Mars Hydro FC6500 or HLG Blackbird?

[Autotron]

Hi guys, I've been out of the game for a year or two and I feel like so much has changed. I'm setting up my 4x4 tent again and am raring and ready to get a new grow on. I've used MH/HPS as well as a COBin the past, but am looking to purchase a new nice quality light for my tent that will help me reach my full potential. I haven't been keeping up too much on developments with lights, but it seems that quantum board type LEDs still reign supreme. I know HLG has been a strong contender for quality for quite some time, but I've also seen Mars Hydro really step up their game lately from being a quality budget option with their blurples to a higher quality product. I've given a glance at Spyder Farmer, but I don't know enough about them to consider them at the moment.

Right now, my two most solid options look like the Mars Hydro FC6500 and the HLG Blackbird. One thing I like about the FC series is that it promises pretty consistent coverage across the area of the tent. It also advertises a 12" height above the canopy which I feel offers more flexibility for height as well as slightly higher efficiency. HLG offers top quality components and a solid service agreement from what I've heard.

What would you guys do in my case? What are your thoughts and considerations? I'm particularly interested in finding the most efficient, high yield light with dimmer for a 4x4 with quality components that will stand the test of time. Most I'm willing to spend is $700 - $800.

 

[Suki]

For me, the Blackbird has already been put on my Christmas list and circled in red just harvested this girl from under my 100Rspec, its a solid little light and has pretty well sold me on going hlg in my 4x4 as well.

WMD
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[DCLXVI]

@Les @HLG is your guy.

If you've got the budget I think the HLG would be fantastic.

I don't have an HLG light myself but I do have 2 MarsHydro lights and tents. Been quite happy with them. However, we have seen some QC issues and not great customer service respose from them. In the end they do step up and take care of their customers but the upfront response has been, eh, less than expected. That said, I am a fan. You can see where they make compromises to hit price points but I don't think anyone can be dissapointed in their products. Bang for buck, MH is quite good especially for a beginner or hobby level enthusiast.

My current setup is a Mars 4x4 and a 4800 FCE.

If you're a more advanced grower I suspect the MH kit may be below what you expect.


I would also look at GrowLights Australia:

High Light 420 "Quad" - Grow Lights Australia

Made in Australia 370W = 1m x 1m area 500W = 1.2m x 1.2m area Average light spread = 800-1000 PPFD The new High Light 420 “Quad” comes fully assembled, ready to grow. Each fixture replaces 600-750W of HPS/CMH with the most efficient “true” full spectrum light on the market. These lights are...

growlightsaustralia.com

 

[Autotron]

Thanks all, after careful consideration, I decided to go with the HLG Blackbird. I've gotta say, it was a real close call between that and the Mars Hydro FC6500. Really hoping I made the right call here. In the end, it was HLG's reputation for quality that made the decision for me. Super psyched to receive this bad boy and get it set up! I'll be running a tent with a variety of Mephisto, Ethos and Dutch Passion autos. I'll post a thread documenting my grow once I get it started. Will probably be running this with my organic super soil and supplements like in the past.

 

[Suki]

Thanks all, after careful consideration, I decided to go with the HLG Blackbird. I've gotta say, it was a real close call between that and the Mars Hydro FC6500. Really hoping I made the right call here. In the end, it was HLG's reputation for quality that made the decision for me. Super psyched to receive this bad boy and get it set up! I'll be running a tent with a variety of Mephisto, Ethos and Dutch Passion autos. I'll post a thread documenting my grow once I get it started. Will probably be running this with my organic super soil and supplements like in the past.

5 year warranty with top quality customer service is huge! Congrats and tag me in once you get your journal going!