Most of the crimpers I use are $1000+. I was totally shocked at the expense when I first switched from home hobby to professional work, but the quality of the crimps is simply incomparable. Very much worth it for reliability.
I don't think I've seen a manual tool that was so expensive. Are you using some kind of pneumatic crimper? I thought of getting even better tools, but I found an outfit that will cut and strip wire to my spec. and crimp on any contacts I need, and they do it cheaper and faster than I can.
