Novatron vs Alienbees

[c2thew]

Ok so i'm getting into some portable lighting setups and have considered the value based aspects of lights. There is a huge following of alienbee users here on this forum so there is probably a very solid reputation for the quality of the product. however, at almost of the cost of an alienbee monolight, I've been checking out some novatron light kits, particularly the older models. Aleinbees already have the leg up for variable power adjust and optical slave built in

the older model monolights came with battery packs? that allowed you to use them outside? or is it just a linkage where all the lights pull the power from and it then links to the wall outlet, saving valuable outlet space?

are the novatron's 240 equivalent to the ab400?

i know for a fact an ab800 would fit my needs, but i'd have to grab two of them + light stands, which would be the equivalent of a 3 light novatron kit + battery pack.

help!

[breal101]

I know very little about ABs other than what I've read here. I do know something about Novatron since I used them for years when I first started out. I still have a 500 ws and an 880 plus pack and a bunch of flash heads. I think they are reliable give excellent bang for the buck and very useful lights. The downsides are almost useless modeling lights, limited variable power and a terrible interface with modifiers IMO. You can get heads with variable power settings which is OK but a little more limited than other systems. The 240 pack would be sufficient for inside shooting but limited for outdoor use, I would prefer a bit more power for that.