You could look on Robosource, they generally have cheaper shipping prices. I’m not sure if this one has all of the functions you need, but if it does, then it’s a pretty good cheap alternative I’d imagine with cheap shipping and handling as well.
Since all the import tools are probably all made in the same overseas factory/same materials/same quality, the V5 crimper is as good a value as any, unless you decide to go pro. Here’s about the cheapest pro/Made in the USA crimper out there: https://www.grainger.com/product/IDEAL-Crimper-and-Connector-Kit-5LH89 but you can buy a bunch of cheap V5 crimpers before you break even.
The VEX ones are hand pressure crimps which makes it easy, but there are teams that have the ratchet style (won’t release until the crimp is done). I was looking for experience with other crimpers. Showme has ratchet versions for a few dollars more than the hand pressure ones.
Now that it’s been around for a few years, though, I’m a bit surprised that our teams don’t make many custom cables: they seem to prefer the pre-made cables.