The repti-temp are not bad for the price, they work, but can be a pain to set up. You have to set it up awhile before you put the snake in, i mean a week, and keep testing the temps to see if it stays in range. Tape the probe down, and once you find that spot, put the cover on and dont adjust it. I have not had a problem with my repti-temp, it is pretty steady, but the dial is a pain.

Ill switch over in a few months when i change cages for my snake, but in the meantime i do have the cheaper thermostat running fine.

If you can afford a little bit more expensive version, go with it, because it will be worth it with the ease and safety. The digital readout is really the thing that i think is key.

Just find which has the best options, for the best price, and the best reputation. Remember ALL thermostats fail equally, (except it seems herpstats are pretty safe) all have horror stories, the worst i ever heard was with a high end thermostat, so it does show that they are all suceptable to it. All electronic devices break, so just be safe and find what fits your situation.