reccomend RBI :gj:

...haven't read all the post, and I know you havent listed it as an option, but animal plastics have a new cb70 economy rack. I have a few AP racks and will always go thru them. They don't list it on their website but if you shoot them an email they will give you the low down on it! Good luck with your choice! :salute:

Im getting ready to add to my rbi cb70 very good cages rich i will be giving you a call!! Also have a ap cages economy rack & thats good to but rbi comes with tubs & shipping included.

Yes and the price also reflects that as well. I know they are good racks but alot of people seem to think your getting this for free, do a price comparison. No pun intended to RBI, they make great racks but everyone always points out they come WITH tubs and FREE shipping but thats because it's already included in the final purchase price. I sent AP a email about their new CB70 economy line and they are pretty darn well priced, about 275 for 5 41qt slots with heat try to beat that dollar for dollar.

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Originally Posted by Sebrina

Yes and the price also reflects that as well. I know they are good racks but alot of people seem to think your getting this for free, do a price comparison. No pun intended to RBI, they make great racks but everyone always points out they come WITH tubs and FREE shipping but thats because it's already included in the final purchase price. I sent AP a email about their new CB70 economy line and they are pretty darn well priced, about 275 for 5 41qt slots with heat try to beat that dollar for dollar.

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Is the new economy CB70 line enclosed ala the RBI and Boaphile racks?

The present economy line isn't. If the new ones aren't, we can't really compare them with the RBI or similar products - Vision would be a better comparison.

The additional material on the sides and the backs is costly and provides advantages over "open" style racks for some species.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

Is the new economy CB70 line enclosed ala the RBI and Boaphile racks?

The present economy line isn't. If the new ones aren't, we can't really compare them with the RBI or similar products - Vision would be a better comparison.

The additional material on the sides and the backs is costly and provides advantages over "open" style racks for some species.

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Open air style racks have open tops the top on all AP economy line racks are completely closed and under 1/2 inch shelf, no such thing as a AP open air rack. I think your confusing an open air rack with a open sided rack, the AP economy line are opeen sided racks. Also I have a RB CB-70 and a AP economy line rack (15qt/32qt combo) they hold humidity and temps exactly the same in my bedroom (room w/ frequent temp fluctuation), both are setup with belly heat. Considering you have a proportional thermostat there's literally no difference what so ever. If you want to compare these to open air racks such as Freedom Breeders or Visions then they are hundreds of dollars cheaper, but thats a completely different league of rack with a completely different purpose meant to be in a temp controlled enviorment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sebrina

Open air style racks have open tops the top on all AP economy line racks are completely closed and under 1/2 inch of material, no such thing as a AP open air rack. I think your confusing an open air rack with a open sided rack, the AP economy line are opeen sided racks. Also I have a RB CB-70 and a AP economy line rack (15qt/32qt combo) they hold humidity and temps exactly the same in my bedroom (room w/ frequent temp fluctuation), both are setup with belly heat. Considering you have a proportional thermostat there's literally no difference what so ever. If you want to compare these to open air racks such as Freedom Breeders or Visions then they are hundreds of dollars cheaper, but thats a completely different league of rack.

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Read again - I didn't say "open air".

I specifically mentioned that they are not completely enclosed on the sides and back.

It's not a temperature or humidity issue - it's about security for some species.

That extra material costs money. Just as you aren't getting the tubs or the heating for free, neither are you getting the extra material used to completely close off the back and the sides.

AP specifically states that the reason why the economy rack is the economy racks is because they are cutting down on the amount of plastics used by not fully enclosing the tubs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

Read again - I didn't say "open air".

I specifically mentioned that they are not completely enclosed on the sides and back.

It's not a temperature or humidity issue - it's about security for some species.

That extra material costs money. Just as you aren't getting the tubs or the heating for free, neither are you getting the extra material used to completely close off the back and the sides.

AP specifically states that the reason why the economy rack is the economy racks is because they are cutting down on the amount of plastics used by not fully enclosing the tubs.

