How do you gentlemen fare with ONLY a 430exII, outside a studio?

I want to upgrade from the 230ex I use mostly for indoor clubs, and I know the 430's output is something like 85% of what the 580 puts out. I'm mainly considering a 430 because it's a lot cheaper and (to me) it's a lot of flash for a lesser price than the 580. So when you guys are out and about, do you ever feel like it's not enough for like urban & nightclub scenarios?

If you are not opposed to a non canon brand, the Yongnuo YN-565 has as much power as the 580 EXII, and costs less than the 480. IT has full E-TTL capabilities. The only thing you would be losing would be High Speed Sync.

43/58=0.74
That means that the 430EX will have about 74% of the distance range of the 580EX, all other factors being equal.

In terms of pure power, the difference is a little less than 1 stop. That means that there may be situations where you need to open your aperture a little or increase the ISO to get the exposure you want.

If you understand the factors that affect flash power requirements (which also affect recycle time and battery life), you can manage those factors to get the job done.

Can you also fire it remotely off camera like the 580 by pressing the "pilot" button?

THE Phreak wrote in post #14360879
Can you also fire it remotely off camera like the 580 by pressing the "pilot" button?

Yes. Every flash unit ever made has a test button. Sometimes they name it differently.

Also check out the Metz 58 AF-2 which is comparable to the 580EX and the Metz 50 AF-1 which is comparable to the 430EX. I have the 50 AF-1...no complaints so far.