Alienbee Honeycomb Grid

I searched around a bit (here and elsewhere on the internet) to find some info on the Alienbee Honeycomb grid. I have been using Alienbees lights for a few years now and have always just used them with umbrellas. I have seen a lot of people using them with the grid and I wanted to know exactly what the benefit is of using them. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Cliff Notes:

Can someone explain the use of the Honeycomb Grid to me, please and thank you!

Basically a honeycomb grid is a way of controlling the circle of the light, the more shielded the light the smaller the circle. they come in various degrees so a 10deg grid will have a smaller circular projection of light. These typically are used for background lights or hairlights but not limited to them. Also be aware to turn off the modeling light when using the grids since they can cause your strobe to overheat. here's a good visual honeycomb grid (just scroll down a bit)

Tyger wrote in post #9585232
Basically a honeycomb grid is a way of controlling the circle of the light, the more shielded the light the smaller the circle. they come in various degrees so a 10deg grid will have a smaller circular projection of light. These typically are used for background lights or hairlights but not limited to them. Also be aware to turn off the modeling light when using the grids since they can cause your strobe to overheat. here's a good visual honeycomb grid (just scroll down a bit)

Interesting! Never had overheating problems with the grid on.

jeromego wrote in post #9585286
Interesting! Never had overheating problems with the grid on.

you probably wouldn't, but possible especially after extensive constant use. I always believe in being cautious and avoiding possible scenerios. highly unlikely though with my low powered ab400's

jeromego wrote in post #9585286
Interesting! Never had overheating problems with the grid on.

I had noticed it. Went to take off the grid and almost got burnt. Now I keep my modeling lights off when using grid.

jeromego wrote in post #9585286
Interesting! Never had overheating problems with the grid on.

I've had problems too. On my AB400 no less. After shooting with a model for about 20 minutes, I started smelling burning. I found out it was my AB400, I took off the grid and shot without it and had no other problems.