Best non aircooled reflector?

[TREE KING]

Before answering the question I would look at the grow room: size and height.

When selecting a reflector I would look for:

1. Efficiency (reflector material - preferably Miro aluminum)
2. Uniformity and spread (reflector design)
3. Durability (built and also can you buy separate reflector plates or replacement reflectors?)
4. Results in the past (though they do not guarantee success in the future)

One of the possible options is the HortiStar 96% efficiency is about as good as it gets. If you want it adjustable TripleStar might be an option.

I like the wings too, but just in the deep position.

Another alternative is a Gavita internal reflector lamp: The reflector doesn't wear and you get a new one with every lamp. The spread from the IR lamp is very wide. Mind you the ones on the market in the US right now only work well with magnetic ballasts. an electronic one is on its way. Because the lamp is not enclosed there is less of a heat problem.

but I must confess I do have a sweet spot for Gavita

the HortiStar and TripleStar say it only does up to 750W. and on the gavita, thats just a bulb right?

 

[Phaeton]

It all depends on where the lights are put. I would have a much harder time getting even distribution in my round room using bilaterally symmetrical lights. Side to side is good, end to end would be awkward to get a smooth transition.
Using a hex grid pattern with vertical lights makes it much easier to avoid light and dark areas throughout the entire room. The arc tubes being tubes, the light is mainly emitted thought the sides of the tube, wires and mechanical stuff blocks the ends. Vertical installation puts the light to the reflector on all sides, not just left and right.

A row of lights would work way better with the horizontal bulb, but that is not my room. Although I have to admit, most grows I visit have their plants lined up in rows for ease of access. I get to my plants on my hands and knees crawling under the tables. Watering takes almost an hour each time. Idle hands are the devil's playtoys.

It is not what I like, but what I have to work with that drives my decisions.

 

[whazzup]

the HortiStar and TripleStar say it only does up to 750W. and on the gavita, thats just a bulb right?

yep. There are 750W lamps too. 1000W lamps are a bit longer and don't fit in this size reflector. For 1000W Gavita has the Double Ended reflector.

 

[growshopfrank]

FWIW if you were to take a poll of longtime hydro industry peps that grow what reflector they use adjust a wings will probably be number one

 

[TREE KING]

FWIW if you were to take a poll of longtime hydro industry peps that grow what reflector they use adjust a wings will probably be number one

thats a good point growshopfrank but i still havent heard someone explain why there good when theres no walls on the sides to stop the light from escaping?