AB or XM??

[stocker]

Am looking for 2, 10K, SE, 250w bulbs. Mine need replacing, need feedback on AB or XM. Which are better, I have AB's now, but wondering if there is much of a difference. (other than the price)

 

[CMReefer]

Both are good and I like the XMs a lot. Hamiltons are a good value as well. XMs probably are a little brighter than the hamiltons in my experience.

Hope that helps...

 

[Amphiprion]

The XMs are indeed brighter quantitatively (the 10000K).

 

[Puffer Daddy]

Im running the ab's on PFO ballasts and love them...although Ill be honest and was looking to see if there is something better.

I did take a look at Sanjays reports thought and I believe (without going back and looking), these bulbs have the highest par for 250?

 

[stocker]

>

 

[reefman23]

The XM's with the PFO HQI ballast does indeed have the highest PAR... much more than the AB's.

Jesse

 

[janakaybravo]

How is the color of the XMs 250 10K? If it's got the best par, I'm wondering if the color is comparable to a Reeflux 10K? If I have two 110w superactinics and need to replace my two 250 bulbs and am trying to decide between XMs and Reeflux.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[mg426]

I run XM 250s and they are mighty bright. The color does look a bit on the yellow side for me. I use actinics with them and it looks fine.

 

[phishlet]

Over the years I've tried XM' 10ks (didn't like them at all), AB 10k, Ushio 10k, Reeflux 10K to name a few. Of the bunch I like the AB 10k the best still. XM has the highest PAR overall but too yellow for me. AB seems to be a great mix of color and PAR.