Last year, I had 2 hives of Italians, and as far as temperment goes, they were wonderful. Gave up using the smoker after the second time because it was more hassle to get it going than to inspect the girls. As long as the day was sunny & I was fairly quick, they didn't seem to mind my poking around.
At least one local beek also has Carnolians, and they absolutely love them. I'm hoping to do a split by the first week of June if all goes well, and plan to re-queen with either a Russian or Carnolian. Like the Russian for the winterability, and the Carnolian for the production.
Question is whether or not last winter was a fluke, or typical of things to come.