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By George Mouratidis

No plant can live a long, healthy life without plenty of light—especially marijuana.

When you consider most cannabis varieties evolved in reliably temperate areas, it’s no surprise this plant loves to soak up a ton of sun.

If you’re going to grow ganja indoors, you must find a way to bring some of that full-spectrum goodness into your grow tent.

Thankfully, many exceptional manufacturers are putting out phenomenal grow light units. As long as you have a good sense of what you’re looking for, we bet one of the light models below will “brighten” your grow space.

LED vs. HID – What’s The Better Choice? 

Today, a big debate in the cannabis community is whether LED lights are superior to the traditional high-intensity discharge lights (HID).

Although there’s still controversy over this issue, most contemporary cultivators prefer LED panels because they are easier to operate, take up less space, and don’t draw as much power. And, to sweeten the deal, many LED models are cheaper than HID units. 

A significant drawback of using HIDs is they give off a tremendous amount of heat. Indeed, these blazing bulbs require a cooling mechanism to keep the temperature in your grow tent at a manageable level.

Also, there’s the added annoyance of swapping out your HID bulbs from metal halide to high-pressure sodium at different stages of growth. 

Despite all of these drawbacks, HIDs still have a dedicated following in the cannabis community. Some users swear these lights produce marijuana plants with superior terpene and cannabinoid profiles.

In most cases, at-home cultivators will have an easier time fitting LED grow lights into their grow tent. New home-growers should look exclusively at LED models as they tend to be more cost-effective and user-friendly. 

Although we’re going to focus on LED lights in this post, please keep in mind Everything But The Plant offers many HID bulbs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Care division if you have questions about our products. 

What To Consider Before Buying A Grow Light?

Before purchasing your first grow light, please make sure you take accurate measurements of your grow space. Obviously, it’d be a big bummer to buy a brand-new light only to discover it won’t fit in your tent! You also want to ensure your grow light covers your desired number of plants.

Another critical feature to research is whether your LED unit is “full-spectrum.”

While no grow light could rival natural sunlight, you should strive to supply your buds with the broadest range of lightwaves. In general, the more wavelengths your grow light gives off, the better off your plants will be. 

The Five Best Grow Lights of 2020 

While you’re reviewing different lights, please also pay careful attention to the actual “power draw” your grow light will take.

This info will give you a good read on how much you’ll have to put aside for energy once you turn your grow light on.

Oh yeah, and please verify your tent’s top bars can support your grow light’s official weight. We think you could appreciate just how dangerous it is to hang a heavy grow light on flimsy frames!

1. KIND LED K5 XL1000 WiFi Grow Light

Although every name in the KIND LED portfolio is highly regarded, the K5 XL1000 stands apart due to its innovative WiFi connectivity. Customers who use this 1000W grow light gain access to the “KIND Command Center” app. With this novel technology, you could quickly set your preferred lighting schedule with a few clicks on your laptop. The KIND K5 also has an LED screen on the side to help you verify everything is going according to plan. 

In addition to the app connectivity, the KIND K5 XL1000 has its signature 12-band full-spectrum display with 320 diodes. This unit weighs about 36 pounds and has an average lifespan of over 50,000 hours. 

While the KIND K5 certainly isn’t cheap, it’s ideal for cultivators who want maximum control over their grow space.

If you’d like a more in-depth review of the KIND brand, please be sure to read through this previous post. You could also find out more details on this light model on Everything But The Plant. 

2. PhytoMAX-2 1000 LED Grow Lights 

Like KIND, Black Dog LED is a premium brand with a lot of star power in the indoor gardening community. One of this company’s top products is its 1000 LED grow light called the PhytoMAX-2. 

With a reported 1602 μMol/s of total photon flux, this LED light is reputed to be one of the strongest in the industry. Black Dog LED also claims it worked for years developing its proprietary “Phyto-Genesis Spectrum,” which purportedly creates perfect lighting conditions for cannabinoid and terpene production. 

On top of this unit’s strength, the PhytoMAX-2 1000 can cover a lot of space. Indeed, Black Dog LED claims the PhytoMAX-2 1000 covers a staggering 6.5’ x 6.5’ during flowering. 

