How can ARS market/sell the same exact racks that Freedom Breeder has been for almost 20 years? I figured Freedom Breeder would have a patent on their racks. As far as I can tell the only difference is ARS has the built in cup holders.

Even with a patent, you only have to change so much of the design to get around it. Such as using a solid metal top with a few holes for ventilation as opposed to expanded steel.

well, first you are assuming they have an active patent... I am not sure if they do or not, but even if they do, you just have to change the design alittle. While the two are basically the same, there are some differences - enough that you can tell just by looking at them which is which...

Competition is good for the consumer... and they are both great cages...

well, first you are assuming they have an active patent... I am not sure if they do or not, but even if they do, you just have to change the design alittle. While the two are basically the same, there are some differences - enough that you can tell just by looking at them which is which...

Competition is good for the consumer... and they are both great cages...
They really are. I'd just like to add that I know a lot of people focus on the price and think they're really expensive. I've built similar racks myself, and I've had a few people ask what it would cost to build some for them. I'll tell you what, unless they actually own their own shop with a laser, press brake, and welders to do everything themselves, they aren't making that much profit off the racks. Contracting that stuff out gets expensive, labor isn't cheap.

ARS took FBs design and IMPROVED it, Ive seen many FB racks and they are not accurate as far as levels fitting into each other and the guides the tubs slide in on are off.

they are both outside of my price range.

they are both outside of my price range.

I agree...the cost and shipping are astronomical...

I agree...the cost and shipping are astronomical...

Not really...
The ARS 30 tub cb70 rack is about 2550 shipped, to get 3 x 10 slot cb70's from AP, tubs and T-Stat - you are looking at around $420 for the tubs, $610 x 3 for the 30 slots of rack space, $120 for a new helix and around $150 in shipping - total is around $2520. I am sure you can do a little better...

The price tags are high simply because they don't make any 3 or 4 slot racks - they are designed to handle larger groups of animals... and they do it well and within reason compared to the rest of the market. You may get a better deal or better served with the pvc rack mfg, especially if you are looking at a smaller # of tubs, but calling them astronomical is really not fair.

There are a few other similar racks out there, theres another one that looks the exact same but the tube steel is painted black, I forget what they're called right now. I like the way they all look, but I'd pick ARS.

all I know is that I'm gonna go look at the ARS booth in Daytona this weekend and be depressed. Way out of my price range.........but from past experiences of really studying them at the shows, the ARS's do seem to fit/slide smoother then the Freedom Breeders. But I'm sure the FB's just have to be broken in a little. I wish Vision would come out with a 30 slot/CB 70. I'd be interested in seeing that.

Not really...
The ARS 30 tub cb70 rack is about 2550 shipped, to get 3 x 10 slot cb70's from AP, tubs and T-Stat - you are looking at around $420 for the tubs, $610 x 3 for the 30 slots of rack space, $120 for a new helix and around $150 in shipping - total is around $2520. I am sure you can do a little better...

The price tags are high simply because they don't make any 3 or 4 slot racks - they are designed to handle larger groups of animals... and they do it well and within reason compared to the rest of the market. You may get a better deal or better served with the pvc rack mfg, especially if you are looking at a smaller # of tubs, but calling them astronomical is really not fair.
Just wanted to add that while they may not sell 3-4 tub "high" racks, they do sell the levels individually. You just need more floor space to start with.

I like ARS....We have two...worth the investment....

Freedom breeder are nice. My buddy has one rack of theirs. But you can always buy a level or two as you need it. But cost wise I went with Vision. I am looking at their Boa Rack would make it possible to get one or two more cages in the same spot I have four Constrictor northwest cages

I have both... FB 30 tub CB70 for the snakes and ARS rodent breeding rack for the rats. I prefer the ARS over FB as I had so much of a hassle with FB. ARS had the cage built and ready to ship in a couple days where FB took 4-6 weeks. FB also doesnt send you what you see in the pictures as a lot of the stuff they show is "extra". I got a 10 level rack but it came with a power cord that only fit 6 cords so what was i supposed to do with the other 4 heat pads I couldnt plug in?? I had to order the 48'' outlet which cost me 65$ and this comes standard with ARS. Overall I just had a much better experience with ARS and when I need to buy a hatchling rack next yr I am def going with ARS.

Not really...
The ARS 30 tub cb70 rack is about 2550 shipped, to get 3 x 10 slot cb70's from AP, tubs and T-Stat - you are looking at around $420 for the tubs, $610 x 3 for the 30 slots of rack space, $120 for a new helix and around $150 in shipping - total is around $2520. I am sure you can do a little better...

The price tags are high simply because they don't make any 3 or 4 slot racks - they are designed to handle larger groups of animals... and they do it well and within reason compared to the rest of the market. You may get a better deal or better served with the pvc rack mfg, especially if you are looking at a smaller # of tubs, but calling them astronomical is really not fair.

Well there is the comparative immutable truth right there.

Not really...
The ARS 30 tub cb70 rack is about 2550 shipped, to get 3 x 10 slot cb70's from AP, tubs and T-Stat - you are looking at around $420 for the tubs, $610 x 3 for the 30 slots of rack space, $120 for a new helix and around $150 in shipping - total is around $2520. I am sure you can do a little better...

The price tags are high simply because they don't make any 3 or 4 slot racks - they are designed to handle larger groups of animals... and they do it well and within reason compared to the rest of the market. You may get a better deal or better served with the pvc rack mfg, especially if you are looking at a smaller # of tubs, but calling them astronomical is really not fair.

Point well made. Guess it is sticker shock that made me think that...

ARS all the way!!!:cheers: