I don't have any experience with any of the expensive TSTATs yet, I haven't had a need to buy one. I have been using a hydrofarm on my heat mat without any issue, that being said when I upgrade to a RHP for my snake I will probably make the jump. All my lizards have flood lamps for their heat source and I don't use any regulation for them (since they require such a high basking temp), I just know the wattage I need to attain my temps...