Unfortunately, you are going to pay a hefty fee if you want to harness the Phyto-MAX-2’s superior power. The PhytoMAX-2 1000 is often listed as one of the priciest grow lights on the market. Still, anyone looking for maximum area coverage and light power should research PhytoMAX-2’s specs. 

3. Mars TS 1000 Quantum Board LED Grow Light 

Mars LED is as well-known in cannabis grow circles as KIND and PhytoMAX, but not for the same reason. Don’t get us wrong, Mars puts out many great LED lights; but when most people hear this name, they instantly think: “affordability.” 

When you see the price of the Mars TS 1000 compared with a KIND K5 XL1000, you most likely will think something fishy is going on. How could a company offer a 1000W grow light at such ridiculously low prices? Although it seems unreal, the MARS TS 1000 provides a powerful full-spectrum LED light for rock-bottom prices. 

Of course, many design features help keep the Mars TS 1000 at a budget price point. First off, all of these lights have the “made in China” label. Next, Mars doesn’t cover its diodes. The side paneling on the Mars TS 1000 also doesn’t concentrate light as good as premier models. The suggested coverage area of the Mars TS 1000 is also somewhat small at 3’ x 3’ for vegetation and 2’ x 2’ for flowering. 

However, it’s hard to be too picky considering the Mars TS 1000’s affordable price. This is the perfect model for new at-home cultivators who want a powerful LED unit without breaking the bank. It may not have all the frills you’ll find in other brands, but it works fine in a professional grow tent.

Would you like to learn more about the MARS TS 1000? If so, be sure to follow this page on Everything But The Plant. 

4. MINT LED 600 LED Panel 

Although MINT hasn’t “ceminted” a name in the indoor grow space, it’s definitely worth a peek if you’re a new home-grower. The MINT LED 600 is a fine full-spectrum panel that offers users three settings for different growth stages. This particular model has 210 diodes that give off both IR and UV to simulate sunlight. As a bonus, although this LED puts out 600W of energy, it will only take 420W.

The dimensions of the MINT 600 are 20” x 14” x 6”, which makes it ideal for small to mid-sized growing areas. Plus, this unit is easy to move at only 16 lbs. 

Oh yeah, in case you were wondering, the MINT grow light does have a minty green color scheme! Don’t believe us? Check out the MINT LED 600 on this link. 

5. Solarxtreme 1000 LED Grow Light

Many people in the growing community are getting excited about “chip on board” technology. In a nutshell, “COBs” string multiple LEDs together, which creates a more powerful full-spectrum light with less energy.

Many cultivators who use COB lights say they reduce energy output and make lighting units, well, “lighter” (in both senses of the word). 

Unfortunately, since COB is such a new technology, it’s often a costly option. One exception to this rule is the SolarXtreme 1000. 

While this unit isn’t “cheap,” it’s very affordable considering the high-quality of its proprietary COB panels. This 18” x 18” x 4” unit also has a respectable PPFD of 500 μMol/s at 38” and 800 μMol/s at 28”. 

One potential drawback of the SolarXtreme 1000 is that it draws extra power than other LED models. While giving off 1000W of power, SolarXtreme 1000 will take about 800W. 

Still, there are many positive features surrounding this exciting COB model. If you’d like to learn more about the SolarXtreme 1000, be sure to click this link on Everything But The Plant.

Enjoy Brighter Bulbs (And Buds!) With A Professional Grow Tent 

Choosing a great grow light is crucial for cannabis growing, but please don’t forget to invest in a high-quality grow tent. It doesn’t matter how intense your grow light is; you’re not enjoying the max LED power if there’s no interior Mylar coating. Besides intensifying your LED unit’s luminosity, grow tents provide remarkable insulation and temperature control. Even in the dead of winter, you could keep your buds nice and warm in your well-threaded grow tent.

If you’re interested in looking for a professional grow tent, we encourage you to read through this post on the best small grow tents. You could also take a look at our full grow tent portfolio on this webpage.

By George Mouratidis

If you’ve just purchased your first rosin press or plan to make bubble hash, you’re probably wondering which micron bags to use or if you even need to use filter bags at all.

Let’s examine some of the ins and outs of micron bags and find out more about some of the best micron bags available in 2020.

What are Micron Bags Used for?

