Thermoworks Signal/RFX or Fireboard 2/Pulse

[GRW]

It’s time to replace my old Cyberq and lost Meater (don’t ask). I went down the wireless probe rabbit hole then realized I needed to pick an ecosystem, Thermoworks or Fireboard.
TW Signal with RFX vs Fireboard 2 with Pulse.
I cook on a Primo XL, Primo Jr and Blaze gasser with a sear burner.
If I were buying just the pit controller I’d probably lean to the FB2, but the Signal seems a better bang for the buck and almost as snazzy as the FB2. If just buying the probes, I’m leaning towards the RFX due to higher temp limit (sear burner goes almost to 1000’) and multiple sensors in the tip. The wired ambient probe doesn’t bother me.
Any words of wisdom?

Update: With the revelation that the RFX probe/gateway controls a billows fan, I’m going the Thermoworks direction.

[GolfGeezer]

I am not sure why you need the Signals (which I have owned in the past) - the RFX probes and gateway will give you everything you need.

[GRW]

I’d like to replace my controller/fan for overnight cooks in addition to using the wireless probes.

[RickyBobby]

GRW , if I’m not mistaken, the RFX gateway will control the ThermoWorks Billows fan, which I think eliminates the need for the signals. Full disclosure, I’m brand new to the fancy thermometer world myself and have limited experience with RFX, and zero experience with anything else you mentioned.

[Mosca]

I’m sorta split between three systems myself right now: Thermoworks, DigiQ/CyberQ, and recently Fireboard.

For whatever it’s worth, I never warmed up to the Thermoworks Smoke, and that kept me from going further down that path. I use my Chef Alarm in the kitchen, frequently; the Smoke is probably the exact same electronics, but mine often loses connection to the receiver, making it pretty useless for monitoring overnight cooks on the BGE. I have a couple Thermapens, though, and I’ll never be without one again. And the Chef Alarm, I can’t say enough good things. It’s produced countless perfect prime ribs, hams, roasts, chickens, everything.

Once I figured out the setup, the CyberQ was awesome. Too bad about support ending. I understand, no company can provide legacy support forever. I also have a DigiQ2 and DigiQ3, and those are my preferred controllers for the BGE when I’m going to be home and awake for the entire cook! Mostly because I know them so well, and trust them. And the 5° buffer is really nice to have, it keeps the eternal temperature tweaking at bay.

The Fireboard Drive is fantastic. I’m gradually switching over to Fireboard, I think. IMO it has the best build quality and interface of the three. I haven’t used it with the Pit Viper fans, but there’s no reason it wouldn’t work. The probes are the same plugs as those used by DigiQ, and register within tolerance when used with Drive, so I have plenty of probes. For what it’s worth, the Fireboard devices connect to the Fireboard version of the Thermapen; you can monitor your Pulse on your instant read!

The RFX and Gateway, along with Signals and Billows, looks really great. I have other reasons for going Fireboard, mostly that I already have the Drive. But I think I’d be really satisfied with those, too.

Without recommending one ecosystem over the other, I WILL make one recommendation: buy the one you like, without regard to price. Once you’re all in, either way, with probes, controllers, fans, connectivity, etc, the difference will be insignificant. And a BBQ season later you won’t remember what you paid, all you’ll know is if you’re satisfied with your decision or not. So look for things like ease of use, accuracy, simplicity, connectivity, waterproof/resistant, etc. Even something stupid like the color of the unit could be important! (I hated my brown Thermapen, and gave it away; I LOVE my neon green Thermapen because it’s RIGHT THERE, in the drawer. I don’t like my black one, but it’s a BBQ Rescue model. I don’t put it in the drawer, I bought a little wall mount for it.)

[Davek8282]

I agree with Mosca pick a system and stick with it. I have quite a collection of Thermoworks products and they all work great. Recently received a FireBoard 2 Drive no charge and it is an excellent unit, I have slowly been adding some additional probes. I see myself using the FireBoard 2 for controlling the cook and watching temps and the Thermapen for confirmation readings and when grilling. Hard to go wrong with either system, pick your poison