LED light setup questions

I want to invest in the LED lights. can someone explain pro's and con's of LED's and possibly links to various websites that offer good selection of LED grow lights.

All depends on what you are tryng to replace and what you expect.
I am all about Apache Tech's the AT120 WR2's( I own 14 AT120's of all different spectrums). They are for someone who is not messing around and wants the best. AT120's are older than most and still are at the top of the performance list(umol/w). They are pricey but code RBK331 will get them down to 750 on their site. I also like the new A51 light but probably cause it is a lot like an apache.

Pros..
-Lower electricity and more efficient light...600w of good led's can beat 1000w hps no problem
-grams/w is much better than hid
-Specifically deigned wavelengths for plant growth
-low heat
-Higher quality flowers in the end

Cons...
-Higher initial cost
-Usually smaller coverage per unit
-Need multiple units for 600w-1000w replacement
-new tech constantly evolving
-lots of fakes and gimmicks
-penetration is lower but not lacking...scrog is the best for led's

This is from an old post of mine that might help...

Here is how I look at LED's in order of importance.
1) What is the par output in umol's (most companies don't give one on their website and that just pisses me off)...minimum 700umols@12" is the lowest end of my attention radar. 1000hps's puts out 1800umol@24" so that is my real goal. Yellow(lumens) light that is not all absorbed(wasted) is still in the par spectum, so 1800umols LED PAR(wavelength specific) output would be more to the plants than 1800umols PAR(the whole mess) from hps.
2) Wattage to achieve output. (first total unit draw, then diode wattage and brand of diode)
3) Coverage size and umol dispersion over the area (only strong in center or is it spread out)
4) Spectrum/wavelengths
5) Price
6) BS advertising/company image/knock offs on the market. (maybe they are the knock offs?)

Just the ways I personally judge all of them.

see also:

https://www.rollitup.org/led-other-lighting/

PetFlora said:

If you are in the US, A51 has vg lights, at a reasonable price

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I disagree with this... A51 customer support is trash, the owner of the company has a chip on his shoulder and I would suggest anyone who's looking at A51 to look else where.

With that being said, I would suggest looking into the Cali Light works Solar Storm 400, I just bought one and am very impressed.

By the way, they retail for 798$ shipped or you can get the growers program for like 620$

before you buy. look at this web site. you will save 80 % . they are the same as the ones you buy in hydro shops except they are not marked up 20 times. also call them ! they will make the light any way you want , example if you are only gona flower . they will add only flower leds .that's huge ,http://www.alibaba.com you will see that hight tech garden supply buys every thing from here, and puts there own name brand on them, marks them up . can get a led light for 300 and any where else 1500

RedzoneFL said:

I disagree with this... A51 customer support is trash, the owner of the company has a chip on his shoulder and I would suggest anyone who's looking at A51 to look else where.

With that being said, I would suggest looking into the Cali Light works Solar Storm 400, I just bought one and am very impressed.

By the way, they retail for 798$ shipped or you can get the growers program for like 620$

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This is totally out of character. One of the principals (UN: Eraserhead) contributes to a couple DIY LED forums here. Seems sharp enough to make sure customers are treated right. I suggest you PM him so he can get to the bottom of it.