Helix or Herpstat

[DutchHerp]

I plan on buying either a Herpstat II or a Herpstat Pro when I am comfortable spending that much dough on a thermo. Right now our collection is very small and doing well on dimmers, but I really do want to expand and breed, so a rack is in my future....just not on the top of the life priorities list.

Anyway, about the controlling multiple racks part. Here is something that has been eating me away for a while.

First, something that could potentially be a big hassle or nothing at all, and hopefully something to never worry about. Helix states that the probe can be replaced by the user if it is faulty or breaks. As far as I know, this is not true with Herpstat. In this case, you would have to get a replacement tstat or have your serviced....but luckily, as stated above, Spyder Robotics(Herpstat) has great customer service. Can anyone verify that I got this part right?

The second, and probably more widespread issue. Maximum total wattage. Helix can control up to 500 watts, and only has one output.

Herpstat, what I would call the most similar to the Helix, also has a 500 watt max and one output.

The Herpstat ND is the next step up, with additional features but still only one output, but has a 600 watt max.

Next up is the Herpstat II, with the upgraded features of the ND and another output, with 700 watt max per output, for a total wattage capacity of 1400 watts.

The Herpstat top dog, the Herpstat Pro, has 4 outputs rated for a maximum of 400 watts per output for a total of 1600 watts for the entire unit.

So....now that all the info is there and easy to find, are there any situations where the extra 300 watts of the Herpstat II vs the Herpstat Pro on one output would be a significant help, or does the extra total wattage of the pro outweigh the lower wattage per output, but would force the user to perhaps run some funky wiring to supply power evenly.

Also, just some random info I would like if people are willing is some pics of some racks heated by flexwatt (back or belly, just let us know), and let me know what the wattage of the entire rack is, as well as what you use to control it. Incubators, etc. apply too....anything that someone might end up controlling with their tstat.

I think very few racks have wattages over 400 watts... I use a Pro on 3 cages and my 18"x12" RHP uses ~60watts...

Yes, Spyder Robotics has fantastic customer service, and you plug their probes in so they're easily removable... if one breaks you can buy replacement for $10, unless it falls under warranty and they'll give you one for free.