They arent crappy at all - at least not my Spider-Farmer SF-2000. Its well made and uses quality parts all around. The latest model has the switches and dimmers on a different housing so no more messing with screws. Tests show this light puts out solid numbers for what you pay. The data doesnt lie. HLG makes a nice light too but you pay a lot more and for what really? Not everyone wants to make their own lights. There is something nice about a ready to go light that ships to you in two days.
No doubt that some chinese lights are bad but there are some that are perfectly good. Spider-Farmer and Mars Hydro are both solid choices. Aain, the data doesnt lie.
When it comes to HLG im both pro and con:
Con: theyre prices has almost never aligned with my needs, especially taking into account im a Euro buyer. The great aftersales they provide would only work if i sent stuff back over the sea which wont work for me. So if id buy a fullpriced light id leave some money for services i would havve to do myself if something happened, like changing out boards etc. Also they have only had my favorite spectrum once.
Pro: this is the business who broke the hps monopoly really and drives advances in growlights in general. They take good care oof the forum, listen to us and you can actually hold them accountable for what they do here. Ive seen people coming on to riu with problems and theyve been addressed properly to full satisfaction. They have the absolute best samsung diodes, with a guaranteed best bin, not only flux but voltage. And they show the tests for it, not onlyy list a number and leave it at that.
Also steves a nice guy whos never been afraid of laying up lights for side by sides, giveaaways on the gml show etc.
This the main point, theyre our own guys
Recently HLG has had some great deals (V1 booards, qb96) so good ive felt the need to mention and rec them on the chinaboard thread were everyone just try to get the best bang for buck cause i feel its been worth it.
SF has its place in the market i just feel you can replace it with cheaper stuff with the same spec or better if you go full china.