HLG Blackbird

Didn't see much posted here on the blackbird but got to be some members here using it. Seems like its ideal for a 4x4 tent. I'll be starting out with autos, may move up to photoperiods later.
So whos got the blackbird??

Probably have to dim it significantly for autos in a 4x4. The few times I’ve tried running autos under the amount of light you’d use for photos they stressed like a mf. Specs on the blackbird look fine for a 4x4 and hlg is a solid company

like Lenin said, great light. Great company. It’ll definitely be powerful so get acquainted with the dimmer.

I have hlg 550’s and they’re great. The company stands behind their lights.

I have seen some people favor running the smaller lights and just using more of them because they feel it creates a better light coverage. I would probably go with the blackbird over the multiple lights because it’s cleaner aesthetically.

pahpah-cee said:

... I have seen some people favor running the smaller lights and just using more of them because they feel it creates a better light coverage ...

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I went multiple smaller lights over one larger for my 2 x 4. But it wasn't for coverage alone. I wanted to be able to independently adjust the light-canopy distances for one plant should the need arise.

Two plants of the same strain - even two plants taken from the same mother - can stretch a little differently. If you use a single larger light it's a little more difficult to satisfy that particular need for one of the ladies.

StareCase said:

I went multiple smaller lights over one larger for my 2 x 4. But it wasn't for coverage alone. I wanted to be able to independently adjust the light-canopy distances for one plant should the need arise.

Two plants of the same strain - even two plants taken from the same mother - can stretch a little differently. If you use a single larger light it's a little more difficult to satisfy that particular need for one of the ladies.

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Totally makes sense. Interesting how our minds work. When I was planning out my grow I went with the bigger lights, my solution for different grow heights was to add risers to my plants needing a little boost to even out the canopy.

same issue, different solution, similar results.

that being said, I suppose if you are unable to put your plants on a riser (due to your hydro set up or even large living soil container) then the two lights is the superior set up.

BPB said:

Didn't see much posted here on the blackbird but got to be some members here using it. Seems like its ideal for a 4x4 tent. I'll be starting out with autos, may move up to photoperiods later.
So whos got the blackbird??

Click to expand...

Autos are a poor choice for new growers, go with photos.

pahpah-cee said:

... I suppose if you are unable to put your plants on a riser then the two lights is the superior set up ...

Click to expand...

I wanted to give each plant their own 2' x 2' flower light and to maintain a 20" light-canopy gap above each so that I can maximize my yields. Going the separate lights route was the only way to do that. And it's pretty easy for me to raise/lower my lights in 1/2" increments so there was never any need for any risers.

Blackbird is ok, but the par map isnt the best for the price imo. I went with a Eagle 650si for my 4x4, link to site in my sig