Micron bags are used to filter plant matter out of solventless extractions like rosin and bubble hash.

Plant particles not only make your extractions less tasty, but they also can clog devices like vaporizers designed for concentrates. 

The word “micron” refers to the size of the holes where the extraction filters through.

A micron measures 1/1000 of a millimeter, so you can imagine how small the filter holes are on some micron bags. Some of the finest-gauged micron bags have holes less than half the size of the average human hair.

3 Types of Micron Bags

1. Rosin Press Bags

Rosin press filter bags are usually made of food-grade nylon mesh, similar to a reusable coffee filter.

Micron rosin pressing bags come in different sizes and gauges you can use for different materials. A few companies make silk micron bags, but they’re more delicate and prone to blowouts. 

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Most of the top-brand rosin press manufacturers, such as PurePressure and Rosin Tech, produce their own line of micron bags. Off-brand micron bags may be cheaper, but they’re more prone to blowouts and can be made of inferior or unsafe materials.

Rosin makers place their filled micron bags between a folded piece of parchment paper before pressing to help collect the rosin.

2. Bubble Hash Bags

Bubble hash bags, or bubblebags, are used for making solventless hash with ice and water. Bubblebags are usually sold in kits containing a bucket and several sizes of differently gauged micron bags. The extracted material filters through micron bags with increasingly finer-gauged holes to make hash. Bubble hash makers place the bubble bags in the bucket one inside of the other starting with the smallest micron gauge. 

3. Stainless Steel Screens

Stainless steel filter material comes in flat sheets or rolls and different micron gauges. You can use stainless steel micron material to customize the bag size for your rosin press. However, some rosin makers feel that stainless steel filters affect the taste of their concentrates.

Most of the best micron bags are made by the same manufacturers that produce high-quality rosin presses, such as:

• Sasquatch
• NugSmasher
• PurePressure
• Rosin Tech
• RosinBomb

Companies like PurePressure sell complete rosin-pressing accessory kits, which include micron filter bags.

Micron Bag Sizes and Gauges

Your project, your rosin press, and your personal preferences will decide which size and gauge of micron bags to choose.

Micron Bag Sizes

Manufacturers usually measure micron bags by the dimensions or in terms of grams. Some of the most common micron bag dimensions range from 2” x 3” to 2.5” x 9”.

Rosin press manufacturers may offer less-common micron bag dimensions that have been customized for their equipment. Gram sizes typically range from 3.5 to 14-gram bags.

Micron Bag Gauges

The gauge of micron bags you choose for pressing rosin depends mostly on personal preference.

There’s a delicate balance between optimum quality and yield. It’s up to you to find your sweet spot and choose the best micron bags to suit your purposes. Standard gauges for micron bags are 15μ, 25μ, 37μ, 72μ, 90μ, 115μ, 120μ, 160μ, and 180μ.

Some brands like NugSmasher and PurePressure offer variety packs. You can try out different options before investing in larger packages of your favorite micron gauges.

In general, a smaller gauge will give you a purer extraction, and larger gauges allow more plant material to enter your finished product.

Your choice of micron gauge depends heavily on the starting material you’re using. Flower, trim, and shake have a high quantity of plant matter and don’t allow the rosin to flow through the filter as easily.

You’ll need to start with a micron bag with larger holes before switching to a smaller micron gauge.

Kief and hash, on the other hand, have fewer plant particles to clog the holes, so you can start pressing these materials with a smaller gauge of micron bag.

Each material will have its own characteristics, but here are a few guidelines and starting points for you to begin your experimentation:

• Flower: The ideal gauge of micron bags to press rosin from flower sits between 90μ to 120μ. That said, some makers of ultra-premium rosin use micron gauges as fine as 36μ. You may want to start with a 115μ micron bag for the first press and check the quality-to-yield ratio before experimenting with finer gauges. The individual strain and the flower’s freshness will also determine which gauge micron bag you use for pressing rosin. You can use the same procedure to test the optimum micron bag gauge for trim or shake.
• Kief: You’ll need to use a finer gauge of micron bag for pressing rosin from kief. Kief contains much less plant matter than flower, and some of the highest quality dry sift is comprised of almost pure trichomes. Most rosin-makers find the ideal range to press kief at between 25μ to 90μ. We recommend that you start with a 45μ micron bag and gauge up or down from there.
• Hash: You can press hash with around the same gauges as kief, depending on the quality. Higher-end hash may make the best rosin using 25μ micron bags.

