Spend my money, all blues or diamond series?

fossil22

Member
HGL raping? I know they are definitely more expensive, but like I said, what really sold us was the modular design and over-all quality. Our reasoning on spending the higher $s was that as technology advances, the HGL light allows for lens replacement/Upgrades, spectrum changes, and other upgrades and if ever down the road, something takes a dump, HGL can send me a replacement part while our lights are still running, minus one of the clusters. Does Blackstar allow for this?? We liked the fact that HGL was a full disclosure company sharing all their specifications, proven test results and R&D history. (Which few other Mfgs seem to be doing) Seems to me that companies that keep there specs "proprietary" are either hiding something or are in it just for the profit margin and dont really care. We also went with the company we thought was involved in the most R&D and had the more advanced spectrum and had the best way to prove it, other than listening to people with limited experience or product comparison knowledge, although useful, it needed to be processed taking into consideration that a lot of people were using older lights and had only experienced the one or two lights they had tried.. I was happy to spend the extra money, kinda like buying a new computer when you think the one you have is "just fine", until you get it up an running and say "Holy Shi@!"

Not an advertisement for HGL, just explaining my choice and why I think the extra money was worth the expense. I know I pissed off some Blackstar fans, but we have been through soo many lights, I had plenty to compare it to. That being said, saying "junk" may have been a bit harsh, they are definitely better than some of the trash you can find out there, but I do not agree that they are the BEST for your $ at all, and lack in R&D and design vision, not to mention the over-all quality, I mean they just "look and feel" cheaply made in my opinion, then again, our first economy HGL wasnt a great deal better, but. atleast they are now offering an upgrade, does Blackstar?? Maybe thats one way Lighthouse is keeping costs down, cutting corners in places people wont immediately notice. I believe claiming that HGL rapes their customers basically puts you in the same category you had me in, when bashing me for claiming Blackstars were junk.

So to all the nay sayers here, PLEASE do a little more research (other than just forums and advertisement sites) and stay up to date as Im striving to do, there are a lot of people that are diligently trying to increase quality and quantity (however minute or huge) and are willing to spend the $ to do it, and then share their experiences with forums members such as yourself AND light Mfgs (designers) to help advance technology even further. I by no means think our opinion is the "end all be all" in fact Id love to hear something other than this light, that light, without some sort of slightly researched reasoning and/or comparisons on equivalent "up to date" models, with some Tech Specs other than the actual Diodes used, the Diodes are only a component of the light and NOT the most important factor as we have come to learn... We bought LEDs and shared some of our reasoning why we did, and didnt. Id love to hear some others.

Id imagine most of you wouldnt be here, including myself, if you hadnt already learned something beneficial in these forums, being stuck on older models that worked 'great" really shows a lack of vision and acceptance of advancements. We all have our favorite teams, but favorites dont win the Super Bowl as most fans know. Id hate to live in a world where no one wanted to spend the money on advancements, can you imagine us all still using a Commodore 64??

Maybe someone should start a new thread "LEDs that worked for me"
 

jubiare

Active Member
HGL raping? I know they are definitely more expensive, but like I said, what really sold us was the modular design and over-all quality. Our reasoning on spending the higher $s was that as technology advances, the HGL light allows for lens replacement, spectrum changes, and other upgrades and if ever down the road, something takes a dump, HGL can send me a replacement part while our lights are still running, minus one of the clusters. Does Blackstar allow for this?? We liked the fact that HGL was a full disclosure company sharing all their specifications, proven test results and R&D history. (Which few other Mfgs seem to be doing) Seems to me that companies that keep there specs "proprietary" are either hiding something or are in it just for the profit margin and dont really care. We also went with the company we thought was involved in the most R&D and had the more advanced spectrum and had the best way to prove it, other than listening to people with limited experience or product comparison knowledge, although useful, it needed to be processed taking into consideration that a lot of people were using older lights and had only experienced the one or two lights they had tried.. I was happy to spend the extra money, kinda like buying a new computer when you think the one you have is "just fine", until you get it up an running and say "Holy Shi@!"

Not an advertisement for HGL, just explaining my choice. I know I pissed off some Blackstar fans, but we have been through soo many lights, I had plenty to compare it to. That being said, saying "junk" may have been a bit harsh, they are definitely better than some of the trash you can find out there, but I do not agree that they are the BEST for your $ at all, and lack in R&D and design vision, not to mention the over-all quality, I mean they just "look and feel" cheaply made in my opinion, then again, our first economy HGL wasnt a great deal better, but. atleast they are now offering an upgrade, does Blackstar?? Maybe thats one way Lighthouse is keeping costs down, cutting corners in places people wont immediately notice. I believe claiming that HGL rapes their customers basically puts you in the same category you had me in, when bashing me for claiming Blackstars were junk.

