Growers Choice ROI-E720 vs Fluence SPYDR 2p LED Comparison

As more states restrict how much electrical power commercial cultivation facilities can use, high-efficiency LED grow lights have become essential for maximizing yield per watt. Two of the most widely used fixtures in this category are the Growers Choice ROI-E720 and the Fluence SPYDR 2p, both designed for high-value crops in intensive hydroponic environments.

Each fixture is engineered for high PAR efficiency: the ROI-E720 is rated at 2.37 µmol/J and the SPYDR 2p at 2.46 µmol/J (400–700 nm). At the same time, the ROI-E720 delivers higher total PPF, which has a direct impact on footprint and yield potential per fixture. This comparison is part of a broader GrowersHouse testing project evaluating the performance of modern LED fixtures under controlled conditions, so hydroponic growers can make data-driven decisions.

LED Grow Light Specifications Compared

Below is a side-by-side technical comparison of the Growers Choice ROI-E720 and Fluence SPYDR 2p, focusing on power draw, PPF output, footprint, dimensions, controls, and environmental ratings—key parameters when planning a professional hydroponic layout or retrofitting an existing grow room.

LED Specifications	Growers Choice ROI-E720 LED	Fluence SPYDR 2p LED
Wattage (Input Power)	720 W	631 W
Voltage Options	120–277 V	120–277 V, 347–480 V
Efficiency (µmol/J, 400–700 nm)	2.37	2.46
Total PPF Intensity (µmol/s, 400–700 nm)	1,895.5	1,550
Amps	6.9 @ 120 V | 4.3 @ 208 V | 3.4 @ 277 V	5.43 @ 120 V | 3.06 @ 208 V | 2.76 @ 230 V | 2.28 @ 277 V | 1.87 @ 347 V | 1.61 @ 400 V | 1.34 @ 480 V
Mounting Height	6"–24" from canopy	6"–24" from canopy
Coverage Footprint – Veg	Up to 8' x 8'	Up to 7' x 7'
Coverage Footprint – Flower	Up to 6' x 6'	Up to 5' x 5'
Length	46.9" (112 cm)	47" (125 cm)
Width	46.8" (111 cm)	42.8" (110 cm)
Height	3.2" (5.8 cm)	1.26" (6.5 cm)
Weight	44 lb	24.2 lb
Warranty	5 years	5 years
Controllable	Yes, with Growers Choice Master Controller	No
DLC Listed for Energy Rebates	Yes	Yes
IP Rating	IP65	IP66
UV and/or IR Spectra	No	No
Onboard Dimming	Yes	Yes

Discussion: The ROI-E720 delivers significantly higher total PPF (1,895.5 µmol/s vs. 1,550 µmol/s) and therefore supports a larger flowering footprint (up to 6' x 6' vs. 5' x 5'). The SPYDR 2p, in contrast, achieves slightly higher efficiency (2.46 vs. 2.37 µmol/J), which can be useful where electrical capacity is limited. For hydroponic growers, the tradeoff is clear: the Growers Choice fixture offers more light per unit, while the Fluence model offers marginally better electrical efficiency and more voltage flexibility.

Control Options and System Integration

Control is a critical part of any serious hydroponic lighting strategy. Growers Choice offers a master controller that can manage DLI, dimming, and fail-safe behaviors across up to 200 fixtures at once. This makes it easy to synchronize light intensity with CO₂, irrigation cycles, and environmental setpoints.

Fluence provides a controller primarily for dimming groups of up to 50 fixtures. While effective for smaller cultivation spaces, it is not as scalable as the Growers Choice solution in large, multi-room facilities aiming for highly coordinated light management.

The SPYDR 2p also supports high-voltage inputs (347–480 V), which is a real advantage in commercial buildings wired for high-voltage distribution. The ROI-E720 operates from 120–277 V, which covers most typical grow facilities but may be less convenient in some high-voltage installations.

Yields and Grams Per Watt Performance

In practice, both fixtures are capable of producing more than 2 grams per watt in well-optimized environments, a substantial improvement over traditional HPS, CMH, and other HID systems, which typically average around 1 gram per watt.

For hydroponic growers, this means that replacing older technology with either of these LED grow lights can significantly increase total harvest weight without increasing power usage. The higher PPF of the ROI-E720 gives it a potential edge in total yield per fixture, particularly in larger flowering footprints. The SPYDR 2p’s efficiency can be attractive where total available amperage or kWh pricing is a hard limit.

Both lights are very strong options when upgrading from legacy fixtures in deep water culture, recirculating systems, or coco-based soilless setups.

