What's in the same ballpark pricewise, with the Einsteins?

I am planning to pull the trigger on a few of these, and have searched here and there, but usually it's a love em, or hate em kinda response. What else is there at the same price point?

Depends where you live.

Are you asking for monolights with similar specs at the same price, or just any strobes at the same price? If the latter, just go to B&H and sort by price. If the former, I think it depends on which criteria are important to you. Maybe a bit more info would help folks respond.

I live in FL. I like the specs, but maybe could compromise. 600+ws, constant color, digital, short duration, remote control... Maybe better build, higher power, etc...

Something with similar specs, but maybe a trade off, for other specs as nothing that I've found is a replacement.

So this isn't a direct reply to your question, but I just did a shoot today with my Einstein and it rocked! In fact I plan on selling my WL1600 and getting another Einstein. I know you hear stories of hit and miss with PCB equipment, but so far I've been very satisfied with my strobes.

Do you mean another IGBT studio flash for about $500? The Photogenic Solaires are a bit less powerful and 50% more expensive.

Is there something that you don't like about the Einsteins?

No I don't dislike them, but before I pull the trigger for thousands of dollars, I'd like to know what other options there are that I have not run across.

According to Rob Galbraith, in a review of the Einstein last year, with emphasis on using it for sports photography, "As of this writing, you won't find a competing studio monolight with the Einstein 640's breadth of features and capabilities, from any other maker at any price."

Read the review here: http://www.robgalbrait​h.com …age.asp?cid=7-10053-10715

I had been comparing Einsteins to other monolights between 500 and 1000 w/s with wireless controls, and had boiled it down to a comparison between Einstein, White Lightning X1600, and Elinchrom Digital Style 600RX. The cost for a pair of Einsteins and a pair of White lightnings with full wireless control is the same. A pair of the Elinchroms comparably equipped costs about a third more.

With adapters from Pocket Wizard, all three of these lights are compatible with the TT1/TT5/AC3 system, but if you don't already have the PWs, the light manufacturers' wireless control system is less expensive.

I've been concerned about reports on web forums about iffy QC of Einsteins, but the Galbraith article finally cinched it for me. I plan to invest in the Einsteins

I upgraded my AB's to all Einsteins. No regrets or problems so far.

I am also impressed with PCB's customer support. I broke a neck clamp on a light stand, they sent me the replacement part for free. One of my Einsteins fell, so I sent it in, and they sent me a new version 3 replacement for a very small fee. The small group who work there are very nice, supportive, and they actually know their products. That is saying a lot given how customer services in general are trending these days.

I totally agree with you snakeOape! Two thumbs up! Full confidence with PCB.