So to all the nay sayers here, PLEASE do a little more research (other than just forums and advertisement sites) and stay up to date as Im striving to do, there are a lot of people that are diligently trying to increase quality and quantity (however minute) and willing to spend the $ to do it, and then share their experiences with forums members such as yourself AND light Mfgs (designers) to help advance technology even further. I by no means think our opinion is the "end all be all" in fact Id love to hear something other than this light, that light, without some sort of slightly researched reasoning and/or comparisons on equivalent "up to date" models.. We bought LEDs and shared some of our reasoning why we did, and didnt. Id love to hear some others.

Id imagine most of you wouldnt be here, including myself, if you hadnt already learned something beneficial in these forums, being stuck on older models that worked 'great" really shows a lack of vision and acceptance of advancements. We all have our favorite teams, but favorites dont win the Super Bowl as most fans know. Id hate to live in a world where no one wanted to spend the money on advancements, can you imagine us all still using a Commodore 64??

Maybe someone should start a new thread "LEDs that worked for me"
You get so defensive here, it's your problem right?
They do rip off, nearly two thousand pounds for the biggest panel? Are you joking?
and it's you that listen to their big talk advertisemnt! They use cheap diodes, there is better around, FULL STOP. Their justification to diodes efficiencies is bolloks, especially if they have such high prices... that justification could be ok if their prices reflected what they are justifing!
And all the big talk about X lenses.. as they are the ones discovering the hot water...
THEY ARE PRICEY, YOU WANT TO BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THEY ARE!!!!!

And the thing that allow the user to replace their parts theimselves.. they are not the first ones
actually they have taken a long time to do that, compared for example to Magnum people!!!!

It's you that have a favorite team, I don't have a definite one.
What I am saying is that your favorite are PRICEY, not even saying that are not good!

DIODES ARE NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART... WE HAVE COME TO LEARN!???
YOU ARE MISLEADING.... THAT'S WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO BELIEVE!!!
THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT INDEED
SO IT'S YOU THAT HAVE TO DO MORE RESEARCH.... A 2000 DOLLARS PANEL DRAWING NEARLY 600 WATT TO COVER A 4 X 4 AREA??? DO YOU KNOW THAT BETTER DIODES ARE CAPABLE OF SAME RESULTS WITH HALF THE POWER?
AND DO YOU KNOW WHY YOUR FAVORITE NEEDS ALL THAT POWER TO COVER A 4 X 4 AREA??? BECAUSE THEY DO NOT EMPLOY THE BEST DIODES!!!!!

THAT'S RIGHT, I DONT WANT TO USE A COMMODORE 64, I DONT WANT TO USE TAIWAN DIODES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.... I WANT TO USE THE BEST OF THE BEST OSRAM OPTOSEMICONDUCTORS AND CREE XP-E.....DRAW MUCH LESS POWER AND DO SOMETHING NICE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT MY DEAR FRIEND!!!!

OKAY THEY DON'T RAPE YOU
BUT THE GENTLY SEDUCE YOU AND SLIGHLTY ENTER YOU FROM BEHIND, THEY WELL OVERPRICE YOU
:D
 

jubiare

Active Member
The more info I try to absorb from all angles (journals, experienced posters, manufacturers), the more I believe GPW should be the main focus. Just too many other variables trying to dig into the details, "he claims she claims" most of which we are trusting from the manufacturers specs.

I think a GPW thread covering a. the best GPW regardless of cost and b. the most economical GPW producer. That seems to cover what most of us are after - right?

