A ripoff
Ive got 2 different fixtures built with HLG boards. A 240 watt fixture with (2) qb288's, and a 280 watt fixture with (4) qb120's. Both fixtures cover 2x4 areas. Both fixtures powered by Meanwell drivers.
You can buy (4) qb120 boards for $90 plus shipping from HLG, with the 10% riu discount. Can be run @70 watts, so 280 watts between the 4. A Mean Well HLG-320H-C2800A driver is $81.70 right now at TRC Electronics. So to your door, $200 give or take, for 280 watts of Samsung lm301h light.
A qb288 with heatsink is $84.60 from HLG, after the riu discount. Gives your more lm301h diodes (272) in a smaller footprint. Easily covers 2x2 area in flower, 2x3 in veg. Extremely bright. They're also gonna have blue or red diodes added in, depending on if you get the b-spec or r-spec. We'll quote a 2x4 fixture here for comparison sake. $169.20 for for 2 boards and heatsinks, let's just say $200 to your door.
An HLG-240H-C2100A is $61. $85 should have it shipped to your door. This is all in stock, right here in the States. $285 for 240 watts of quality led, plus your getting 32 diodes total of red or blue.
You'll need a plug for the driver, some wire, a ratcheting hanger, and something to use as a frame. Budget $50 for this.
The most simple frame, would be a couple aluminum rulers from harbor freight, ran paralell, the width of the boards. The boards themselves will be the "cross members". Drill holes at the 4 ends of the rulers, and bolt in some eye hangers.
I've got 520 watts of high quality light, for $1.22/watt average. If I have a problem, I pick up the phone, or send an email, and the problem is solved right then. Tech support is incredible with TRC and Jameco. I ordered a driver from TRC that was in stock. Shortly after, trc contacted me and told me they were out of stock. They had already checked with Jameco, who had the driver I needed in stock. Few days later I had a driver at my door.
My HLG boards took 2 or 3 days from the time I placed my order. Ive called a couple times with questions, they always helped me out.
I think its great that a company offers the parts to diy. If you're willing to do a little work, HLG offers an incredible value. And when I say little, I'm talking an hour or two.
Using the qb120's, your looking at $1/watt. I doubt any company is selling a light at .25 cents per watt. And if they are, its not going to be the same quality.
A lot of people use the knockoff lights and get good results. But to call HLG a ripoff is just crazy. At $1/watt, they're one of the best values on the market for those willing to do. You could even spend $200 on a 600 watt mean well, and $200 on ( qb120's, and you're at less than .70 cents per watt