It's so interesting to read the development of this thread........since 2019. In just 5+ years the quality of LEDs has improved dramatically. We've definitely crossed the line over to LEDs (the right ones) being the clear better choice. (I still need to figure out the UVA/B thing but that's for a different thread ;) ).
I just got an
HLG Scorpion Diablo and their latest Rspec. My space is 6' x 12'. I have a separate seedling area / box I built with regular lower level grow bulbs but certainly enough output for seedlings. The Diablo will be for most of the veg cycles, then the Rspec added for flowering. The lights even have dimmer switches. With remote access/wifi......it's astounding how far we've come. But there's no need for me to use these 2 lights at full power until they need it.
They're not the only good company, I hear good things about Cali lightworks and a couple of others, but my experience with
HLG has been excellent. US company, good people, helpful......and I know cost can be a thing, but you have to look at it as an investment that will pay off, literally save.you on electricity, cooling (over HIDs), and now the good ones can give bigger yields per sq/ft depending on the space.......also, regarding cost, there's that price you see, and there's 20% or more off with coupon codes. ;). And sales......
Everyone needs to take some time to sit down and learn about light, spectrum, output, the various ways it's measured........it's more about how much useable light energy at the right spectrum is being delivered and can be used by the plant......in a certain amount of time. You don't have to become an electritian or scientist, but once you get the different terms/acronyms.......ppf, umol, etc....there aren't that many, but just understanding the basics, then you can easily compare various lights (and avoid the ones that don't reveal the key metrics/specs), and make your choice. But try not to save $400 by going with a lower quality company, and probably light.
