I use herpstats as well. I get trying to save money, but in my opinion, if you can spend a little more and save yourself a little headache as possible down the road, I'd go for it.
A herpstat 2 will run you ~$200, but ball pythons can live anywhere from 10-30 years. They aren't exactly short lived, so might as well spend a little more up front to have everything good from the get go.