Best LED lights for under $200?

[Randomblame]

Yeah, they actually do. The sheet is a bit confusing because the columns are arranged different than most. You are probably used to seeing the "min flux / typical flux / max flux" column layout and looked at the middle column for the numbers to use - that was apparent from the ~7000 lumen figure you jumped on initially. But Luminus lists the typical figures in the FIRST column - which is 8285L just as Random indicated - and that is the 85C number.

Thank you for confirming that I am still able to read datasheets correctly.
The Luminus datasheets are a little different, but every manufacturer cooks his own soup in this area.
I find them actually quite easy to read, even if they do not contain as many calculations as, for example, the Bridgelux data sheets. The latter contain much more info, but this can sometimes be more confusing.
Earlier, we had a thread with the latest data sheets of the most manufacturers, but it is unfortunately no longer maintained, since more and more manufacturers entered the scene.

 

[Enigma]

Correct. Data sheets and product simulators have been proven to be rather optimistic.

Results can be skewed.

It wouldn't be the first time.

 

[mauricem00]

First time growing with LED's, anyone have any recommendations on a light they've had great success with? Currently looking at the Mars 600W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum, has anyone tried this one out? Thanks

just found this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/GROWant-G3HiPAR-Aluminum-Horticulture-Spectrum/dp/B072LRC23K/ref=pd_sbs_86_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=42G7KQ09JF6DKS078H8C&dpID=51HxIVGwAJL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail uses german made osram diodes and has good reviews. looks like a great deal for under $200. provides quite a bit of UV and some IR so may be better than the UFO-80 at half the price.thinking about asking my cat to get me the 240 watt version as a birthday present. he always gets me the best presents. of course he can't use a computer so I need to order them for him but his paw print is on the card hehehehe

 

[Rolla J]

just found this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/GROWant-G3HiPAR-Aluminum-Horticulture-Spectrum/dp/B072LRC23K/ref=pd_sbs_86_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=42G7KQ09JF6DKS078H8C&dpID=51HxIVGwAJL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail uses german made osram diodes and has good reviews. looks like a great deal for under $200. provides quite a bit of UV and some IR so may be better than the UFO-80 at half the price.thinking about asking my cat to get me the 240 watt version as a birthday present. he always gets me the best presents. of course he can't use a computer so I need to order them for him but his paw print is on the card hehehehe

Why get the g3 when you can have the g5 programmable also 10 bucks more. The g3 consumes 160watts

 

[PSUAGRO.]

just found this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/GROWant-G3HiPAR-Aluminum-Horticulture-Spectrum/dp/B072LRC23K/ref=pd_sbs_86_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=42G7KQ09JF6DKS078H8C&dpID=51HxIVGwAJL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail uses german made osram diodes and has good reviews. looks like a great deal for under $200. provides quite a bit of UV and some IR so may be better than the UFO-80 at half the price.thinking about asking my cat to get me the 240 watt version as a birthday present. he always gets me the best presents. of course he can't use a computer so I need to order them for him but his paw print is on the card hehehehe

I can almost guarantee you they are not using osram horti leds at that price point...... osram's own zelion was $900 for 125watt draw, didn't even have all top bin, lol.

Epiled, or whatever cheap/ mass produced encapsulated "flavor of month" in China is being used

 

[mauricem00]

I can almost guarantee you they are not using osram horti leds at that price point...... osram's own zelion was $900 for 125watt draw, didn't even have all top bin, lol.

Epiled, or whatever cheap/ mass produced encapsulated "flavor of month" in China is being used

don't know. false claims are so common with led makers it is hard to know what is true. I don't see these kind of false claims and cherry picked studies with HIDs or T5s. those are proven performers and do not need junk science and false claims to sell them. for the price of this light I can get a 315 watt CMH and that is a proven performer http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Grow-315W-CMH-CDM-Ceramic-System-Light-Complete-Fixture-w-3100k-Lamp/112107042982?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=1&asc=47507&meid=800e2d6f919041479868a67987b22202&pid=100011&rk=1&rkt=12&mehot=pp&sd=272655806270&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850 but the OP wants an LED for under $200 . compared to the price of a 150 watt HPS that $900 light is never going to make up the price difference in energy savings and bulb replacement cost but LEDs do look cool.

 

[JohnDoeTho]

Here’s my take, go cob. I have an awesome light made by California light works. The problem with blurple lights like mine is the labor of making them is greater then cobs, your taking like 50 components down to 1. Because of that they are so much more affordable..... I have a grow thread that shows great results with blurple but I paid 800$ a light....

 

[JohnDoeTho]

As soon as enigma gets his ass going I can see someone I trust do it first hand, that will solidify my future light purchases.

 

[Enigma]

Here’s my take, go cob. I have an awesome light made by California light works. The problem with blurple lights like mine is the labor of making them is greater then cobs, your taking like 50 components down to 1. Because of that they are so much more affordable..... I have a grow thread that shows great results with blurple but I paid 800$ a light....

