Reflector Recommendations: Daystar AC, or PL?

[BQ2]

High all. Decided my ancient reflector needs an upgrade. I am debating between a Hydrofarm Daystar AC, or a PL reflector. PLs are supposed to be the best quality reflector, reflecting the greatest amount of light down to the canopy. They are used in Dutch grow rooms. More expensive than the Hydrofarm. The Hydrofarm Daystar AC looks impressive, and is less expensive. I will be using it in a 1000 watt system in a 4X4 Ft. area. Wondering if anyone has experience with either and what recommendations you might have.
Thanks.

 

[Mr Celsius]

Well.. PL's aren't air cooled. At least the 1000w ones aren't, so that kinda answers the questions if you need air cooled.

I personally don't like daystars, I like supersun 1 or 2. I'd go with the 1 for your foot print.

All around the PL's are way better for footprint and even distribution, but cooling is an issue.

 

[BQ2]

Thanks for the response. Pls now have air cooling. It's a separate cage that fits around the reflector. Actually looks like another standard type reflector that the PL reflector sits in for cooling. Has ducts on the sides though, as opposed to front and rear. Adds another $65 to the $150 or so for the reflector.
Wondering why you don't like Daystars and why you prefer the Supersun.
Not sure about the footprint of the PL 1000. The 600 watt with the "deep" reflector seems like it would be ideal for that space, but I wanted to hang on to my 1000 watt ballast. The 1000 watt PLs are meant to be hung higher over the canopy, they recommend 3 ft, which becomes difficult when the plants become 5 ft. tall My hydro-store guy demonstrated with a light meter how much more light is reflected downward with the PLs. It's significant. He says a 600 PL puts as much light on the canopy as a 1000 watt of any other type. In such a small space, don't know how significant it would be, but it's always nice to have more.

 

[Guest]

Check the post on KEYWORD: "air cooled reflectors testing" in the search engine above right of this page. Review Pico's testing of various hoods and make your own conclusion as to the baddest dog on the block currently available.

Good read---

Ty-Stik

 

[darthvapor]

I will test both soon in picos air cooled reflectors thread.

 

[BQ2]

I checked it out. Good thread! I'm still waiting to see something on the PLs, as I hear they are by far the brightest reflectors. Sun System 2 seems like a good hood. It's very similar to the Daystar AC. Both are narrow (12 inches wide), and therefore cast a more concentrated beam. That's what you want in a small area.

 

[imadoofus]

i have a 400w and a 1000w pl systems, and the amount of light they produce is insane. pl's are the best, period. and their price reflects that quality.

 

[sarek]

I think most of the good reflectors reflect most of light from bulb. The bigger fixtures have nice footprint but smaller hoods run cooler which migh t be very important. Smaller hoods have more light coming out at right angles to light so should use trellis and grow up the side a bit in H pattern to utilize side light of daystar.

I am checking out cool breeze soon which seems reall small and cool runnin.