[Radiant Heat] RBI or Pro Product panels?

[Greenwood]

I'm using a Pro Product in my BCI girls cage and it works great and all for about 2 years now. I'm going to be getting an AP cage for my little ball python and I'm wondering how the RBI panels work. I know they are a cheaper in price but would I be sacrificing quality? And do they get hot to the touch. Basically I'm wondering, should I just pay the extra and stick with another Pro Products panel?

[Kung Fu Joe]

Re: RBI or Pro Product panels?

I've heard people that have both say the Pro Products is better quality. Bob's customer service goes above and beyond. I would stick with Pro Products.

[chiflyer]

Re: RBI or Pro Product panels?

I am now running 4 RBI panels and I love them. They come with a ten year warranty (this isn't advertised but came as a certificate along with my panels), which I believe is the same as pro products panels. I used to say that I would some day like to get a pro product panel just to see if they were worth the extra money, but I've been so happy with my RBI panels that I have no desire to do so now. I also don't care for the way pro products does not list their products and prices online and makes you call them to receive this information. It is hot to the to the touch, but not hot enough that it could burn a snake if mounted properly (I could hold my hand against it for 10+ seconds without burning myself). I'm sure pro products makes a great heat panel, but in my opinion they're not worth the extra cost.

[Greenwood]

Re: RBI or Pro Product panels?

Thanks guys and Chiflyer, that's kind of how I feel about the Pro Products panel. I agree though that I wish they would list a price and that's great that the RBI one isn't flesh cooking hot to the touch. Maybe i'll try a RBI one. I got a bit of time though as I wont be placing my order for an AP T10 till April and then I hear since its not a quick ship item, I'm in for a 2+ month wait so I guess I got lots of time to decide.

[Elizabeth94]

Re: RBI or Pro Product panels?

I had this same dilemma about two weeks ago.

If you are concerned about price I would go with RBI. I hear they are decent quality. However, Pro Proproducts isn't made of plastic like RBI panels, they are made with aluminum and are UL certified unlike RBI panels. RBI panels do have an auto shut off if internal temps get too high but I suspect they added that because they had a tendency to malfunction. People are saying that RBI panels outages real bad but I think the company fixed that problem a while ago.

Overall, I went with Pro Products. They seem to have a better designed panels that are certified.But they do come with a bit of a cost. I believe my 75watt cost $94. Something about RBI having an automatic shut off incase it gets too hot makes me think that they must have had a problem with this in the past..

Either way, I'm sure you will find many things to be happy about with whichever panel you choose. I have heard good things about both companies, but went with what I felt comfortable with in the long run.

[Greenwood]

Re: RBI or Pro Product panels?

Yeah, I'm using a Pro Products PH3 right now in my BCI cage. Its been good for 2 years now. Its not so much money as we are talking about $15 or so. I was more wondering if they are good, reliable and safe. I'll probably just end up getting another Pro Products though as like I've said, I've been using one for a couple years now and its been good.

[Insomniac101]

Re: RBI or Pro Product panels?

I've got 6 or 7 of each, and have been running them for about 5 years. No problems with any of them, and the PPs were purchased used. I think the PPs are made better, but the RBIs have been trouble free. I had to contact Rich at RBI for another issue, and he called me right back, and helped me out over the phone. Good customer service.

Kathy

[Greenwood]

Re: RBI or Pro Product panels?

Thanks. I'll probably just stick to the Pro Products as I've used them before and know what to expect. Plus I do like the aluminum construction vs the plastic and its only about $15 more.