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I still don't see a difference my males thrive in my AP rack, it's not like your not adding hides in there and either way the rack is against a wall with a rack to the left and right of them, it's exactly the samething. I too had my doubts about it at first thinking maybe the snakes would get colder but this couldn't be further away from the truth. As far as security I don't see how it could be less secure if it were the case then Visions or FB racks which have no siding or back whatsoever other than the beams & tops they stand on would be a horrible suggestion.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sebrina

I still don't see a difference my males thrive in my AP rack, it's not like your not adding hides in there and either way the rack is against a wall with a rack to the left and right of them, it's exactly the samething. I too had my doubts about it at first thinking maybe the snakes would get colder but this couldn't be further away from the truth. As far as security I don't see how it could be less secure if it were the case then Visions or FB racks which have no siding or back whatsoever other than the beams & tops they stand on would be a horrible suggestion.

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Some of the FBs and ARS tubs are either solid colored or solid with "windows" in the front.

So while they drawers don't have siding or backing, they don't need to - the effect of being "enclosed" is still achieved.

Regardless - ARS and FBs are much more expensive. We were comparing AP economy racks and Reptile Basics/Boaphiles.

Some of my younger snakes did not do as well in the Vision rack due to the security issue. With a completely enclosed tub, some of my animals don't even need their hides.

It's not a temperature or a humidity issue. The tub itself holds the humidity and there is sufficient space on the enclosed racking systems that any insulation benefits are probably negligible - at least I've never seen them.

It's a potential security issue for the animals. If you're not backing the racks against a couple of walls, some animals can feel vulnerable in an open sided or backed rack.

Some do some don't, really depends most of my snakes don't have a problem and simply go into the hide. Then again I don't use 100% clear tubs, my tubs are kind of hard to see through I'd imagine a BP would have an even harder time distinguishing it from a wall but then again they spend 99% of the time in the hides where it's nice and dark. Again personal preference, not attacking RBI or any other rack makers just found it interesting that no one ever mentions the rest of the 'competition', and I've either had, tried or seen pretty much everything as far as racks from different makers. I can say AP does really deserve a top 2 or 3 spot for sure. Just my 2 cents.

you cant compare 2 totally different products!
now if you wanted to compare rbi cb70 to ap cb70(the non economy one) youll find that its much more.

ap 3 tier 190+40=230
tubs 14x3=42 thats without shipping
so it would be 272
thats 17$ you would have to play with shipping those tubs to you!


rbi
289

oh yea and i forgot to mention you dont have to assemble the reptile basics rack once it all gets there!

I have nothing but RBI racks and cages and RHP's and I will never have anything but RBI racks and cages and RHP's.

Why?

- Customer service is the bomb-diggity at RBI; nuff said.
- Quality of the product speaks loudly the moment you remove all of the careful packaging that Rich and his team provide to make sure that their product gets to you in one piece (ups can be known to drop kick things.... ;))
- A stand-up business run by a stand-up guy who stands by ALL of his products and works really hard to make certain that ALL of his customers are 100% happy with the product they have purchased.
- Did I mention quality of the product???!!!
- Rich makes himself available to his customers and potential customers all the time via email or phone call. Quite honestly, I think his wife deserves major kudos since I am uncertain as to whether she even sees him very often. He is a very hard working a top-notch guy :gj:

I could go on and on.... how the products last and last; no sagging, nothing falling apart, fair and honest deals, etc etc, but I think you get the picture :D

EDIT>>> The only thing that saddens me is that Rich has not yet started offering larger cages; like for boas (cough*hint hint*cough) :P
Gosh, if he did that, I would seriously question why I would want to make my own ;)

I just purchased a cage and RHP from Rich today...Like has been said, Rich is a stand up guy the customer service is excellent...I bugged him with a ton of questions and he was extremely patient...This is rare because dealers don't want to waste time if they feel they aren't going to get the sale...Well, Rich answered every question and even gave me a great recommendation to Michael Cole for a baby cinny too...Can't say enough positive about Rich and RBI...

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

I would go with Reptile Basics.

As already stated - Rich's customer service and turn-around time are top notch.

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if you have the skills could always build one yourself which i am in the process of :gj: a nice 6 foot tall by 3 feet wide