Thinking about Mars Hydro

[Blowdout2269]

Ok, I've been planning a light upgrade for some time.
I was leaning towards a ES300 or SP3000. But seeing as The Green Sunshine Company is no longer manufacturing, I guess Mars Hydro is where I'll take my money, lol.
My largest space is 3×5', so about perfect for the SP3000. But even better for a SP6500. You can't have to much light, right? And considering that an ES300 is roughly the same price as a SP6500, yet 320 watts shy, I'm definitely thinking the latter.
I would prefer a light with very little maintenance(i.e. adjusting strength/height frequently).
I know alot of you here use Mars Hydro lights. I'd like to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly about the experience you've had. I'm a poor decision maker. So sway me either way!

Side note: Why do certain sites appear to be selling the SP6500 at about $200 less than Mars-Hydro or Amazon?
Knock off/scams?

[BU2B]

Mars Hydro is an excellent and reliable brand. I’d be a little leery of anyone selling the same model at $200 less than Amazon.

[Rwise]

I have had no problems with my Mars Hydros, but look at the offers from Spider Farmer also.
Amazon prices are not hard to beat.

[Blowdout2269]

Definitely leery BU2B.
Rwise, honestly I haven't even thought about SF. And yeah, Amazon prices are easy to beat. But $200? Is anyone familiar with these sites?

[SoOrbudgal]

I've bought all of my lights Viparspectra from them the manufacturers.

[ChubbNugg]

Mars Hydro may have price matching. Asking won't hurt.

[Blowdout2269]

Yeah, I'd prefer to do the same.

[Sino]

Nebula haze did a side by side with the smaller versions, the sf2000 and the mars tsl 2000
The spider farmer performed at 1.51 g a watt while mars was at .99 g a watt.
Pretty interesting article-

[Blowdout2269]

Yes, I've read the article. Might have to re-read.
Seems like we got some SF fans in the house! Guess I will have to investimigate...

[Franklin]

Growcast podcast this week is about led lights and I learned a ton that would definitely help me next time I go shopping. Too much to list here, but give it a listen.

[Blowdout2269]

Thanks Franklin.
Hmm, interesting...The SF7000 is roughly the same price but with flower coverage of 5×5. Not that I need it, but I think it's better to have more than not enough when it comes to lighting. Also helpful if I upgraded my space in the future. Decisions decisions...
Anyone using a SF7000?

[Going2fast]

I smell something on that 409$ mars hydro. I started with one sp3000 in a 3x5 and it performed flawlessly. Check out my indoor grows. They are all with this light. Ballasts are removable so they can be mounted outside your area if needed but they do not put out much heat at all. They are dimmable but from 3 weeks on I have them cranked to 100% at between 16 and 30" away. Picked up a second one and now running 2 in a 5x5 footprint. Not one single dead diode in the 3 year old one. Best price is thru there store usually and if you go to cocoforcannabis.com they have a 10% off code and a great review on this light.

https://www.cocoforcannabis.com/grow-light-guide/mars-hydro-sp-3000-field-test-review/

And we'll the proof is in the however that saying goes.

[OldManGrower]

I have no opinions on Mars Hydro but I recently purchased a SE3000. Seems to be a very good light. About $300 with a five year warranty.

[Blowdout2269]

Going2fast, yeah I know you use the SP3000 with great results. I could probably use that light in my same size space with ease. Maybe doing just that, with the ability to add another is the ticket.
Yeah, I'll copy you, what?
OldManGrower, yeah Mars and SF both carry great warranties.

Was really kinda hoping for some sort of negative experience to sway my purchase. Doesn't look like I'ma get one. Like I said before, I'm a poor decision maker, lol

[dilvish]

As I have said in the past, get a light that is properly safety certified. a "CE" only certification for an electrical item that is used 12-24 hours per day (and generates considerable heat) should be passed over IMHO. Get one that has been properly tested with a UL, CSA or ETL certification. The only ones I know of who went that extra step was Vipar Spectra and only on certain models (because it's expensive but worth it).

the CE certification is basically an internal "self" certification and unfortunately a lot of manufacturers skip proper certification. In some cases even the CE certification is faked.

Ironically Amazon has a policy that states no marketplace seller can sell electrical items that are not safety certified based on your government safety requirements. Most governments specify UL,CSA or ETL and do not even recognize the CE certification. Sadly. Amazon does not enforce their own rules (profit over policy) and unsuspecting consumers may buy products that are generally unsafe for use.

In essence, Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).

[golfnrl]

I can't offer an opinion on any other lights but HLG. That's all I've ever used. The 350R is my latest purchase. If that is in your budget I highly recommend it.

[Blowdout2269]

dilvish - Yes, thank you. I'm fully aware of all that you've stated. I only use safe products in my space. Doesn't mean I don't have a couple Elide FireBalls mounted near my sure protectors though, lol. You never know. Glad you've shared this information repeatedly. Maybe someone else needs to see it. It is invaluable.
golfnrl - Honestly, I haven't even looked into Horticulture Lighting Group. Maybe I'll have a look.
On another note, made fun of for golfing?(in regards to your post on BU2B's topic) Man, that shits just peaceful. Wish I could get a round in more often. Bout the only thing my knees can handle these days!

EDIT: Just realized how that sounds. Lol, no low-blow comments! Damn, that even worse! Whatever lmao.
Maybe my minds just in the gutter...

[golfnrl]

That's funny...made me laugh out loud.

I'm about two years away from being able to have more golf time. I plan to do that and pharm.