Growers Choice TSL ROI-E420 vs Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W | LED Grow Light Comparison
There's no doubt about it: LEDs are the future of indoor grow lights, and they're an increasing part of the present. California is even considering an LED mandate for indoor or greenhouse operations. LED grow light options not only cut electric bills but also help maximize yields.
With a surge of new LED shoppers in the market, and a plethora of grow lights to choose from, GrowersHouse is on a mission to test different grow lights to help buyers compare and contrast. Here we compare the two latest LED grow light fixtures from Black Dog LED and Growers Choice LED.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 and Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W grow lights.
Grow Light Comparison Chart - Specs| Growers Choice TSL ROI-E420 | Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W | |
| Wattage (Input Power) | 420w | 420w |
| Voltage Options | 120-277v | 100 V-250v |
| Total PPF intensity | 1090 μmol/s | 641 μmol/s |
| Efficiency | 2.6 μmol/J System Efficacy | Not yet tested |
| Amps | 4.0A @120V | 2.5A @208V | 2.0A @240V | 1.8A @277V | 3.5A~1.8A@120-240V |
| Mounting Height | 6"-24" | 18"-38" |
| Coverage Footprint Veg | 4" x 4" | 5.25" x 5.25" at 38" |
| Coverage Footprint Flower | 3.5" x 3.5" | 4.25" x 4.25" at 30" |
| Length | 35.3" | 15.75" |
| Width | 34.6" | 15.75" |
| Height | 3.2" | 5" |
| Weight | 25 lbs | 24 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Controllable | Optional | No |
| DLC Listed for energy rebates? | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP65 | N/A |
| UV and/or IR? | No | UV and IR |
| Dimming | Yes, 0-10V | No |
| Cooling | Passive | Active |
Discussion: While both models are powerful and effective, they do have some distinct differences that growers will want to consider. The first difference of importance is the veg and flower footprints. The Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 has a significantly smaller footprint for veg and flower, but is ideal for tent environments. On the flip side, looking at heat management, the Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W has highly effective, active heat management that would be best for small or enclosed spaces. The lights differ in physical size, which you'll want to consider in the context of your operation.
Thinking about your yields, and the type of light both options will provide, you'll want to determine if you find UV and IR light beneficial and worth the additional cost of the Black Dog model. But keep in mind that unlike this specific Growers Choice LED model, the Black Dog comes without dimming capabilities. In the end, it could all come down to the difference in warranties. The Black Dog led grow light is backed for five years, while the Growers Choice ROI-420 is backed for three.
Spectrum Differences & ComparisonGrowers Choice TSL ROI-E420 Spectrum
Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W Spectrum
Next, let's compare spectrum differences of Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 vs. Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W Specs.
Discussion: As you can see, Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 and Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W share similar intensities for blue and red wavelengths. Where the difference in grow lights is most apparent is in the level of intensity for the mid-range wavelengths of around 500-600nm. Since the blue is most beneficial for propagation, veg and bloom phases, and red during veg and bloom, this might not make a huge difference to most growers. So, what's the final word? Both Growers Choice LED and Black Dog LED lights have an optimal full spectrum of light for maximizing yields. That means your choice may ultimately come down to the need for UV/IR light found in the Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W but not in the Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420.
Cost Comparison| Growers Choice TSL ROI-E420 | Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W |
|
| Fixture Cost | $648.15 | $1,099.00 |
| Adapter for Controller | N/A | N/A |
| Controller | $348.23 | N/A |
| Cost to run per month @ $0.13 per kWh (US average)(12-16 hr DLI) | $19.66/monthly at 12 hours per day @ 420W $26.21/monthly at 16 hours per day @ 420W |
$19.66/monthly at 12 hours per day @420 W $26.21/monthly at 16 hours per day @420 W |
Discussion: If you want to pay less to purchase your LED grow light fixtures, then it's clear which light to go with, considering the Growers Choice model is nearly half the cost. But if you'll need a controller to go with your unit, adding $348.23 to your total brings the two options closer in price, although the Growers Choice light would have more functionality. With that said, the Black Dog brand highly touts that the PhytoMAX-2 400W can increase yields by 60%—an amount you'll also want to keep in mind when deciding if the higher initial up-front cost is worth what you may get in return.
How to save money on these LEDs
It's only natural to wonder if there are discounts that can be applied. At GrowersHouse we strive continually to offer the lowest possible price on the best possible products. That's why we offer a price match guarantee, frequent sales on a variety of brands and light types, plus even more ways to save. By signing up at the bottom of this page for our email newsletter, you'll be treated to the latest on all of our sales and discounts, and have access to exclusive coupons and savings.
Controllers
Neither the Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 nor Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W Grow Light comes equipped with a controller. The Growers Choice model, however, is compatible with the brand's master controller, which is popular among commercial growers. If your operation can benefit from automation, and from daisy-chaining up to 200 lights, this may be the advantage that pushes you to purchase the Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 vs. Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W.
FAQ
Do both models come with hanging equipment?
The Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 does not come with hanging equipment, so you'd have to purchase that separately. The Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W comes with ratchet light hangers and a bonus of Method GroVision Room Glasses.
Which light should save more on energy?
With Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 you can expect to save up to 40% on energy usage. You can expect to save around 35% with Black Dog LED-PhytoMAX-2 400W.
More LED Test Results & Comparisons
Which will you choose? Either way, Growers Choice ROI-E420 and Black Dog Phytomax-2 are optimal choices for plant growth. Choosing grow lights ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for cost, space, capabilities, and features. Use this comparison, stay tuned for more LED grow light comparison charts, and read earlier grow light tests and comparisons from GrowersHouse.
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