Alternatives to Paul Buff Vagabond Mini?

Hey guys, I've searched for the answer to my question but most answers were from several years ago.

Anybody recommend alternatives to Paul Buff's Vagabond Mini battery pack? I already own one and LOVE IT. I use it with my Alien Bees and they work perfect. HOWEVER, I am in Hawaii. Paul Buff now requires shipping to Hawaii to be 2nd day air or next day air AND they need to $32.50 air regulation fee to ship any lithium products.

In other words,
Vagabond mini: $240
2nd Day Air shipping: $98.88
Air regulation fee: $32.50
Total $337.83 for a $240 battery pack (pretty much an extra $100).

Although I'd love to get more vagabonds, I'm also open to alternatives if the quality and cost are good.

You have any friends visiting from the mainland?

Jinbei EN-350 and Photogenic Ion they are going to run you the same price as what the mini is going to cost you

I've got the Mini (VLM) and Extreme (VLX). You will get much more out of the VLX. 10 year battery life and more capacity. If you're going to pay extra, may as well get bigger.

Any lithium battery shipped off to Hawaii is going to cost regardless of brand. Air regulations.

Unless someone is flying out to Hawaii and can bring you one...

Get another VML. You'll gain some system redundancy / backup by having 2 of something.Also assists in troubleshooting any faults. Given your geographic location you may be best served by making different purchasing decisions than someone who is closer to immediate support.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #18090181
You have any friends visiting from the mainland?

Not at this moment. But I know what you're getting at. If an opportunity arises, I'll definitely ask a friend to bring one over.

Angmo wrote in post #18090715
I've got the Mini (VLM) and Extreme (VLX). You will get much more out of the VLX. 10 year battery life and more capacity. If you're going to pay extra, may as well get bigger.

Any lithium battery shipped off to Hawaii is going to cost regardless of brand. Air regulations.

Unless someone is flying out to Hawaii and can bring you one...

I'd love to get the VLX, but I'd like to travel light as possible. I don't want to make my assistants carry a heavier battery pack. The VLM is so lightweight it's amazing.

SamFrench wrote in post #18090823
Get another VML. You'll gain some system redundancy / backup by having 2 of something.Also assists in troubleshooting any faults. Given your geographic location you may be best served by making different purchasing decisions than someone who is closer to immediate support.

That's true actually. Good points. I'll have to really think about everything

fashionrider wrote in post #18091416
Not at this moment. But I know what you're getting at. If an opportunity arises, I'll definitely ask a friend to bring one over.

I'd love to get the VLX, but I'd like to travel light as possible. I don't want to make my assistants carry a heavier battery pack. The VLM is so lightweight it's amazing.

That's true actually. Good points. I'll have to really think about everything

The weight difference is not very much at all. I never noticed actually. The benefits out weighs that concern.

I've got 2 VLXs and one VLM. The VLM is usually the backup.

I drive 3 lights per VLX at times with no problems.