Fast recycle flash options?

I need some cheap (around $100) a/c monolights that can handle fast recycle times and heat from repeated triggering. Any suggestions?

Backstory: Been using a couple of speedlights on stands on opposite sides of the room for wedding receptions. Powered by rechargeable AA batteries. I snap so many photos during the reception that I start to get a lot of hot batteries and misfires by the end of the night. Currently using Yongnuo 622c triggers, with any combination of Canon 480 ex ii, YN 568 ex ii, and cheapo Sunpak DF 3000 flashes.

Jen.
Did you first try an additional external AA battery pack like Bolt or Canon?
Bolt CBP-C1
Canon CP-E4
Both hold 8 double AA batteries which lead to faster recycle times. Good to see you are using a rechargable battery as well.
NiMH rechargables like Eneloop and PowerEx Imedion have served me and many others well.
Having both the additional battery packs and incorporating rechargable NiMH batteries has allowed my Speedlites to recycle much much faster and still eliminating the AC Power Cord obstacle in a Wedding reception.

What ISO and aperture?

I routinely shoot receptions with speedlites, battery packs and recycle time is not a problem. Nor is running the batteries flat.

I also don't try to use the speedlites to light a room that is 30 x 80 with dark walls and ceiling. I concentrate on the dance floor, since that's where the action occurs.

I doubt that you'll find strobes that will get the job done for $100.

If I need something more than speedlites I use Cheetah Light CL-360s. They are battery powered hybrid strobes and go for about $600 each with battery.

There are other options but bargain basement probably won't get the job done.

Nick5 wrote in post #17597098
Jen.
Did you first try an additional external AA battery pack like Bolt or Canon?

I need something like this! Unfortunately I don't have compatible flashes. I am currently using a Canon 430 EX II and a couple of Yongnuo 568 EX IIs. I carry a couple of Sunpak cheapies for back up in a pinch. None of them have a power port. I can't believe that in the 21st century, nobody makes a simple aa-battery shaped rectifier that you can just pop into the aa slot for an a/c power source, lol!

dmward wrote in post #17597251
If I need something more than speedlites I use Cheetah Light CL-360s. They are battery powered hybrid strobes and go for about $600 each with battery.

Fwiw, the CL-360 is only about $450 now

dmward wrote in post #17597251
What ISO and aperture?

I could probably help myself out a lot in the ISO and aperture area. I keep the ISO on my 5d Mk3 at around 500 or 1000 during the reception, but could probably easily get away with 2000 and a little noise reduction in PP. I hate freakin' noise! I usually use the 24-105 L at f4 for dance floor pics.

I have been considering trying something cheap like the Neewer 180w (it's only $45 on Amazon), but I can't find any reviews where anyone has put it through this kind of continuous work. It could also double in the studio as a background or fill light to supplement my ABs.

If you're shooting ETTL (as I suspect you are with 622c's) then the AD360 isn't going to fit the bill.

Look at the Godox/Cheetahstand/Fla​shpoint Ving V860C: ETTL, works with your 622c, LiON rechargeable battery pack, less stuff to carry. And if you decide to add AD360's in the future you can use the same FT-16 triggers as the AD360. $179-199.