First Grow (5x5 Tent): HLG 650R vs. Timber Fatty VS

LegoFarmer

LegoFarmer

Member
Hi All! First post here.

I recently took the plunge and purchased a 5x5 tent to start my first indoor grow. I have most of the equipment picked out, but the biggest decision I am having trouble with is on lighting. I am currently debating between the following two lights:

HLG 650R
Timber Fatty VS

Given that the 650R is new to the market, there's not a lot of reviews/feedback as of yet. However, there's a ton of love out there for the HLG 550's. I have also seen a lot of people enjoying the COB setups by Timber, but minimal reviews of the Fatty VS. Both seem like they would be great in a 5x5, but that's why it's tougher decision given the price tag. Unfortunately, DIY is currently off the table as we live in an apartment and don't want to run any unnecessary risk (as simple as it looks!).

If you had to choose between the two, which would you go with and why? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
 
LegoFarmer

LegoFarmer

Member
X6xsilverx6X said:
At worst if the HLG 650r seems a bit too new and you dont want to be a guinea pig, how about the hlg 600?
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Based on the reviews of their other products, I meant it seemed like the HLG 650R will perform equally as well. I also don't mind being a guinea pig for it either. :D

StareCase said:
That is a tough call. You really can't go wrong with either. Efficacy, spectrum and PPFD for both lights are excellent. And with Timber removing the reflectors, spread is also much better.

I went with the HLG cause I wanted to wire the driver outside of the tent. Far less heat inside - plus I might need those extra couple inches at the top in case I need to raise the lights that high. It was growing environment more so than any technical detail or performance of the fixture.

I know that this has nothing to do with how well the light can flower - but I like that the HLG units are a bit cleaner looking. Something about the spiked hair-do look of the Timber heat sinks that doesn't float my boat.

But that is just me ...
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Moved this comment from the other thread I posted in the wrong section! Thanks for the reply! One thing I noticed about the environment factor between these two lights is the height required to run them at by recommendation of the manufacturers. The HLG is 30 inches vs the Timber at 18 inches. The 5x5 comes in at 6' 11" tall out of the box w/ optional 1' height extension to 7' 11". I'm assuming this should be plenty of headroom with either light, correct?
 
Rocket Soul

Rocket Soul

Well-Known Member
You might also wanna check the options for 2-3 qb648 double kits on a hlg600 driver: this will spread the light out better than a hlg650.

I think the double kits are around 280 each.
 
Humple

Humple

Well-Known Member
LegoFarmer said:
Based on the reviews of their other products, I meant it seemed like the HLG 650R will perform equally as well. I also don't mind being a guinea pig for it either. :D


Moved this comment from the other thread I posted in the wrong section! Thanks for the reply! One thing I noticed about the environment factor between these two lights is the height required to run them at by recommendation of the manufacturers. The HLG is 30 inches vs the Timber at 18 inches. The 5x5 comes in at 6' 11" tall out of the box w/ optional 1' height extension to 7' 11". I'm assuming this should be plenty of headroom with either light, correct?
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I generally prefer boards to COBs, but in a 5x5, if I was choosing between those two fixtures, I'd go Timber. The recommended hanging height for the HLG fixture is much higher because the footprint of the light is much smaller. I'm a big believer in spreading the light as much as possible and minimizing wall-loss, so I vote Timber.

That said, the HLG light is still badass. Every light in my garden is HLG (except for the CFLs I use for seedlings/cuttings), so I'm perfectly comfortable saying that they make great products. Excellent customer service too.
 
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