I cant link anything yet :/ and I dont think HLG has anything up on their site about them yet but here are some screenshots from their IG page about the new boards. They look like they might be better than the qb96s. I really dont know enough to be sure.
These are 3500k 288s with 660nm supplement, similar spectrum concept as a 96e with less blue.
Plain ole v2 288s are a little redder (3000k), but the 288r has more deep red bringing it to 3150K with better mix of red and deep red. So throretically somewhat better than reg 288 v2.
My pov is that this is a partial step up, in that it reduces the need for supppemental deep red during flowering, and eliminates a driver and plug for the deep red.
I currently add a qb 35 (red, deep red, far red) per pair of 288 v2s as red supplement for emerson effect and a separate far red bar for initiator effect, both effects boost photosynthesis during flowering.
If i were to do a flowering smackdown, i’d pair 288 r with far red vs 288 v2 with 35 and far red to get both effects with both configs. The grow would show how close they are.
I won’t be comparing them, cuz i think the diffs would be marginal. Imo, would just come down to price of each config.
I’m currently running a smackdown of 96e w far red vs 288 with 35 and far red. There are some diffs, but looks like will be close enuff for horseshoes, curling, grenades...
lol I'm just messing, I'm guessing it must have been a pretty big blowout at GC..
