I've smoked plenty of Padillas back in the day, including the Golden Bear.
Just pick pretty much any Connecticut available here, or other places, that cost about the same, and you'll be happy.
Think Perdomo, Cussno, Torano, DE bundled seconds, etc.
If you ask nicely, TonyG or DPNewell might throw you a hot tip on a decent affordable Connie.
I don't smoke Connies often, but when I do it's either a DE Shade, or a Perdomo.