Help! Too many bedding options!

[Black_Inky_Eyes]

So here's what I'm at right now. I've been asking around and researching substrates that come in bulk yet still are fairly priced. Just for some quick info:
1) I have the Ikea Detolf
2) I will be getting a Syrian so possibly a long-haired depends on what is there.
3) I have room for large bales.

So my options that I have no clue of which to choose are:
Megazorb, Aubiose, Hugro hemp, Hemperade and Finacard.

I keep on going back to Megazorb or Hemperade as they're the cheapest in the places I've seen them. I'm just after different people's opinions and/or experiences of any of these substrates and using them. Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks!

EDIT: Sorry if I'm in the wrong topic.
I've recently seen that Megazorb shouldn't be used for small pets, is this true?

[Pebbles82]

Some people use Megazorb - it got less popular because it went through a dusty phase I believe and also Fitch became popular. Aubiose,Hugro and Hemparade are both Hemp basically. Out of the three I'd choose the Hugro.

Finacard seems unavailable but they are selling softacard instead which a couple of people have used and say is very good.

I would go for either Hemp bedding or the Softacard (which sounds like more paper than card). If you don't have allergies then the Hemp bedding is popular. I did try it but have asthma and it set me off - I didn't like the Hemparade and found it too woody and coarse. I haven't tried Aubiose - I've heard good and bad about it. But the Hugro hemp was ok.

Shame Fitch is out of stock or I'd say get that! The two main choices are usually Fitch or Hemp. However - if you get a long haired syrian then Hemp may not be the best choice - the bits would stick to the Hamster's fur a lot. So paper/cardboard would be better then.

Softacard is made from cardboard egg boxes so should be fine.

[mangoandmimi]

I generally don’t use megazorb by itself if I can help it - it can be more dusty than other options so that’s one of the reasons I mix it with hemp which has hardly any dust. Usually it’s fine but this last lot wasn’t great and I didn’t really use it. Definitely Hugro hemp out of those 3 hemp options, aubiose is not nearly as soft. Megazorb holds tunnels better than any substrate I’ve tried though. Megazorb and long haired hams also do not mix as it’ll tangle in the fur. Hemp probably could too to be honest but not sure.

I don’t think finacard if it’s still available, is a good base substrate either, doesn’t really hold tunnels and isn’t exactly soft. It’s ok to mix in with another bedding but is strips of cardboard so you can imagine what it’s like. Don’t know about softacard.
Generally with bedding you get what you pay for! It is worth spending a little more on a better substrate.

[Black_Inky_Eyes]

Thanks, guys!

I've decided to go with Hugro since both of you have recommended it and you've been on this forum for many years.

[Pebbles82]

Sounds good! But best to get a short haired hamster then

[cypher]

I used to use Hugro hemp alone & then mixed with fitch & it worked well both ways, you will need the larger 100l bag to get you started, even that may not be quite enough but I don't have a detolf so not sure, I would avoid the hemparade one, I tried that & found it too sharp.
Hugro hemp mixed with softacard would probably work really well.