parabolic vs. inline........

[cowboylogic]

Sup ya'll. I know this answer may lie somewhere with the many posts of this great site. But I am hoping for a quick answer. Parabolic vs Inline? Just the basic pros and cons would be way cool. Looking at a few deals and just cannot decide!!! Thanks forward for any insight. HAPPY TRAILS!

 

[T.H.Cammo]

"Parabolic" is a particular shape of reflector. "Inline" is a particular configuration for a ventilating fan.

Just what are you asking?

 

[cowboylogic]

"Parabolic" is a particular shape of reflector. "Inline" is a particular configuration for a ventilating fan.

Just what are you asking?

I guess I was wondering about how each sheds light so too speak. Dispersement. And by inline, 4 sided reflectors. The para seams to me would concentrate on a smaller footprint. While the inline or 4 sided would give you a wider footprint. Does this make sense? I am not sure but have became very curious about. Thanks and Happy Trails!

 

[T.H.Cammo]

Okay Cowboy, I gotcha!
Parabolic reflectors have been around since, well shit, they've been around forever! They have a very loyal following, so they they must work fine. I've never used one though, so I really can't say much about them.

Now, the "inline, four-sided, reflector" (that sounds so formal!). Most people just call them air cooled hoods, or air coolable hoods. There are two main advantages here:
1. By adding a fan and ducting directly to the hood, you can remove most of the heat produced by the light - allowing the hood to be placed much closer to the plant. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THIS ADVANTAGE! When light has to travel twice as far it only delivers 1/4 of it's energy! Think about that for a minute! It's all about how close you can get your light to your plants! That's not just my opinion it's the "Inverse Square Law" - it's Physics!
2. A four-sided reflector is best able to project light into a conventional (four-sided) grow area, with minimal loss due to distribution irregularities.

Now, with that being said - a proper design makes all the difference in the world. A well designed cooltube with a batwing reflector might outperform a "so-so" air cooled hood. But when push comes to shove, give me a well designed air cooled hood every time! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[cowboylogic]

Okay Cowboy, I gotcha!
Parabolic reflectors have been around since, well shit, they've been around forever! They have a very loyal following, so they they must work fine. I've never used one though, so I really can't say much about them.
Now, the "inline, four-sided, reflector" (that sounds so formal!). Most people just call them air cooled hoods, or air coolable hoods. There are two main advantages here:
1. By adding a fan and ducting directly to the hood, you can remove most of the heat produced by the light - allowing the hood to be placed much closer to the plant. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THIS ADVANTAGE! When light has to travel twice as far it only delivers 1/4 of it's energy! Think about that for a minute! It's all about how close you can get your light to your plants! That's not just my opinion it's the "Inverse Square Law" - it's Physics!
2. A four-sided reflector is best able to project light into a conventional (four-sided) grow area, with minimal loss due to distribution irregularities.

Now, with that being said - a proper design makes all the difference in the world. A well designed cooltube with a batwing reflector might outperform a "so-so" air cooled hood. But when push comes to shove, give me a well designed air cooled hood every time! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Thanks TH, that was kkinda what I was thinking but just wanted to be sure. I will be making my own hood out of aluminum diamond plate. The "formal" kinda. haha! I will post some pics of it when I get it finished. Probaly in a few days. Thanks again and Happy Trails!