Pocket Wizard vs PCB Cybersyncs

If they both cost the same which one would you go for and why?

PW2+ or PW flex/mini?

Do you use speedlites at all or just monoblock strobes or both?

Do you use TTL or HSS?

Do you use Einsteins?

Each of those answers will factor into PW vs buff triggers.

Why are you limiting yourself to only those two brands?

I usually on full manual so i went with PCB, if you want ETTL then go with Pocket Wizards.

I have Cyber Syncs and Pocketwizard ControlTL.

They serve different purposes. Cyber Sync with Commander to control Einsteins and/or ABs remotely is a very nice solution.

PW ControlTL also will support Einsteins (MC2) and now supports ABs (AC9) along with Speedlites.

dmward wrote in post #12168865
PW ControlTL also will support Einsteins (MC2)

"Available February 2011"

I wouldn't factor that into the decision yet if the OP needs to remotely adjust Einsteins now

Pocket Wizard is also compatible with other brands like Sekonic, Profoto, Dynalite, and others that have built in triggers.

What kind of PW's are you talking about???

I have both systems.

Cybersycns are rock solid with 100% confidence that they will fire properly with no misfires. My PW flex units are not so reliable when using ETTL function. Adding an OC-E3 (between flash and flex)for my canon speedlights has given me over 350feet of decent reliable ettl control.

If your shooting manual there are alot of products out there. I will say the cybesyncs are definitely a sure fire trigger system that is compatible with a cyber commander if you go with einsteins.

PW flex shoes are soooooooooo weak that they crack easily. I do like the USB connection where you can update the firmware. I am waiting for the MC2 for my Einsteins to fire at fast shutter speeds.

OP, one thing to keep in mind is the cybersyncs are alot cheaper than PW's.

For me, it was a pretty easy decision. $60 vs $200 per unit. Full Manual vs. HSS and eTTL. bullet-proof reliability vs just as reliable. I went with the cybersyncs and I use them with my 580EX II, YN-560 and eventually Einstein's. Looking forward to being able to use the cyber commander on the slopes (I shoot ski/snowboard photos). Honestly, if money isn't a factor, I'd almost always say go with the PW flex/mini combo. There's a reason PW are the industry standard. If you're on a tight budget, then you need to figure out what features are important to you. If you absolutely must have HSS but don't wanna shell out the bucks, you can always go with the pixel knights. If that doesn't matter either and you're also not wanting to spend $130 on a pair of cybersyncs, you can try the new YongNuo RF-603's and pick up a pair for $25. If they break, who cares?! Buy another set or consider something new :P. Just my 2 cents...

clarence wrote in post #12168797
PW2+ or PW flex/mini?

Do you use speedlites at all or just monoblock strobes or both?

Do you use TTL or HSS?

Do you use Einsteins?

Each of those answers will factor into PW vs buff triggers.

I got myself 2 einsteins and I have the option of buying a 3 multimax unit kit [Second Hand fully working] for around $400

Bluesyfluesy wrote in post #12175183
I got myself 2 einsteins and I have the option of buying a 3 multimax unit kit [Second Hand fully working] for around $400

If you can check it out before you buy it, make sure that it's got a mini USB port on the side of the unit where the On/Rx/Tx switch is. If it has it, it's the latest version of the MultiMax and the firmware can be updated via the USB port. In that case, you'd be getting a good deal on the MM unit, IMHO.

But it it doesn't have the USB port on the side, you'll be stuck with an older version with firmware which can't be updated (there have been several new features incorporated via the USB port which aren't available to the older units). That said, the MultiMax unit is the most versatile remote unit you can get anywhere even without the newer features. Nobody makes a unit as versatile as the MultiMax. Of course, if all you want to do is to just trigger flashes and cameras, the MM will be somewhat of an overkill unless the priced right.

If you have 2 Einsteins, the PCB CyberCommander will be a much better solution than the PW MM.

I have 2 Einsteins and the CyberCommander...brain​less operation.
The CyberCommander knew everything as soon as the power went on (with freq and channel set of course).