Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the big difference if any when deciding on either buying a 10 level rack from freedom breeder or arscaging? Prices and sizes are about the same. ARS comes with HELIX which I like rather RANCO which freedom breeder offers. Other than that I don't know which one to choose. Please help. Thanks in advance.

Hello,

Well the main difference is that Freedom breeder is an open air rack with a screen top. While APcages is closed. If maintaining humidity is going to be an issue, I would go with AP.

Another difference is building styles. Freedom breeder is powder coated metal and AP cages is expanded PVC.

I currently use Freedom Breeder for all of my adult ball pythons but I use APcages for my hatchling racks.

Hope this helped.

Nick

do you have a ranco hooked up to the freedom breeder rack? if what temp do you have it set for?

I have a Freedom Breeder adult Ball rack. The ventalation in the Freedom Breeder has been my only complaint, too many dry incomplete sheds. The problem may have been corrected with the plastic inserts, that limit the airflow and look like they will keep the humidity in better. The price is very expensive, which is probably why I will not order anymore except another top and bottom rack, so I can start another stack. I also do not like how you have to have a plug in for every shelf. My "complete" system came with 10 shelves, 10 heat tapes, meaning 10 plugs needed in the strip plug, but the strip plug they gave me only had 6 plug spaces, meaning I had to get another strip plug for my complete system. A little thing, but when you spend $3K....

The Vision rack I just bought seems to be ok. The one thing I really like is the fact that it has one cord for all the shelves, meaning one plugin. It looks like the lack of humidity will not be a problem either.

Thanks EmberBall. Are you familiar with ARSCAGING.COM? If so, do you think I would be better going with their 10 level rack instead of freedom breeder b/c of the humidity issues?
Thanks again.

I purchased one of ARS's large racks about two months ago. I had been using a Freedom Breeder look alike for the past two years. Keeping humidity up has always been an issue for me in the 'FB'. Since switching to the ARS, no more dry sheds, it seems that the snakes feed a little better. I also like their molded in water cup holder. It comes with the long plug in strip and the Helix. I highly recommend giving Brian a call. If I ever sell my 'FB' rack, I'll buy another ARS unit. Good luck! Tom Harbin

Thanks Tom. Looks like I am leaning more to ARS Caging.

You cant go wrong with ARS Racks...I was so pleased that I ordered two additional ones after my first order. Now I also own FB, AP, and Vision racks, so I have a pretty good idea of their advantages and disadvantages. It's hard to compare open air racks to closed racks so I'll leave AP out (though they make a great product if that's what you're looking for)...the things that I dont like about FB: humidity issues, on/off thermostat, and their open air screen bends over time (Ive had mine for 5 years), enough so that at times the screen will make a loud "pop" which sometimes startles the animals. I think that you get more bang for your buck with ARS....they've resolved all of the issues that I mentioned with FB. I will never buy another Vision rack again, they aren't anywhere near the same quality that you receive with ARS (or FB for that matter). I will continue to give my business to ARS, so they get my vote. Drop me a line if you have any more specific questions.

This is just my opinion but....

I agree with your post. I've purchased FB and Vision racks in the past. The FBs are somewhat horrible when it comes to humidity. And all those cords for the heat panels are a pain in the ass.

I don't know why all the "big" well known breeders use them. They must be getting some kind of kick back or incentive. Probably a marketing thing. Meaning, Big Breeder you advertise using our FB racks and well give you a big discount. You see it in other types of business all the time.

I won't ever pay full price for them again. I do like the 4' rack for my boas. I modified my Jumbo with a piece of plexi glass. It helps keep in the humidity.

The Visions are aluminum but better than the FB when it comes to husbandry requirements. My snakes just seem happier in the vision racks.

Having said that and discovering this post, I'll definately try the ARS racks.

Thanks,
Frank Hayden

I am definately going to try ARS Racks for my balls. Humidity would most likely be a problem as to where I am putting my rack. ARS looks top notch and I like the idea of a Helix coming with the rack. Thanks.