Mesh Size

Consumers often confuse mesh size with micron gauge, but they’re two different things. Mesh size measures how many gaps per linear inch, similar to thread counts with fabric.

Rosin makers should pay more attention to the micron gauge instead of the mesh size when choosing micron filter bags.

How to Use Micron Bags to Press Rosin

Some rosin-makers choose to fill their bags flat, while others prefer a barrel orientation. We suggest that you begin by following the manufacturer’s instructions for your first pressings and experiment after you get the hang of using micron bags.

Whichever approach you select, you’ll need to make sure that the seam is turned toward the inside of the bag. This precaution will keep your rosin from getting stuck in the seam. Some companies, like Rosin Tech, make seamless micron bags, so you won’t need to worry about this step if you use them.

It’s also important to remove as many stems as possible and break up your flower or other material into smaller chunks. Additionally, you should be careful not to overfill the bags as they may break open at the seams. Another way to avoid blowouts is to preheat the material first and press your rosin slowly.

Flat-Pressing Method

Most rosin makers load micron bags using the flat-pressing method. First, you invert the bag so that the seam is inside. Then, you lie the bag flat and fill it until you have a layer of material no more than ¼ inch thick. It’s crucial that you don’t leave gaps or overfill the bag. After you fill the micron bag, cut off any extra material, and fold the bag closed.

You can make flat pressing easier by investing in a rosin press mold. Molds give your rosin a nice shape and help to prevent micron bag breakage.

Bottle Tech Style Rosin Pressing

The bottle tech style of filling micron bags involves standing the bags up vertically to create a cylinder shape. Here’s how:

1. Invert the micron bag so that the seam is on the inside.
2. Push the two bottom corners inward to create a slightly conical bottom.
3. Fill the bag so that there are no empty spaces where rosin can collect.
4. Cut any excess material from the top of the bag.
5. Fold the top of the bag inward to close.

Additional Tips for Pressing Rosin with Micron Bags

Rosin pressers employ a host of other tips and tricks. For instance, some people choose to do their first pressing with a larger gauge before doing a second pressing with a finer micron bag. Others double-bag their material to create even higher-quality rosin. 

Some people who press rosin forego the bags altogether to save money. If you choose to go the no-bag route, be aware that your rosin will likely contain plant particles.

The plant matter will detract somewhat from the flavor of the rosin. The difference in quality may not matter so much for people who are only pressing a few grams for personal use. However, people who plan to press larger amounts of rosin or who want to create the highest quality concentrate shouldn’t skip the filter bags.

While it’s possible to clean and reuse rosin bags, it’s not the best practice. Used micron bags are more susceptible to breakage. If you have no choice but to reuse your rosin bags, you can clean them by soaking them in alcohol or boiling them in oil.

If you have any more questions about rosin pressing or would like help choosing micron bags, rosin presses, or accessories, please contact us at EverythingButThePlant.com.

By George Mouratidis

The practice of pressing cannabis into rosin only began to “sizzle” in 2015. That’s when California cannaseur Phil “Soilgrown” Salazar showed off his fresh-pressed rosin on social media.

Since then, rosin has become the trendiest concentrate in the marijuana industry.

While many dispensaries now offer rosin for purchase, it’s not all that difficult to make this sweet & sticky substance at home.

Indeed, a big part of rosin’s popularity is that it’s so easy to make.

But before we get into how to make rosin, let’s clear up some confusion over what this concentrate is.

What Is Rosin? – A Quick Definition

The simplest way to describe rosin is to say it’s a “solventless cannabis concentrate.”

Instead of using compounds like butane or CO2, rosin is made by applying pressure and heat to cannabis, hash, bubble hash, or dry sift.

The final result is a sticky substance that’s often used in vaping or dabbing.

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Although rosin may not be the most potent concentrate, it typically has respectable cannabinoid percentages (~70 percent).

On top of cannabinoids, rosin contains a plethora of flavonoids and aromatic terpenes.

