Conventional Fixtures - Source Four PARs vs Opti PARs

[chrispo86]

So, I've been given the opportunity to purchase either:

A) NEW Source Four PARs for $189.40ea
or
B) USED Opti PARs for $85.00ea

If you were in my shoes, which would you choose? I'm on a tight budget (you can see the thread I started asking for fundraising ideas) so $85 is much more attractive than $190. On the other hand, I've never been much of a fan of American DJ/Elation, I've found most of their equipment is cheaply made.

What would you do? How do the two lights compare? I've heard a lot of good things about the Source Four PARs but have never heard of the Opti PARs before.

[lieperjp]

I would say S4 Par unless you need many lights very quickly. If you can wait to purchase, I would say buy two-three every year as budget allows. Now, if you need 10-15-or more for a show, and since you don't have the budget, then go with the Elations, knowing the construction and customer service just won't be the best.

[chrispo86]

Well, that's part of the catch with the sudden funding I received. I have to spend it somewhat soon, which is okay because I have a show coming up the first week in November and it would be nice to have the extra equipment.

What I'm trying to determine is whether there is enough reason to push for the extra few hundred dollars and get the S4's, or can I make due with the Opti PARs. I would rather spend the extra and go for the S4's but the person who has final say on what gets purchased would rather save the money...

PS: I'm only talking 5 lights, so a difference of $500, though that could be tough for us to get our hands on. I'm lucky to have any funds as it is...

[derekleffew]

Your prices for both fixtures seem high. One must specify on the SourceFourPAR EA or MCM reflector, but a quick search shows EAs going for $152, new. Another search finds NEW OptiPars for $99, so $85 for used doesn't seem like much of a bargain.

Lastly, isn't it better to encourage an innovator than reward an imitator?

Buy American! (not DJ).

[Pip]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Lastly, isn't it better to encourage an innovator than reward an imitator?

Especially when the innovator makes a superior product, that, although it's more investment in the beginning, will be a better expenditure over time when you have to replace less fixtures, and spend less money on maintenance.

(Go-Peds are the same way... lol all these crappy Chinese imitations of a well made American product...)

[propmonkey]

why not used s4pars?

UsedLighting.com - Buy, Sell, & Trade Used Stage Lighting & Theatrical Lighting Equipment

Stage Equipment, Lighting, Audio, and Video

[Grog12]

I wouldn't by a new Opti much less a used. The money you'll put into maintanence (yes derek I probably misspelled that thank you) will put you above and beyond the cost point of a new s4.

As for used s4, depending on how they were used that could be a good or bad thing.

[chrispo86]

Originally Posted by propmonkey

why not used s4pars?

UsedLighting.com - Buy, Sell, & Trade Used Stage Lighting & Theatrical Lighting Equipment

Stage Equipment, Lighting, Audio, and Video

Because the local company we go to for gear didn't have any used available to us.

And so far, everyone is confirming my thoughts. Thank you!

[icewolf08]

I also would say that you should go with the S4 PAR. I also have to say that while I feel that it is important to support your local dealer, it is imperative that you also be a concerned consumer and shop for the best price. Also, being that you work for a school, you probably have to send major purchases out for bid, so this will help, but make sure that you include some of the major dealers like Production Advantage and BMI.

[Pip]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

I also would say that you should go with the S4 PAR. I also have to say that while I feel that it is important to support your local dealer, it is imperative that you also be a concerned consumer and shop for the best price. Also, being that you work for a school, you probably have to send major purchases out for bid, so this will help, but make sure that you include some of the major dealers like Production Advantage and BMI.

If you'd like to support your local business and still try to be fiscally responsible, I suggest mentioning to your local dealer your financial constraints, to see if they, in the interest of keeping your business, would match the price of another company you find.