I would start the thread myself but i don't have enough skin in the game yet :lol:
There is one already, thanks to GP73LPC, at icmag; It is based on what is going on at that forum... obvuosly there is more to add if we look around!
--MEMBER-------MODEL/TOTAL WATTS------REAL UNIT WATTS---GRAMS----GPW
Mr X-------------------4-EVO-90=360-----------------70-------------484-------1.73 --> CLICK HERE and HERE
Addicted2Grow-------3-PowerLED 120=360-------------118------------468-------1.3 ---> CLICK HERE
Gopher--------------------Prototype------------------125------------163-------1.3 ---> CLICK HERE
Skotty--------------------HGL 345=345---------------290------------350-------1.2 ---> CLICK HERE
Blazeoneup--------------HGL 205=205-----------------176------------203-------1.15 ---> Link has been removed
Habel----------------------DIY=60---------------------60-------------68-------1.13 ---> Link has been removed
Addicted2Grow-------5-PowerLED 120=600-------------118------------642-------1.07 --> CLICK HERE
VerdantGreen-------------HGL 63=63-------------------55-------------59-------1.07 --> CLICK HERE
VerdantGreen------------HGL 205=205-----------------176------------180-------1.02 ---> CLICK HERE
MeanBean----------------HGL 126=126----------------118------------118-------1.0 ---> CLICK HERE
Addicted2Grow-------6-PowerLED 120/720-------------118------------690-------0.96 ---> CLICK HERE
blimblom---------------------DIY=67------------------67--------------67--------0.94 ---> CLICK HERE and HERE
Jacky_Brown--4-PowerLED120/9-PowerLED180=2100---118/177--------1890-------0.9 ---> CLICK HERE
hazy---------------HGL 205 & HGL 345=555-----------176/279---------410-------0.89 ---> CLICK HERE
Addicted2Grow-------2-PowerLED 120=240-------------118------------210-------0.85 ---> CLICK HERE
WizeWizo----------------HGL 205=205-----------------176------------144-------0.82 ---> CLICK HERE
MeanBean(2grows)---HGL 126=126(lite mover)----------118------------170-------0.72 ---> CLICK HERE
WizeWizo---------------PS 180=180-------------------164------------116-------0.71 ---> CLICK HERE
ak-51----------------HGL 318&345=663-------------270/279-----------378-------0.69 ---> CLICK HERE
hazy--------------------HGL 205=205-----------------176------------116--------0.66 ---> CLICK HERE
Tim_in_marin-----------LUMIGROW 330----------------290-------------189-------0.57 ---> CLICK HERE
Sleepy------------------HGL 126=126-----------------118-------------67---------0.56 ---> CLICK HERE

user145243_pic785428_1320941656.jpg
 

jubiare

Active Member
Just when i thought I had my head around the bigger players in the led game, you drop 2 new ones on my head..... sigh
AHHAHA :D it's a head fucker led technology my friend. That's why we need to share.. and companies have to realize we are not dump...
and we don't stand up anymore for too pricey or not competitive or misleading products ;)
 

jubiare

Active Member
The yield looks good. Im skepticle of the quality of thc and cbn with so few spectrums. If the quality is there, then awesome. Ive grown badass looking bud that wouldnt get a mouse high.
I dont know mate, I am skeptic too. But apparentely 10000k cree xp-e cover a lot of the spectrum from the blue to the reds... and the cree xp-e are SO EFFICIENT..... that anyway, the 630nm reds their actual spectrum ranges from 620nm up to 655nm
This a shot of thrics from that grow
user162537_pic732099_1313051787.jpg
 

puffenuff

Well-Known Member
Talk about a turn off.
Im holding my cash a little longer.
Cant tell fact from fact sheet with this crap.
Sorry random, unfortunately your thread got jacked and most of the comments in here are better suited for a new thread topic. Back to your inquiry about vegging with advanced leds, you'll see excellent results from any of their panels, this is from a firsthand user of advanced leds. I have a couple journals here that you can check to see a 180 Extreme Flower in veg (and bloom if interested). Pm for link or search my username.
 

anotherdaymusic

Well-Known Member
Talk about a turn off.
Im holding my cash a little longer.
Cant tell fact from fact sheet with this crap.
I also am sorry so many people just started jumpin in with their growing lights. I still stand by supporting advanced extreme flower models, my 100w is insane. If you are using it for veg, that will be a fucking deep thick bush buddy. :) Go with the mix I think, you could get more use out of it.
 

jubiare

Active Member
I also am sorry so many people just started jumpin in with their growing lights. I still stand by supporting advanced extreme flower models, my 100w is insane. If you are using it for veg, that will be a fucking deep thick bush buddy. :) Go with the mix I think, you could get more use out of it.
Sorry, yes that would suit an other thread :D
Listen to what this guys are saying about advanced, but if I have to say my opinion: DO NOT BUY A ALL BLUE LED, as a few people have already pointed you out why on previous pages. Best of luck with your led hunt!
 

