JTL Mobilights vs. other lights?

[Mike R.]

I plan to do on-location portraits of people and pets (interior & exterior) -- I have no studio. I'd like to have truly portable lighting and am convinced that strobes are the way to go -- no "hot" lights, more powerful & flexible than any type of speedlite, etc. I'm interested in the JTL Mobilights (not the Versalights), which are truly self-contained with battery packs (300 w/s is the most powerful). They even have their own radio transmitter/receiver system, like the PocketWizard, apparently.
To me, their cordless advantage is significant ("Mrs. Jones, where is your nearest wall plug?...."Don't let little Johnny trip over the cord!"......"Do you have an outside plug on the patio?"......"Oops, I'm sorry my lights tripped your circuit breaker."...etc.)
I've seen two laudatory full-length articles on the Mobilights (by Joe Farace in "Shutterbug," March '05; and by Bob Shell, January, '03). Yet I've found no other mentions in my research. Adorama and Porter's sell them, with the full line of JTL softboxes, grids, stands, etc. But local camera-store people sneer at them ("cheap," "made in China").
I've exhausted this forum, I believe, in searching for references to this system.
So, what's wrong with JTL Mobilights? Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with them?

[chtgrubbs]

I have looked at them in a camera store and was impressed. They seem to be very well made. I think they have gotten a cool reception because they are made overseas and don't have a long track record for reliability and customer service like Balcar, White Lightning, and others. Eventually all flashes will need service and pros want to know the company will be there to provide service. That reputation is very important to working pros. I remember photographers had the same attitude toward White Lightning strobes when they were new 15 years ago. They were considered to be toys for amateurs, and now they are the pro standard for monoblocs in the US.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I know nothing of studio lighting.. but I do recall when I read a review of several packages under $2K that the JTL came out on top for a number of reasons.

[spcalan]

I do own the JTL Mobil Light 300's.
I bought 2 of them, with umbrellas/stands/ battery packs and carrying cases for $649.99 at Wolf Camera ( Ritz Camera in some parts ).

I truly do love them. There is nothing better than being able to move around without looking for a "plug-in" or having to worry about some kids knocking one over.