Arri or Power Gems 1000Hz Ballast?

[Mark K.]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at picking up an M18 at the moment, and tossing up between grabbing it with either the Arri 1000Hz ballast, or the Power Gems 1000Hz ballast.

Being in Australia (well, technically I'm over in Bollywood at the moment, but I'll be home in a month), I haven't encountered the Power Gems gear before, so I'm a little wary of buying sight unseen. But it appears the Power Gems draws a little less amperage than the Arri, and it's also physically a bit smaller which could certainly help out for transport.

So I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how the two compare? With the quotes I have at the moment, there's a $500 premium for the Arri ballast. But I'm also conscious, that having everything Arri, might help with resale if things change and I need to sell the light down the line (though I honestly suspect you'd have to pry the M18 from my cold, dead hands because it's such a useful light, so maybe that's not a huge consideration, but an emergency one).

I'd certainly appreciate anyone's thoughts.

Cheers,

Mark

 

[ericyoung]

Power Gems is a reputable established brand. Make sure the ballast has Power Factor Correction (PFC), especially if buying second hand, and is rated appropriately for the M18.

 

[Ulf Krentz]

They are both very good, the Powergem being even more versatile as it will also run 575 and 800W units. The Arri 1200/1800 has a dial for the high speed frequency which might be handy to reduce noise, especially in case you also want to power older 1200W units. I´d decide upon service facilities in your area.

Cheers
Ulf

Edit: You might take into consideration to add a PAR conversion Kit for the M18, it´s just four screws for the reflector and you have a very narrow spot if necessary.

 

[Oron Cohen]

There was already a discussion about it a few months ago...I used the power gems in rigid conditions and they are excellent.

Here is the link for the older thread: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showth...WERGEM-BALLASTS-ANY-GOOD&highlight=power+gems

 

[Mark K.]

Great, thanks guys, appreciate the feedback.