Worth the price?

I'd like to get a high power eyepiece for planetary observing, without breaking the bank - i.e., I can't afford a TV Nagler or Radian at this time. Would it be worth the cost to purchase a University Optics 5mm Orthoscopic or would I get the same views through my Meade 9.7mm Plossl 4000 series and Orion 2x APO barlow?

Any other suggestions for under $100?

David, FWIW, the best view I ever had, through my 8" Dob, of 8 craters in Plato & glimpses of the Alpine Valley rille, was with a UO 5mm Or(290X). Of course the seeing was extremely good that evening. If you don't mind the narrow field, go with the Ortho. DR

No the Meade 9.7 will not look the same. The Orthos and Utlrascopics are a bit brighter and more contrast.
The UO orthos or the Ultrascopics can be found here for sale used for a great price. They work fine and are not "Break the Bank" prices. I paid $45 ea for the Ultrascopics and am very pleased with them.
Floyd

You could always try the 9mm UO ortho with your 2x barlow. That's what I did for Mars with great results. The eye relief isn't too bad on the 9mm either. Of coarse that's more glass in the picture, but I couldn't complain with the view.
Jason

Used Tele Vue plossls are better than new UO orthos. Don't find this out the hard way! You can find unabused preowned Tele Vue plossls for $60 each.

UO Orthos have widely been described as one of the best bargains in eyepieces. There are several reviews of them and the newer HD orthos on the Cloudy Nights site. The only disadvantages they have are narrow FOV and short eye relief. You certainly couldn't go far wrong with them at around $50 new. Used plossl's are also good deals as someone else suggested, with a bit more field.

Jarad

Dave- If you're close enough to go to the Neaf in Suffern N.Y. in May, Al Nagler will probably be selling "seconds" again this year. Last year I bought an 8mm Plossl for $25.00. His Radian seconds go for $150.00, just to name two.