My first year went with Italians, very gentle, grew like the dickens. Then the SHB found them. They liked Italians too! Killed all my hives. Got no honey.
Second year got Russians. Not so gentle, and swarmed first year. Then the SHB found them. They didn't like the way the Russians kicked their butts and were never a problem!! Started year with 10 hives of Russians ended year with twenty, and sold 12 during the year. Got 30 gallons honey.
This year I'm starting with 17 hives of Russians. Last year was, by everyone's accounts, a bad year so I'm ordering a LOT of new woodenware and a lot more honey jars for this season. :bee: :bee: :bee: