Portable sports strobing options?

I'm looking to put together a lighting outfit with two heads, primarily for strobing sports in 'fairly' small indoor venues - but also with some flexibility for location portraits.

I'm currently using a couple of speedlites to do the job... but they don't have quite the power to do the job really well.

My gut reaction tells me to go for a Lumedyne system. Small and portable. I like the idea of having separate battery packs for each head and the flexibility of the Lumedyne modular power packs/batteries. I won't always be able to find mains power points near the lights and I don't like the idea of having trailing mains cables. I'll also be using PWs to fire the flashes in order to keep the cabling H&S issues to a minimum.

The size of the Lumedyne units also seems to be advantageous. The lights/batteries should all fit together in a large gadget bag which will make it easy for me to transport and (fairly) quick to set up at the venues.

If you have experience of using Lumedyne kit, I'd be very keen to hear from you! I've carried out a search of past threads, but didn't find a huge amount of info. My main concern is whether the Lumedyne's recyling times and power will be up to the job. I think that the 400w/s Signature heads should do the business, but I'd be interested to hear any feedback.

I also like the idea that you can add simple diffusers to the front of the Lumedyne heads for rough and ready portraiture, rather than fit a soft box etc... and, yep, I have studied Neil Turners www.dg28.com site in detail

Another option I'm looking at is the Bowens Esprit Gemini 500w/s 2-Head Travel-Pack kit - http://www.shopcreator​.com …Photographic/BW​4320/24786. The downside seems to be that this is a much bulkier unit... but it is certainly a much 'cheaper' alternative. Again, opinions welcomed.

Any other thoughts? Bear in mind that I'm the UK... Lumedyne and Bowens are both available without the need to import.

Thanks in advance.

---- Gavin

I am struggling with battery lighting also. If you were in the States, I'd say get the Dynalites because at lower power even their entry level Uni400Jr has flash duration is suitable for sports, AND the battery doubles as a Canon flash or camera battery with Quantum cables.

The Lumedyne is very WELL-known, respected, as rugged dependable gear with available service. Just get model with the FASTEST flash durations, like 1/3,000, etc. I think its their Action gear or something like that.

I think the other extremely short flash duration brands are costly or imported, like the Elinchrom Rangers, Normans, Dynalites, Quantum XPaks, etc.
Jack

I appreciate your thoughts Jack.

I've looked at the likes of Dynalites and Speedos but importing them would probably be a bridge too far.

I'll do some more research into the Lumedynes... their size appeals to me as well as their reputation. As you say, it looks like the 'action pack' is the way to go as the flash duration can then be either 1/3000s or 1/1500s (at 200ws or 400ws). Just spent the last half-an-hour reading their literature and the options seem endless

Looking at the Bowens heads the flash duration is just 1/700s

---- Gavin

Elinchrom EL500's have a fast flash duration... you just need a way to power them...