cbraga,
Have you considered using keys or values in scalar context to reset the iterator? I have heard that this is extremely fast in comparison to list context.

Update: I hate that I don't see how the thread has been modified since I started replying when I click preview. While I was trying to track down in the documentation where I had heard this, dragonchild went and posted it. *Shrug* - I guess it confirms I remember correctly ;-)