Growers Choice TSL ROI-E420 vs Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W | LED Grow Light Comparison
LED grow lights are rapidly becoming the standard for indoor and greenhouse cultivation thanks to higher efficacy, lower heat, and optimized full-spectrum output. California is even considering an LED mandate for controlled-environment agriculture. To help hydroponic growers choose confidently, GrowersHouse tested and compared two popular fixtures: the Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 and the Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W. Below you’ll find a data-driven breakdown of specs, spectrum, efficiency (μmol/J), coverage, and costs—so you can match your light to yield goals, space, and budget.
Grow Light Specs Comparison
Use this technical, side-by-side table to compare key performance metrics relevant to hydroponic production—PPF (μmol/s), efficacy (μmol/J), coverage footprint, cooling, controllability, and more.
| Growers Choice TSL LED ROI-E420 | Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W | |
| Wattage (Input Power) | 420w | 420w |
| Voltage Options | 120–277v | 100–250v |
| 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' @ 38" |
| Coverage Footprint Flower | 3.5' x 3.5' | 4.25' x 4.25' @ 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 (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 |
Practical Findings for Hydroponic Growers
Coverage & Environment
The Growers Choice ROI-E420 offers a smaller veg/flower footprint that excels in tent environments and tight, well-defined canopies. The Black Dog PhytoMAX-2 400W lists larger coverage at specified mounting heights, suiting slightly broader plant arrangements.
Thermal Management
Black Dog’s active cooling aids heat extraction in compact or enclosed spaces. Growers Choice uses passive cooling—silent, with fewer moving parts—ideal where thermal load is already controlled by room HVAC.
Control & Rebates
Growers Choice supports 0–10V dimming and optional control integration, plus DLC listing for potential utility rebates. Black Dog’s model does not dim and is not DLC listed, which may affect energy-incentive eligibility.
Spectrum Comparison
Growers Choice TSL ROI-E420 Spectrum
Black Dog LED PhytoMAX-2 400W Spectrum
Both fixtures deliver similar blue and red intensity—key for propagation, vegetative growth, and flowering. The most notable difference appears in mid-range wavelengths (~500–600 nm). For most hydroponic grows targeting consistent PPFD and balanced full spectrum, this mid-band difference is unlikely to be a deciding factor. If UV/IR supplementation is a priority for your crop strategy, Black Dog integrates both; Growers Choice ROI-E420 does not.
Cost Analysis (Upfront & Operating)
Compare initial fixture pricing, optional controller costs, and monthly energy use at the U.S. average electricity rate ($0.13/kWh) across common daily light intervals.
| 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 / Month @ $0.13/kWh (12–16 hr DLI) | $19.66 @ 12h/day @ 420W $26.21 @ 16h/day @ 420W |
$19.66 @ 12h/day @ 420W $26.21 @ 16h/day @ 420W |
Controllers
Neither fixture includes a controller in-box. The Growers Choice ROI-E420 is compatible with the Growers Choice Master Controller, popular with commercial facilities for daisy-chaining up to 200 fixtures and leveraging 0–10V dimming. Black Dog’s model does not offer external dimming control.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
| Do both models include hanging equipment? | Growers Choice ROI-E420: No (purchase separately). Black Dog PhytoMAX-2 400W: Yes, includes ratchet light hangers + Method GroVision Room Glasses. |
| Which saves more energy? | Growers Choice ROI-E420: up to 40% savings. Black Dog PhytoMAX-2 400W: around 35% savings. |
Results & Conclusions for Hydroponic Growers
If you need controllability, DLC rebates, and strong μmol/J performance with lower upfront cost, the Growers Choice TSL ROI-E420 is compelling—especially in tents and tighter canopies where passive cooling and 0–10V dimming shine.
If you prioritize UV/IR integration, active cooling for confined spaces, and a longer warranty, the Black Dog PhytoMAX-2 400W offers those advantages, with brand claims of significant yield potential to weigh against its higher price and lack of dimming/DLC listing.
Both fixtures deliver full-spectrum output suitable for maximizing plant growth in hydroponic systems. Your best choice comes down to space constraints (coverage footprint and thermal load), desired control features (dimming/automation), rebate eligibility, and whether UV/IR is essential to your crop recipe.