Is Rosin The Same As Resin?

Let’s clear this issue up right out of the gate: “resin” and “rosin” aren’t the same. “Resin” has a few meanings, but it often refers to the coating of trichomes covering cannabis buds.

If you’ve read enough descriptions of strains, you’ve probably run across the phrase “resinous buds” quite a few times.

Alternatively, “resin” is sometimes used to describe the leftover concentrate that forms on bongs.

Although this dark, goopy substance usually smells rancid, it’s not unheard of for desperate tokers to smoke it for a quick buzz. 

While we’re clearing up cannabis terms, keep in mind that “live resin” has nothing to do with “resin.”

Confusingly, “live resin” refers to one of the purest (and most expensive) concentrates in the cannabis industry. Live resin extractors use flash-freezing to preserve high levels of terpenes in fresh marijuana buds.

Customers who want the ultimate flavor experience can’t do better than a vial of live resin.

Why Is Pressing Rosin Becoming So Popular?

The simplest explanation for rosin’s popularity is that it’s the easiest concentrate to make at home. Not only is it inexpensive to make rosin, it’s relatively safe if you take proper precautions.

Even people with little technical experience could make a decent batch of rosin with a hair straightener, well-cured weed, and parchment paper.

Many other concentrates require hefty investments in hi-tech extraction technologies. Not only are these machines expensive, they’re extremely dangerous if you don’t have a technical background.

Solvents like butane are notorious for causing fires in well-controlled laboratories.

Speaking of solvents, people love rosin because there’s zero chance chemicals will stick to their final product.

Since you only need pressure and heat to extract rosin, there’s no chance compounds like butane will affect your concentrate’s flavor. 

What’s The Best Way To Make Rosin At Home?

There are two ways to make rosin at home: break out a hair straightener, or buy a rosin press machine.

Understandably, most people gravitate towards hair straighteners because they’re cheap. However, there are drawbacks to consider before using this standard beauty device.

First off, people who use hair straighteners must settle for the lowest possible return on their weed.

While there aren’t scientific studies on this subject, concentrate enthusiasts say the hair straightener method will only produce 5 – 10 percent rosin compared with your weed’s weight. By contrast, high-quality rosin presses could increase your average return to the 20 percent range.

Not only do rosin presses offer a better “bang for your bud,” they are safer to use than a hair straightener. It’s also easier to adjust pressure and temperature to your desired setting when using a high-quality rosin press.

The only thing holding consumers back from buying a rosin press is its high cost. OK, there’s no denying a rosin press will cost more than a hair straightener, but many affordable models are hitting the market.

For instance, the company Rosin Tech Press now puts out impressive machines under $1,000. FYI: you can find both the Rosin Tech Pro and Rosin Tech Twist on Everything But The Plant.

Plus, it’s important to remember you will get a higher yield with a rosin press versus a hair straightener. If you’re someone who makes a lot of rosin, it may be more cost-effective to buy one of these rosin presses.

Be sure to read through Everything But The Plant’s picks for the best rosin presses on this link. If you have any questions about these products, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support staff.

How Can You Make Rosin With A Hair Straightener?

If you’re going to use a hair straightener to make rosin, we advise buying a unit with a temperature control setting. Although any functioning hair straightener should work, having the ability to change your unit’s temp will give you more control over the final product. 

Do you already have a hair straightener without temperature controls? No worries! You could use an IR temperature gun to figure out the average temperature of your straightener. This info will come in handy as you press your marijuana buds.

Please don’t forget to gather the following equipment on Everything But The Plant before pressing your rosin:

• Parchment paper
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Rosin scraper

Here’s a standard method for pressing rosin with a hair straightener:

• Cut out a 4” x 4” piece of parchment paper, place about 1 gram of small cannabis buds in the center, and fold the paper in half.
• Turn on your hair straightener to the lowest heat setting.
• Put on your heat-resistant gloves.
• Once the hair straightener registers about 210° F, press it over the cannabis.
• Press down hard using your full body weight for about 20 seconds, or until you hear a sizzling sound.
• Take the hair straightener off of the parchment paper and check your result.
• If you notice a low quantity of rosin, you could repeat this process one or two times.
• Once you’re satisfied, use your scraper to collect the rosin and store it in an envelope or silicone jar.

