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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ExMember" data-source="post: 168306">Any Brachypelma is a good first tarantula. B hamorii / smithi are great but some kick hairs pretty bad. B boehmei / baumgarteni tend to be more on the feisty side.Grammastola species are great for beginners albeit a little pricey. G pulchra and pulchripes (the beauties) are usually calm and easy to take care of. G rosea can be hit or miss. Some are very chill while others are referred to as "psycho rosies"The best beginner species are Homoeomma chilesis from what I hear. They are pricey now since Chile has banned exporting them. I am on the lookout right now and will jump at the opportunity if it arises.Another great starter tarantula is the Tliltocatl (ex Brachypelma) albopilosum. The curly hair! Easy to take care of and a medium growth rate. Generally pretty docile and slings are dirt cheap.Other considerations:Eupalaestrus campestratus (the pink zebra beauty)Aphonopelma calchodes (arizona blonde)I don't live in the US but have heard great things about Jamie's tarantulas and Fear Not tarantulas. Just avoid places like Backwater reptiles and other such wholesalers. Heard about so many bad experiences with them. Kijiji and forum classifieds can be good too.</blockquote>