Spectrum Differences Between ROI-E720 and SPYDR 2p

Both fixtures use modern broad full-spectrum arrays spanning approximately 380–780 nm, similar to most current-generation white-based horticultural LED lighting. The differences are subtle but worth noting for growers who like to fine-tune spectrum.

Discussion: The Growers Choice ROI-E720 spectrum carries slightly more intensity in the blue region, which can help maintain tighter internodal spacing and more compact growth—useful in vertical hydroponic systems or constrained environments. The Fluence SPYDR 2p spectrum leans a bit heavier into the orange–red region, favoring robust flowering and biomass production.

Overall, we consider both spectra equally capable for maximizing yield and quality. Neither fixture produces significant UV or IR; growers looking to push resin production, color expression, or specific metabolite profiles can add supplemental UV or far-red fixtures to either system. To the human eye, both LEDs appear white with a few visible red diodes, rather than the old-style purple or “blurple” look.

PAR Grid Charts and Canopy Uniformity

GrowersHouse measured PAR efficiency and distribution for both fixtures over a 5' x 5' area at a 24" hanging height. This gives a realistic view of how each LED grow light performs across an actual canopy, not just in the center hot spot.

Growers Choice ROI-E720 PAR Chart Over 5' x 5' Area, 24" Hanging Height:

Fluence SPYDR 2p PAR Chart Over 5' x 5' Area, 24" Hanging Height:

Because the ROI-E720 outputs more total PPF, it achieves higher average PPFD across the same 5' x 5' test area, especially toward the edges. This is a practical advantage in hydroponic systems where every square foot of canopy needs to be productive. The SPYDR 2p still shows a strong and usable PAR grid, but with lower overall intensity at a matched mounting height.

Build Quality, Weight, and IP Rating

The Fluence SPYDR 2p is considerably lighter at 24.2 lb, compared to the ROI-E720’s 44 lb. This difference is particularly important in multi-tier racks and large-scale installations where total hanging weight and mounting hardware requirements add up quickly.

In terms of ingress protection, the SPYDR 2p’s IP66 rating offers better resistance to high-pressure water jets than the ROI-E720’s IP65. For facilities that rely on intensive wash-down protocols, the SPYDR 2p can be easier and safer to clean. IP65 still provides strong dust and low-pressure water protection, which is adequate for many standard indoor cultivation environments.

Cost Comparison: Upfront and Operating Costs

For hydroponic growers planning multi-fixture layouts, both upfront fixture cost and ongoing electricity usage are critical. The table below compares approximate fixture pricing and monthly operating cost at $0.13 per kWh (U.S. average), assuming 12–16 hours per day of operation.

	Growers Choice ROI-E720 LED	Fluence SPYDR 2p LED
Estimated Fixture Cost	$940	$1,210 – $1,268.50
Adapter for Controller	N/A	N/A
Controller	$350	No controller option
Cost to Run per Month @ $0.13/kWh (12–16 hr DLI)	$33.70 (12-hr DLI) – $44.92 (16-hr DLI) @ 720 W	$29.53 (12-hr DLI) – $39.37 (16-hr DLI) @ 631 W

Discussion: The Growers Choice ROI-E720 is about 22.3% less expensive upfront than the Fluence SPYDR 2p while delivering roughly 18.2% more PAR intensity. Although the SPYDR 2p is cheaper to run each month due to its lower wattage, that savings comes with reduced PPF. In terms of cost per µmol of light delivered, the ROI-E720 offers stronger value for growers whose priority is maximum canopy intensity and yield per fixture rather than lowest possible wattage.

Practical Conclusions for Hydroponic Growers

Both the Growers Choice ROI-E720 and the Fluence SPYDR 2p are high-performing commercial LED grow lights that can more than double the grams-per-watt efficiency of older HID technologies when used correctly.

• Select the Growers Choice ROI-E720 if your main goal is maximum PPF and a larger flowering footprint (up to 6' x 6') with strong cost-per-µmol performance and a scalable control solution for up to 200 fixtures. This is often the better choice for high-density hydroponic canopies where every extra photon translates into yield.

• Select the Fluence SPYDR 2p if you need high-voltage compatibility (347–480 V), lighter fixtures for multi-tier racks, and an IP66 rating that stands up better to high-pressure wash-down. Its slightly higher efficiency makes sense where total available power or breaker capacity is the limiting factor.

For hydroponic growers upgrading from HPS, CMH, or other HID fixtures, either of these modern LED options represents a major step forward in efficiency, control, and yield potential. The choice ultimately comes down to your facility’s voltage, cleaning protocols, structural limits, and whether you prioritize total output (ROI-E720) or slightly higher efficiency and ruggedness (SPYDR 2p).