Need a flash: new or used/old?

Prior to Christmas I sold my 580exii to pay off mine and my wife's wedding rings. I received the PW AC3 for Christmas to complete my PW set up but can't use it.

I currently can't afford another 580 and really miss working on my lighting tecnique. I want studio strobes but definitely can't afford those yet and when I can I want Elinchrom, Profoto, or Broncolor.

So, my question, is do I get a new 430exii or a used 550ex? Have used both and owned to 430's in the past.

What do you need it for? Do you need ETTL?

digital paradise wrote in post #13767788
What do you need it for? Do you need ETTL?

Portrait work.

Ettl and manual are a must. I'm leaning toward the 430 for te new factor.

StayLucky wrote in post #13768401
Portrait work.

Ettl and manual are a must. I'm leaning toward the 430 for te new factor.

get two yn565ex's - same price as the 430 and has pretty much the same functions minus hss if i'm correct

a good budget flash i enjoy using mine.

questionmarc wrote in post #13769289
get two yn565ex's - same price as the 430 and has pretty much the same functions minus hss if i'm correct

a good budget flash i enjoy using mine.

Considered getting one as I used it with a friends 7D over the weekend. I liked it well enough, but I prefer the Canon system when it comes to speed lighting.

I just can't make a decision, I know I eventually want to be using higher end studio units, but that's out of my technique and price range for now. I also use the PW mini tt1 and tt5 set up, and the 580 always seemed unreliable with it and I've been reading reports of them overheating/frying with the PW's.

This leads me to the 430exii. Decent price, decent power.

Or if you don't need ETTL a Yongnuo 560 for about $80.

StayLucky wrote in post #13770079
I just can't make a decision, I know I eventually want to be using higher end studio units, but that's out of my technique and price range for now. I also use the PW mini tt1 and tt5 set up, and the 580 always seemed unreliable with it and I've been reading reports of them overheating/frying with the PW's.
This leads me to the 430exii. Decent price, decent power.

I am not familiar with the PW tt system, but I have been hearing about them killing the 580s...I got two(2) 550EXs for under $300.00 not sure how they would work with the PWs. I would go with them over the 430EX, just my 2 cents...