What do you use for your handicapping data?

[ceejay]

What do you use for your handicapping data? I know this has been asked before, but PA has a lot more members now.

[NoDayJob]

I suppose it depends on what software you are using. My software will use any of the major suppliers, so it doesn't make any difference to me. The numbers output are exactly the same. You left out ITS in your survey.

NDJ

[toetoe]

What is HDW?

[Tom]

Handicapping Data Warehouse.
They provide data for specific programs - HSH, HTR, Synergism, and the RsPos Reports amoung others. Data is sold in monthly packages

[Pace Cap'n]

So what would be in the "Other" category?

[cato]

Although I don't think they will run away with a win place or a show, I'd add ITS and Trackmaster to the list of possible answers, especially since ITS is the source for Handicapping Magic.

Take care, Cato

[garyoz]

You should probably refer to Sheets as any variety instead of either variety. There's Equiform's Xtra's as well as Tgraph and Ragozin Sheets.

[takeout]

Should a distinction be made between TSN and BRIS because of their different data sources?

[cj]

I'm a little surprised so many use BRIS/TSN as my personal opinion is that the Formulator files are a far superior product. Is it that DRF came late to the comma delimited game? The pricing? Just curious...

[betchatoo]

CJ

The pricing is certainly a major factor as far as I'm concerned. The TSN procap unlimited package is too good to pass up. You can build a major database in a short time, inexpensively. And, if my results with JCapper are any indication, it does the job just fine

[cj]

I think TSN is 59.99 per month, while DRF is $800 per year. I'd rather pay the extra $80 a year and get DRF, but I can understand that some may not want to lay out the $800 at one shot.

[Bobby]

yea, DRF is too expensive. You can get TSN pp's for like .50 cents. BUT i use DRF

[betchatoo]

I think TSN is 59.99 per month, while DRF is $800 per year. I'd rather pay the extra $80 a year and get DRF, but I can understand that some may not want to lay out the $800 at one shot.

It isn't laying out the $800, necessarily, but I take a month off twice a year. I hate giving DRF my money for the time I don't use them. Plus, I don't know if any of the programs I use actually use the DRF dat

[andicap]

TSN is great if you'r just looking for some traditional PPs to look it. (I checked HDW)

It's funny but I sometimes I would just rather look at something on paper that looks familiar than the software based PPs even if they detail the same information. It's just a matter of comfort. And its easier to print out 9 pages than 30. I can still glance at the software PP if I need to refer to it for pace figs, trainer data, etc.

Plus if you use BRISBET, your PPs are free and you get 20% off your total bill at the end of the month. (along with cool video replays.)
I do wish BRIS would improve their betting interface. It's clunky and too small especially if you're betting with 1 minute to post and you have to make those little checkmarks in just the right boxes.

[takeout]

TSN is great if you'r just looking for some traditional PPs to look it.
My thoughts exactly.

Pricing: TSN $.50 -- DRF $2.50

Are DRF files better? Maybe. For me though, it’s not stuff I use. As far as pricing, is a DRF file worth 5 times the cost of one from TSN? No way.

[Buddha]

Pricing: TSN $.50 -- DRF $2.50



That is only if you buy by the day. Like CJ pointed out, if you go with a subscription, TSN is $60 a month and DRF would be $67 with the annual plan, though you can pay TSN monthly and DRF is one lump sum. If you look at it that way, they are almost equal in price.

[Zaf]

I think many use TSN/Bris over DRF because of the Pace Figures. Of course you solved that problem CJ ;)

ZAFONIC

[takeout]

If you look at it that way, they are almost equal in price.
True enough but players have different needs. I don’t look at it that way because I don’t purchase pps that way.