dump1020

Member
I would suggest doing a little more research on LEDs before you pull the trigger on another light. Blackstars are junk, the light panels you buy from Ebay are junk, Advanced uses a generic lens which is better, but is still behind in technology and uses a standard spectrum, I also think that packing the lights so close together creates heat which speeds up deterioration.. Check out Apache, Haight, or Hydro-Grow for an actual LED light that works well and will actually last. LEDs are getting bad raps because of all the junk and poor designs that are out there right now, but LEDs ARE the future. Plasmas provide an adjustable spectrum, but uses more elec and are too expensive and dont last as long, old school HPS uses too much electricity not to mention you have to vent for heat control, replace bulbs and you still only have a limited spectrum. Im using a Hydro-Grow Penatrator Pro (a little more expensive than the Advanced) and its working better than my 600W HPS ever did and I never have to turn on the A/C as the light runs at no more than 90 degrees, not to mention it only uses around 200w total with a Par output that equals if not surpasses my 600W HPS. They use an advanced spectrum, an optcial grade PMMA Acrylic lens, and run the diodes at far less than rated for longer life and less emission deterioration and the light is of modular design, so if anything goes wrong, they can just send you a replacement part and your light is never fully down, which would be a huge problem for most of us. Oh, did I mention the advanced spectrum provided me with a lightning fast Veg, AND is flowering better than my HPS did with no switch?? Honestly, who wants to replace a light with a bunch of other lights?? Get a GOOD LED and dont waste your money on multiple lights, it kind of defeats the purpose of going LED..
I am now using Advanced Diamond Series and Black Dog (LED Zeplin song) I have tried (wasted a lot of time and money) on all of the Ebay crap. In my limited experience with LED's , Advanced Diamond series and Black Dog are the best I have used. All of my future LED purchases will be Black Dog. Black Dog is very expensive though. We all know how time consuming this hobby is why waste it. Its like anything else "money talks and BS walks"
 

puffenuff

Well-Known Member
I am now using Advanced Diamond Series and Black Dog (LED Zeplin song) I have tried (wasted a lot of time and money) on all of the Ebay crap. In my limited experience with LED's , Advanced Diamond series and Black Dog are the best I have used. All of my future LED purchases will be Black Dog. Black Dog is very expensive though. We all know how time consuming this hobby is why waste it. Its like anything else "money talks and BS walks"
What model black dogs have you used and what kind of yield did you see? As an advaned led user myself, black dog has always been a company that interested me for a potential purchase.
 

KillerJah

Member
If I bought the Diamond series 3W 100W LED light...do any of you veterans know if that'll be enough for 3 indica plants? I've read that 3W diodes put out more than 1W so maybe that'll compensate? Or should I just save up for a 200W Diamond?
 

puffenuff

Well-Known Member
If I bought the Diamond series 3W 100W LED light...do any of you veterans know if that'll be enough for 3 indica plants? I've read that 3W diodes put out more than 1W so maybe that'll compensate? Or should I just save up for a 200W Diamond?
Id go with at least the 200w model
 

anotherdaymusic

Well-Known Member
If you can afford the 200 get it, but the 100 will work, the 200 will work about twice as good. also depends how big your plants are..
 

KillerJah

Member
If you can afford the 200 get it, but the 100 will work, the 200 will work about twice as good. also depends how big your plants are..
Ok cool. Will the 200W be better for flowering too because I want my first grow to be as stealth as possible so I was gonna go LED from start to finish.
 

anotherdaymusic

Well-Known Member
hell yeah it will kick the 100's ass im sure. its twice the power. lol. I use the 100 and some t5's and its pretty badass so far. check my link out at the bottom.
 

dump1020

Member
What model black dogs have you used and what kind of yield did you see? As an advaned led user myself, black dog has always been a company that interested me for a potential purchase.
I have the Advanced DS100 over autos that are 85 days and allmost ready. I have the BD200 (flower config) over the same strains from the same seed company, they are at day 52 and nearly twice as big as day 52 under the DS100. Higher PAR, different spectrum, BD pushes the 3 watt LED to 2.2 watts and Avanced only pushed 2 watts on their 3 watt LED's. I have limited experience with LED's, but i know for sure there is no comparing these two lights with the Ebay crap! I am happy with both lights. Oh, I dont know why but I can get the BD about 6 inches closer to the plants with out bleaching than the Advanced, maybe the angle of the lens?
 

puffenuff

Well-Known Member
I have the Advanced DS100 over autos that are 85 days and allmost ready. I have the BD200 (flower config) over the same strains from the same seed company, they are at day 52 and nearly twice as big as day 52 under the DS100. Higher PAR, different spectrum, BD pushes the 3 watt LED to 2.2 watts and Avanced only pushed 2 watts on their 3 watt LED's. I have limited experience with LED's, but i know for sure there is no comparing these two lights with the Ebay crap! I am happy with both lights. Oh, I dont know why but I can get the BD about 6 inches closer to the plants with out bleaching than the Advanced, maybe the angle of the lens?
makes sense that the bd200 buds are nearly twice as big if youre running twice as much power. Thats very interesting that you can get the more powerful unit closer...not sure why that is. Likely has something to do with the lenses and angles like you mentioned. Glad you are enjoying both lights. Do you see any differences in trichomes between the two? Just wondering what role those extra wavelengths play in the black dogs?
 
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