Thinking of upgrading to LEDs

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I think unless you can actually buy decent lights, you're better off replacing bulbs until you've got enough cash for decent lights. No point downgrading from a decent T5 setup, so as with everything in this hobby, do it right the first time or you lose more money than you can count!

It's not about having or not having the cash. I can buy them, but the wife is hard to convince I NEED to spend it.

That battle is going poorly, so I'm looking for alternatives that my wife can live with.

And under $500 is probably my cap. Today, tomorrow or in 5 years.

So what I need is a product that is worth buying. I know there are lots of Chinese knock offs... And some with very good reviews.

So, bring uninformed on LED, I need to know why I should buy brand name when most of them prObably have Chinese made parts.

New territory. Bah. I hate research. And pros and cons. They suck. :P