Yeah it does work. That's why everyone has been using HPS to grow since the 80's. And that's also why long time HPS users, who went through the LED scams/lies/false promises over the last 6-8 years, have such a hard time giving up their HPS lights. They've been told for many years now that LEDs would replace it with half the watts. But it hasnt been until very recently that that is ACTUALLY the case nowadays.
When LEDs were first commercialized in 1996, the efficacy of a white LED was about 5 lumens per watt. High end white LEDs today in 2018 are hitting 221 lumens per watt, with an average of about 150-160 (getting up closer to 170 now). And just 4 years ago, high end white leds maxed out around 180 lumens/w (81% of today) and averaged 120-135 lumens/w (85% of today).
So in the last 4 years, high end white LEDs have gotten about 20-25% more efficient. And WAY cheaper. The average $ per PAR watt for the CXA3070 was about $2-3/par watt. Samsung f series strips run you about $0.70/par watt.
My plants look exactly like his under my 600 watt hps. I would see no reason to change other than curiosity. Which I am. I really want to do a side by side.
skoomd, what would I need in my 4 x 4 to do a comparison? Lets stay around 600 watts. (you say I can get the same results with less tho) I'm already buying the new Hortilux 600 watt cmh to try out and I want something else. This will be a 3 way comparison. Since you seem to be the guy who knows what's needed for a specific area I would like to get your idea on coverage for my 4 x 4. I don't need to build it myself. I'll buy a prebuilt system. Then I can see for myself what does what. What do you say?
Well my friend runs 600w of samsung f series strips in a 4x4 tent and he just pulled 1050 grams dried. I built him that light for a little over $500. That would be an excellent light for a 4x4 tent, you'll max out the intensity. Easily will replace a 1000w HPS in fact. A 1000w HPS outputs about 1300PPF (minus 15-20% of that that is lost in the hood) and his 600w strip build outputs 1440PPF.
But if you need a prebuilt option, the HLG 600h kit is the way to go. It's essentially the same as my friend's build, same diodes, similar coverage, same wattage. It's $700 prebuilt+tested.
Though to replace a 600w HPS, a 400w COB build from timbergrowlights would be plenty to do the job.
Expect to be blown away. I would love to see you post your results on here, if possible.