JTL Strobes...

[JRJacobs]

Anyone have experience with these?  I saw this kit yesterday at the Freestyle store while I was picking up film:

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=2602&pid=5552

Seems like a good deal, and they seem well made.  I definitely like the fact they come with remote batteries.

[josphy]

Wow, that's a pretty full complement of stuff for the price.  I have a JTL Versalight J-160.  I've had very good luck with it.  Paid about $100, and it works as it should.  Nothing fancy.  After I got mine, a friend of mine bought a couple of them, but hers haven't held up very well.  I remember there being something wrong with one of hers (it wouldn't fire as a slave I think) basically right out of the box.  After some use, I'm not sure if either one of hers still work.  She is a lot harder on gear than I am though.

I think it could be hit or miss with JTL.  Since you can buy them locally, I'd say you don't have much to lose as long as you could return them if they crap out on you.  Alien Bees has much better reputation and build quality from what I can tell, but they also cost quite a lot more.  Other brands are even more.

[Jim Evans]

I don't have any first hand experience but I remember reading a review in Shutterbug a year or two ago and they seemed to like the unit with the battery pack.    If it's a good price and you can return them, I say give it a try.

BTW, my buddy shots with a couple Dynalites (sp?) with jackrabbit battery packs and he loves them.  He takes them all over the place.  Of course they are much more money.

Jim

[josphy]

Shutterbug and Pop Photo like everything they review.  :p  I think the fact that you could return them locally if need be would make it worth a try.  I had good luck, so maybe you will too.

On the other hand, a similar set of AlienBees doesn't look too much more.

http://www.alienbees.com/digi.html

That doesn't include the portable power packs though.  That would be an extra $350, I'm afraid.  So if you are wanting to shoot outdoors, etc. the other might be a better option.

[JRJacobs]

Thanks for the response guys.

I have been eyeing the Alien Bees for awhile.  I do want the battery packs, so that is partly what makes this package attractive.  

I also saw the one you have Joe - they also have it in a two light kit:

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=2602&pid=4214

The more expensive ones are definitely built a bit nicer and the stands are nicer also - but I am pretty careful with equipment, so maybe the 160's would be fine.  I mainly was attracted by the portable option.

I live within driving distance to Freestyle, so returns are easy.