The negativity and attacks on this forum make visiting here and reading less enjoyable than in other forums. I'm not sure why there is such negativity. That would especially be true for newbies who would serve to only be confused. And they, more than most, could really benefit by a calm discussion.
I own Amare lights and am very happy with them. I came from owning TopLED lights which are subpar in comparison. And I still use my TopLED lights to expand my area. Sure they don't produce as well, but they still have life left within them. I favor not throwing away my money. (However I did have my electrician open them and clean out a large amount of aluminum shavings that came gratis with those lights - LOL. A serious fire hazard.)
It is also interesting how many people here seem so concerned with price, yet so few discuss guarantee. I have not heard of anyone equaling Amare's 5 year guarantee. And that alone gives me great comfort. Maybe I am wrong about that and someone does equal it. If so, I'm sure someone will let me know. I don't tend to spend as much time in analysis as I prefer to spend what time I have living my life. I believe that we need to keep this stuff in perspective... We are talking about growing a crop (large or small) not about life itself. Most any light will work - even the old LED lights.
I like to stay up with technology at the point I decide to buy. Sure, it will be outdated 6 months later. That's the beauty of this industry. It's like the computer industry, it is advancing rapidly. For that reason I buy Apple high end computers. I know they stand by them. Are they perfect - NO, they aren't. But at least I have never had a problem that was not dealt with swiftly.
When next I buy lights, I will again evaluate the market and make the best decision I can. And at this point, I'm thrilled with my decision. The lights from Amare are rock solid, and do a great job. And with a US guarantee like they have, my mind is put to rest knowing if anything goes wrong, it will be made right. That is a lot of peace to have and when investing in lights, something I now would not do without.
My recommendation is to rise above the minutia and lock in the specifics of importance to you. Then act on that. Keep in mind that things do fail. So in making a purchase, especially if you are using all the money you have, one needs to pay attention to the guarantee. If there is none, or if it is very short, one would have to ask why that company doesn't believe in what they are selling enough to back them. Do you believe that nothing will ever go wrong? I am not that naive. Things do and will go wrong. And since lights are one of the biggest investments, it is important to me that I am protected for the life of that light. And to me, within 5 years, I'll happily buy new lights.
Paralysis by analysis does not serve me. Maybe those who are very much into teeny tiny details will be so served. Many lights work. A51, Apache and even TopLED work. Then one can raise their sites to Amare and get an incredible 5 year guarantee for about the same amount of money. Just depends on what is important to you. Heck, some may prefer to try and build a light yourself. This as well is doable for those that are handy.
Figure out what is important, then buy or build something and get to enjoying the process of growing. Don't let the details and idiotic bantering divert your attention from the real objective - the pleasure of growing something yourself.
: :
