I have the long tube hedman headers but the ball flange collector never seals 100%- it always seems to have a tiny leak and I'm not a big fan of it. Any recommendations of other types that aren't too expensive?

 

Put a bead of hi temp silicone on the ball/flare as you assemble it. The silicone will fill any imperfections. Any time I install header or collector gaskets I put a SMALL bead on both sides. Fills any bad spots AND if you have to disassemble it, it stops the gasket from sticking to the head, flange, collector etc. You won't have to spend your time scraping off the hardened gasket this way. It needs to be a good quality, hi temp RTV. In my exhaust experiences I found the ball/flare connections much more forgiving as far as alignment and sealing issues go. Hope this helps.