XGS-190 or RW-150- knock me off this fence

makomachine

makomachine

Member
Well, I just came into a little more cash and making my final decision on lighting. I have an area about 30" by 60" that will get two lights - either the RW-150 or the XGS-190 (possibly onyx bloom, but it's in 3rd right now). This will primarily be for flowering, but will also serve dual purpose for veg in the near term. I've researched until I'm blue in the face and looking for others to help get me off this ledge! Right now I'm leaning towards the XGS as it's in stock - but I'm just ever so slightly torn as the RW-150 has some plus in the efficiency area. Does the RW have a 'major advantage' in flowering? It's not in stock - and I'm not sure it's compelling enough at this point to wait unless others with more experience steer me that way. Thoughts?

The LEC CMH is enticing but think I'll expand around that depending on GroErr's results at the end of his cycle.
 
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az2000

Well-Known Member
I have an XGS and RW. Haven't used the RW yet. XGS is great. User "bad karma" has used both and said he feels RW is the better choice. Said they both grow about the same, but the RW uses 40-45w less.

Since you're going to do flower, RW makes more sense too. When you use it to veg, you might be in a position to buy an XGS.
 
SupraSPL

SupraSPL

Well-Known Member
If it affects your decision at all, when it comes to whites the 3700K XTE in the XGS is better than the chinese LEDs for sure, but the XML2 is a much better bet for flowering. The 3000K XML2 in the Onyx Bloom makes a lot of sense and they use its advantage to make the light cheaper ($2.15/W) by running them hard instead of making it more efficient. The XGS is about $3/W.

The RW is also about $3/W and uses the XPE red which is a great flowering LED and still holds its own, although we don't know for sure that they used the commonly available top bin P3. But we do know that the Onyx Bloom uses the T4 bin XML2 so I prefer it for that reason. Good luck with your decision!
 
makomachine

makomachine

Member
Well, you've made it more 'interesting' and appreciate your input. Maybe I put the Bloom back up the list and make this a different two horse race.
SupraSPL said:
If it affects your decision at all, when it comes to whites the 3700K XTE in the XGS is better than the chinese LEDs for sure, but the XML2 is a much better bet for flowering. The 3000K XML2 in the Onyx Bloom makes a lot of sense and they use its advantage to make the light cheaper ($2.15/W) by running them hard instead of making it more efficient. The XGS is about $3/W.

The RW is also about $3/W and uses the XPE red which is a great flowering LED and still holds its own, although we don't know for sure that they used the commonly available top bin P3. But we do know that the Onyx Bloom uses the T4 bin XML2 so I prefer it for that reason. Good luck with your decision!
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Well, you've made it more 'interesting' and appreciate your input. Maybe I put the Bloom back up the list and make this a different two horse race. I've heard mixed reviews on the lenses of the Bloom and the warranty was shorter - but maybe I've given those things too much weight. Would you pick it over the RW?
 
SupraSPL

SupraSPL

Well-Known Member
That is a tough one, if I got the Onyx I would probably remove the lenses and keep the unit close enough to the canopy to avoid losing light.
 
spazatak

spazatak

Well-Known Member
SupraSPL said:
If it affects your decision at all, when it comes to whites the 3700K XTE in the XGS is better than the chinese LEDs for sure, but the XML2 is a much better bet for flowering. The 3000K XML2 in the Onyx Bloom makes a lot of sense and they use its advantage to make the light cheaper ($2.15/W) by running them hard instead of making it more efficient. The XGS is about $3/W.

The RW is also about $3/W and uses the XPE red which is a great flowering LED and still holds its own, although we don't know for sure that they used the commonly available top bin P3. But we do know that the Onyx Bloom uses the T4 bin XML2 so I prefer it for that reason. Good luck with your decision!
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I havent seen any specs on the latest a51 lights...

they used to have data specs on their site and agree it would be good if they would say what bins are being used...
 
SupraSPL

SupraSPL

Well-Known Member
Lot of good info and good points. We never really know for certain what bins we are dealing with except with DIY. In the case of the Apache it is very important because Nichia has a huge list of bins varying from terrible to awesome. Luckily we have GG and he sometimes has access to a spectroradiometer and you can really count on those numbers.
 
gk skunky

gk skunky

Well-Known Member
Have both. Don't feel either performs better really than the other. Slight differences. RW and XGS will do about the same job but the RW uses less electricity. I'm happy with my A51. As Supra pointed out the bins for the Onyx, they are bad ass. The bins used in both A51 are also badass. However if you are looking for the best bang for your buck to be honest it's Onyx. Not only are the LEDs great quality but so are the drivers. But like everything they have their pros and con's. Some don't like the lenses on the onyx. You would have to ask Captain his opinion but I wouldn't expect too much of a difference between RW150(or XGS) vs. Onyx either.

If you decide to go Onyx call them and order. They will cut you a good deal. But you definitely would not be disappointed with the A51.


If up front price is a major concern. Onyx hands down. If you want the lowest monthly bill A51. Also See which warranty you are most comfortable with as well. I know I had to get a new fan for my XGS and that wasn't an issue. And to be clear it didn't quit working it was clicking pretty bad and I was worried it may quit and I explained that to him, so he sent me a new one.
 
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blueylol

Active Member
Bad Karma said:
I have an XGS, it's solid, but I'd go with the RW-150.
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this is basically it, i had read 1 person had reported less stretch under the same conditions with an XGS compared to an RW, but the RW is less wattage and since we're here for efficiency thats probably your best bet.

in saying that, i went for 3 XGS's first.
 
makomachine

makomachine

Member
Thanks guys - big help here and much appreciated. So how does the Bloom veg? Might be a deciding factor - as while it will eventually be flower only, having a light that can do it all is going to help at first. I'm guessing the RW is the better universal light?
 
makomachine

makomachine

Member
captainmorgan said:
They have separate panels for Veg and Bloom,the Veg panel has Cree XM-L2 6500k's.

http://www.onyxgrow.com/index.html
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Thanks - that's how I was interpreting things as well. The budget only allows for 2 lights at the moment and all I have is a 6 bulb T5 over my cloner at this moment. Given all of the outstanding advice here, it would seem the RW-150 is my best purchase choice as I can veg under it and it can also serve flowering needs as well. When I get my next round of cash, I can then look at specific lights for these cycles - and likely have new choices to fret over. Appreciate the input everyone! Just wish the RW wasn't back ordered but likely have enough time in the wait.
 
PSUAGRO.

PSUAGRO.

Well-Known Member
SupraSPL said:
Yep if the RWs are XPE 630nm P3 bin that is tough to beat.
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Crazy to think in 2014 that their still one-of-the top in par/watt; Hans got "lucky" in his original diode layout 3yrs ago:)

I wonder if EH will finally cave and add 660nm now that Cree has an option????

hmmmm cree mk-r soft white/ cree 660nm...............yummy
 
gk skunky

gk skunky

Well-Known Member
makomachine said:
Thanks - that's how I was interpreting things as well. The budget only allows for 2 lights at the moment and all I have is a 6 bulb T5 over my cloner at this moment. Given all of the outstanding advice here, it would seem the RW-150 is my best purchase choice as I can veg under it and it can also serve flowering needs as well. When I get my next round of cash, I can then look at specific lights for these cycles - and likely have new choices to fret over. Appreciate the input everyone! Just wish the RW wasn't back ordered but likely have enough time in the wait.
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Sounds like a plan RW is a good light all around. Seems he's pretty good at filling backorders. Recall people on here talking about how they got their xgs pretty quick when they were shown out of stock.
 
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