SP-System vs AlienBees

[sn4il]

Hi.
I'm having a hard time to decide which setup will work for me better.
I was going to get Excalibur Pro 6400 3 Light Kit but some of my more experienced friends are suggesting AlienBees.
I've never used any of these and I really dont have an idea which set I should get.
I live in NYC and can get Excalibur at B&H right away. For Aliens I will have to wait couple days.
mAx

[scottbergerphoto]

I bought 3 SP Excalibur 3200's at B&H. They come with decent light stands and umbrellas. They are more then adequate for a small studio.

[flyfishnj]

Probably going to get more recommendations for ABs. ABs are more expensive and I think are more rugged, however, it all depends on how much you are going to use them and how.

[mbze430]

I actually have worked with both SP and AB. I ended up getting the AB. Because, and mainly the size. the SP are big and bulky. Otherwise they are pretty much the same. Both plastic, they both offers the same features. Though I rather have the audible noise from the SP (habit) than using the modeling light as the ready indicator.

[mjordan]

I have 3 SP Excalibur monolights and have had them for about 4 years now. They aren't bulky at all to me and really are on par size wise as most of the monolights. The reason the Alien Bees can be so small is that they cool them with a fan, the SP's are designed to air cool, which they do very well.

I also disagree that the AB's are more rugged. I have read on here and other forums that people have had to send their ABs back for repair. They get fixed or replaced quickly (fast service is a plus) but they still had problems. Also, for awhile, there seem to be a lot of problems with the AB flash sync cords not working with the flash meter. The problem was the cable and not the flash meter.

These problems don't mean they are any less rugged, I wouldn't consider them more rugged though.

Another plus on the SP's is that the extras, softboxes, umbrellas, light stands (you can never have to many extra light stands), beauty reflector, snoots and barndoors, etc., are a bit cheaper than some of the extras you buy for the ABs. They are still name brand items with the SP logo on them too.

You probably will be happy with either set, but you won't be unhappy with the SP's. Think of it this way... if your experienced friends used Nikon's, would you switch to them as well? ;)

Mike