So I have finally saved and currently have 600.00 at my disposal. Bill’s paid etc. I have had the cash twice, something around the house has kept taken priority, but now I am itching to pull this trigger. So I am torn between CMH or QBs Honestly I am really leaning toward the qb, and I have been looking at the 550 and the 600H both respec but how come the 550 is more expensive than the 600H… Either way should I go kit, or save a few more bucks and buy the already built lamp? I am lighting up approx 4x4 of a 5x5 space… p.s. If anyone wants to chime in on the CMH I am willing to listen. Thanks in advance! Oh one more if you build a kit do you get the same warrenty?
As far as I know you get the same warranty. I recommend the quantum boards. You’ll get more coverage. dbrn32 Can help you assemble them together after you get everything. I’ve done it as well. If you can jumpstart a car, and pay attention to + and - signs, you can do it.
Also, the quantum boards will last longer, in comparison to replacing the bulb every so often.
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I recently made the purchase of the 260 v1 kit. Assembly is fairly straight forward. I went with the v1 because I was on a budget. I bought one and a few weeks later bought another. Stayed under $600. I’m lighting a 4x4 space. The plants really appreciated the upgrade. No loud fans. I walk into my grow room and it is quiet, at least until my exhaust fans get hooked up. I’m happy with the purchase.
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Me @Hogmaster and @Countryboyjvd1971 use the cmh. They have the 630w version and I have the 315 and love them. They have some light spectrum that quantum board doesn’t
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Yep I love mine
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What size space are you lighting with the 315w Thanks everyone! Been back and forth due to over reading. Has heat been an issue? I was actually looking at a phantom 315w w/ hood and digital ballast. Or just saving a lil more and getting a qb monster… I asked for help earlier in the year, but figured save now and read learn some, and now I have a minute and the money to make a decision…
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If heat is an issue in your region, CMH might not be right for you. FYI
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I ordered two 260xl rspec for my 4x4. They have started the shipping of my two new lights.
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I would recommend doing it yourself if you are at all handy. I personally liked making all the connections myself so I know everything is tight and right. Very good kit so makes it super simple and everything has its place. You won’t need anything other than wire strippers and a screw driver. Ships a week sooner if you build it yourself
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Thanks everyone! going with QB. Still need a few $ to get it the door! Cannot wait! I was also looking at the spider farmer light little less money.
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So quick question, the 550w is more expensive than the 600H how come? Are the 550w a custom board? IE: not a standard 288 r spec, but something not DIY, or buildable. Just curious I believe I am going to save another few bucks and get the 600H rspec kit. I have waited this long 
and who knows another 2 weeks might bring a Halloween sale, or something new. Again thank you everyone!
Smart thinkin. Work those sales. But beware, if u want the newer rspecs, they sale out often. @Killadruid uses both CMH and QB so his advise would be golden here.
@dbrn32 is the man to ask about the diff between the 550 and 600 qbs
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I run chps and qbs honestly the qbs are gold. What size room u working with? I prefer multiple fixtures to a single because if different plants and different heights
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Same boards. The differences are the heatsink, driver, and hlg-550 meets etl and ul standards.
Essentially the hlg-600 is a kit with kind of rickety Chinese Chinese heatsink extrusion and boards wired in parallel. And the hlg-550 is ready to hang commercial grow light.
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Thank you, will be in a 5x5 space…
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So, I have 600.00 currently, and pounding the overtime. drbn32 ya think I should go another route, or grab the 600H kit? I think its 732.00 roughly to the door. Going to look around for a coupon, or code. Does hlg usually run a Halloween special? P.S. Please know you are appreciated!
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I’m not sure about Halloween. Usually black Friday and 4/20 they have something though.
If you wanted to do DIY build you could probably build a nice light for $600 or so.
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Dare I ask? Haha I have been following the light builds, man these lights upgrade pretty quick. So what was it initially x-3 xl- 260w xl when I first landed here? rspec “now” think this is still the best route? Or will it be a pain to raise, lower x-3sets… anyhow I finally seen a quantum board at a shop near me, and man are those boards thin and sleek. Unbelievable pictures do no justice.
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@Thumper You can buy these and it’s no issue raising and lowering lights. I use them in my lights.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0098R0600?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title
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Thank you all! Gonna go price x-3 260w xl kits… drbn32 I appreciate you! If I had more time w/ my work load right now I would consider the doobie noobie as that light is sick! Any other ideas drbn32 before I pull the trigger, or is this likely still my best option?