There is no comparison to your fixtures and anything on Amazon.

As soon as enigma gets his ass going I can see someone I trust do it first hand, that will solidify my future light purchases.

I'm actually nervous!

Watching your grow day to day, the wanton abuse, constant attention to detail, troubleshooting.. ya know, the @JohnDoeTho technique.. heh

I'm wondering if I'll need to drop my fixture on my plants in order to get them to swell up like your monstrosities.

Seriously though, I need to make these things work after all the shit I've been talking!

Everything on paper says I'll kill my plants if I run them at full trot, if I have that much light and I don't get the environment correct I won't see the returns like other people have.

Honestly, I'm aiming for 1.6 g/W as these COBs should be putting out upwards of 180 lm/W.

I'll need a killawatt meter for flowering since I'll be adjusting the wattage the entire time. It wouldn't be realistic to use the system wattage since I won't be able to use all 210 W.

Oh yea, I'm ordering some more goodies from TastyLED!

I figure, LEDs are here.. why not take advantage of their characteristics?

It may cost a bit more up-front, but having adjustability in different spectrums is appealing.

 

[JohnDoeTho]

There is no comparison to your fixtures and anything on Amazon.





I'm actually nervous!

Watching your grow day to day, the wanton abuse, constant attention to detail, troubleshooting.. ya know, the @JohnDoeTho technique.. heh

I'm wondering if I'll need to drop my fixture on my plants in order to get them to swell up like your monstrosities.

Seriously though, I need to make these things work after all the shit I've been talking!

Everything on paper says I'll kill my plants if I run them at full trot, if I have that much light and I don't get the environment correct I won't see the returns like other people have.

Honestly, I'm aiming for 1.6 g/W as these COBs should be putting out upwards of 180 lm/W.

I'll need a killawatt meter for flowering since I'll be adjusting the wattage the entire time. It wouldn't be realistic to use the system wattage since I won't be able to use all 210 W.

Oh yea, I'm ordering some more goodies from TastyLED!

I figure, LEDs are here.. why not take advantage of their characteristics?

It may cost a bit more up-front, but having adjustability in different spectrums is appealing.

Yea I suppose it’s a bit dangerous when I make general statements about my experience with my lights in reguards to “blurple” with some of the cheap options out there. But like I said that’s where you really save on COB is not needing to assemble and wire 144 individual lights. To get the right light to grow out of LED isn’t exactly easy so cheap components won’t do. If you wanna go blurple I’d stick with my current company, otherwise I’d go COB.

 

[Johnny Lawrence]

don't know. false claims are so common with led makers it is hard to know what is true. I don't see these kind of false claims and cherry picked studies with HIDs or T5s. those are proven performers and do not need junk science and false claims to sell them. for the price of this light I can get a 315 watt CMH and that is a proven performer http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Grow-315W-CMH-CDM-Ceramic-System-Light-Complete-Fixture-w-3100k-Lamp/112107042982?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=1&asc=47507&meid=800e2d6f919041479868a67987b22202&pid=100011&rk=1&rkt=12&mehot=pp&sd=272655806270&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850 but the OP wants an LED for under $200 . compared to the price of a 150 watt HPS that $900 light is never going to make up the price difference in energy savings and bulb replacement cost but LEDs do look cool.

A couple of Citizens running at 50 watts a piece will outperform a 150 watt HPS.

HID lights(not including ceramics) under 400 watts are incredibly inefficient.

 

[Zeji]

So is there no LED grow lights on Amazon that would be good to just plug and grow? Been looking at the Advanced Platinum Series P300 300w and doesn't seem bad, what do you guys think? It's a US company also.

 

[Rolla J]

So is there no LED grow lights on Amazon that would be good to just plug and grow? Been looking at the Advanced Platinum Series P300 300w and doesn't seem bad, what do you guys think? It's a US company also.

There r a Few growers on here with that light. I see its 12 band and uses bridgelux and CREE diodes.
also 180 watts.
I run a UFO80 led by Unit Farm. Uses CREE and Osram led diodes. Pretty sleek looking as well. Consumes 175watts
Available on amazon also
They have a website too
https://www.unitfarm.com/led-grow-light/ufo-80-cree-osram-led-grow-light-for-sale

 

[Enigma]

So is there no LED grow lights on Amazon that would be good to just plug and grow? Been looking at the Advanced Platinum Series P300 300w and doesn't seem bad, what do you guys think? It's a US company also.

How much does it cost?

 

[Rolla J]

How much does it cost?

369$ on amazon.

 

[Enigma]

Dude, forget that thing.

Either one of these would annihilate that thing and they are both $360, plug-n-play, daisy chainable, manually adjustable and active-air-cooled.

The 90 will grow taller plants, the 80 will grow shorter bushier plants.


https://www.tastyled.com/Tasty-LED-T22-LED-grow-light-p/t22-3000-90.htm


https://www.tastyled.com/Tasty-LED-T22-LED-grow-light-p/t22-4000-80.htm

@Rahz