Looking for opinions on MLs

I'm looking to gather opinions on some moving lights. Starting the transition at the theatre I work we have had 8 ETC Lustr Series 2 fixtures. My buddy brought in two intimidator spot 260x movers and a few X-calibur just to get used to playing around with them. Going forward would be obtaining two moving lights for us as our own. Two moving lights to go on the wish list which I would primarily place them in front of house. It doesn't really matter but I have two lighting consoles the Etc Ion Classic and the Strand Neo(The varilite fixtures wouldn't take up any additional channels I'm aware of the advantage but I'm looking for what is preferable to others). The catwalk for front of house is roughly 30' out from edge of apron and 40' high. What would be a personal pick for the job? There's two lustrs in front of house.
Specs of what would be ideal:
(1) better colour options than just the generics(not mandatory but would be a great trait).
2) Iris control is a must.
3) I know quality costs and that's fine but I'm not working at a high end venue(though we hope to get there) and cost effectiveness is always appreciated.

For FOH, I would want something quiet and that had shutters. There are a ton of options, get your local dealers to get you demos and do a shoot out. Chauvet, ETC/High End, VariLite and many more make quality fixtures. I would be seeing what my dealers can get, always good if you buy what the dealers stock in rental inventory so when you have a problem you can get a spare, and do a demo.

Lextech said:

For FOH, I would want something quiet and that had shutters. There are a ton of options, get your local dealers to get you demos and do a shoot out. Chauvet, ETC/High End, VariLite and many more make quality fixtures. I would be seeing what my dealers can get, always good if you buy what the dealers stock in rental inventory so when you have a problem you can get a spare, and do a demo.

Click to expand...

The closest dealer I have is four and a half hours away and they need notice to order most stuff in. I'm trying to get around some other technician recommendations to do research based on those. Otherwise there's just too many to start reading all the manuals for specs(though I have over 30 manuals on my phone now trying to get an idea)

Don't spend money on anything from phillips/strand/varilite/etc. It's all been awful since the 3500.

What kind of budget are you looking at? It's going to be the major driving factor. What kind of room do you have in the position you're hanging them? What kind of power?

danTt said:

Don't spend money on anything from phillips/strand/varilite/etc. It's all been awful since the 3500.

What kind of budget are you looking at? It's going to be the major driving factor. What kind of room do you have in the position you're hanging them? What kind of power?

Click to expand...

Two years ago, I would have agreed, however the VL-2600 and VL-3600IP are phenomenal fixtures. We can't get enough of them to keep clients happy. They are doing stellar work for film/TV and are extremely quiet.