Buy 1200ws bulb or discard Flashpoint 1200 extension?

Who's used a single 1200ws strobe. Or a double extension? Any wisdom or ideas you can share?

Looking for feedback before tossing a Flashpoint H1200B extension head. I got one from KEH in a bundle noted "as-is / untested". $95.00 for all. The other components were my interest, all XPLOR 600. and all the 600 stuff worked. I don't have a 1200 bulb to test with though.

Wondering whether a $195 bulb is worth the investment to keep the twin connector extension. For just over $200, I could probably buy a used QS1200ii, although I'd need to trash what's probably a fully functional extension head.

So I'm curious about other's thoughts on whether a single unit is better, or whether 1200ws is worth keeping around for infrequent shoots. I do portraits and weddings and may enjoy a few team photos someday. I presently have two XPLOR 600 units, one 360 Streaklight and three V850ii speed lights.

I guess that ultimately what you are really asking is "How often will I need a single source which outputs 1200W-s?"

Consider this...

• There are flash units which feature single tube heads which can support 2000W-s, and
  
• those same brands offer bi-tube heads which support 4000W-s from a single source.
  

I have two 1000ws and two 1100ws battery packs.

Unless I’m outdoors defeating sunlight I don’t use all those ws.

In studio, I generally don’t go above 300ws, but man- I get almost instantaneous recycle time on those big units. That’s a huge advantage, depending on what you shoot.

I’d rather have the power and not need it than need it and not have it. Outdoors they’re great!

ImageMaker... wrote in post #19315455
I have two 1000ws and two 1100ws battery packs.

Unless I’m outdoors defeating sunlight I don’t use all those ws.

In studio, I generally don’t go above 300ws, but man- I get almost instantaneous recycle time on those big units. That’s a huge advantage, depending on what you shoot.

I’d rather have the power and not need it than need it and not have it. Outdoors they’re great!

For indoor, I already have two 300, one 360 and two XPLOR 600 (indoor / outdoor). If I opted to cull the 1200 extension and buy a regular light, 1000ws came to mind as well as 1200ws. I hadn't thought of recycle time, but that's a good point.

What 1000 lights and battery packs do you use?

Under $400 there's two I noticed. One vagabond mini and the other Interfit Nomad. Those seem to be out of stock at several retailers.

Wilt wrote in post #19315452
I guess that ultimately what you are really asking is "How often will I need a single source which outputs 1200W-s?"

Whether or not you need 1200W-s is known only by you, in considering the kinds of photography you do.

So far, I haven't necessarily "needed" 1200ws but more likely than not could use it from time to time. I want to keep a couple extra lights on hand anyway as spares for outdoor and indoor. As long as I can spend between $100 to $600 that's within my means, as long as I can get some part time use out of it.

If you ever want to 'overpower the sun' in shooting outdoors with a beefy enough Fill, you will need 1000W-s from a single source.

mdvaden wrote in post #19315472
For indoor, I already have two 300, one 360 and two XPLOR 600 (indoor / outdoor). If I opted to cull the 1200 extension and buy a regular light, 1000ws came to mind as well as 1200ws. I hadn't thought of recycle time, but that's a good point.

What 1000 lights and battery packs do you use?

Under $400 there's two I noticed. One vagabond mini and the other Interfit Nomad. Those seem to be out of stock at several retailers.

So far, I haven't necessarily "needed" 1200ws but more likely than not could use it from time to time. I want to keep a couple extra lights on hand anyway as spares for outdoor and indoor. As long as I can spend between $100 to $600 that's within my means, as long as I can get some part time use out of it.

I’m all Elinchrom flashes. A bit more expensive but real workhorses. A few are 25 years old and just keep working.

I use Buffs Vagabond VLX, no longer available but supports some 3,000 ws per inverter.

ImageMaker... wrote in post #19315492
I’m all Elinchrom flashes. A bit more expensive but real workhorses. A few are 25 years old and just keep working.

I use Buffs Vagabond VLX, no longer available but supports some 3,000 ws per inverter.

Apparently the Interfit Nomad I saw listed at B&H may be the same as Buff's Vagabond VLX, but rebranded. If that's the case, your post covers another question I had about durability of the Nomad.

http://s196259524.onli​nehome.us …ts/vlx/vlx_righ​t_0314.jpg

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …ck_1539626737_1​437588.jpg