Please remember, this is a basic technique for making rosin at home. People more experienced with concentrates often recommend using micron mesh screens to make this process easier. There’s also a ton of debate over the optimal temperature and primary cannabis material. 

However, this method is an excellent way for newcomers to begin experimenting with making rosin. As you discover what works best for you, feel free to adjust these directions to fit your needs.

How Do You Use Rosin?

Typically, people enjoy using rosin in a dabbing rig for an intense smoke session. However, that doesn’t mean you need to be a “dabber” to enjoy this concentrate. 

For instance, it’s quite common for people to add a drizzle of rosin to ground flower before smoking. In fact, since rosin is so sticky, many tokers like to spread a layer of it on joint paper to keep it glued shut while they’re “glued” to their couch.

If you prefer vaping over smoking, then why not add rosin to your vaporizer? As long as your device uses cannabis concentrates, there should be no problem adding a dose of rosin to your machine. You could even make a DIY cannabis e-juice with propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

Although not as popular as the other methods, it’s not unheard of to use rosin in cannabis edibles. Just bear in mind rosin is not flavor-neutral like other concentrates (e.g., CBD isolate). Also, rosin is exceptionally potent in low doses, so be careful how much you add to your ganja goodies!

How Long Is Rosin OK To Use?

There’s no average shelf life for rosin, but most cannabis experts recommend using it within a week. After this timeframe, the terpenes in your rosin could begin to degrade, which will lead to a less flavorful toke.

Of course, how long your rosin lasts depends on how well you store it. If possible, please place your rosin in a silicone jar that has an airtight lid. If you’re keeping your rosin at room temperature, please store it in a cool, dry area away from direct light.

For those who want to preserve their rosin for a longer time, you could place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Typically, rosin will last for about one month in the fridge before it starts to degrade.

Could You Press Rosin With Fresh Marijuana Buds?

When it comes to pressing rosin, fresh buds are not your best option. While new weed has the highest concentration of terpenes, it also has the highest water content. If you choose to press your newly harvested buds, you will end up with watery splatter rather than sticky rosin.

On top of this terrible consistency, fresh marijuana buds won’t reward you with a terpene-rich flavor profile. Instead, this “fresh” rosin tends to have an unpleasant taste reminiscent of grass.

For the best results, please follow regular drying and curing procedures before pressing your marijuana flower. Your buds should have a humidity level of about 50 – 60 percent before you make rosin.

If you crave the highest possible terpene content in your rosin, then we recommend researching bubble hash.

What Heat Setting Is Best For Pressing Rosin?

Choosing the best temperature for your rosin press depends on multiple factors, including your desired consistency and potency. In general, it’s best to start pressing rosin with temps around 220° F, especially if you’re using a material like dry sift or hash. Anything higher than this could cause certain terpenes to evaporate.

In most cases, temps around 200° F will result in a concentrate that has a high potency and shatter-like consistency. Anything above 220° F could create a higher quantity of sappy rosin.

For more detailed information on the ideal temp for pressing rosin, be sure to read through this previous article.

What Strains Give Users The Most Rosin? 

Not every cannabis strain is well-suited for rosin. If you want to increase the odds of enjoying a high return from your press, then you need to scope out strains that produce a reliably thick layer of resin. The more trichomes are on your buds, the better chance you’ll enjoy high rosin returns.

So, what strains work best for making rosin? There’s a lot of debate on this topic online, but here are a few names that often produce great results:

• White Widow
• Gorilla Glue #4
• Chemdawg #4
• Papaya
• UK Cheese
• Durban Poison
• Kosher Kush

While great seed genetics help, please remember that even the best strains can’t thrive in poor growing conditions. If you want the highest trichome counts on your buds, it’s imperative to use a high-quality grow tent and a full-spectrum grow light.

Everything But The Plant offers many fantastic name-brand grow tents and grow lights. Please browse our website if you’re interested in cultivating cannabis at home.

Get “Sizzling” With One Of EBTP’s Professional Rosin Presses!

While the hair straightener method works in a pinch, it can never top the ease and accuracy of professional rosin presses. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to look through the many hydraulic and manual rosin presses now on Everything But The Plant. Trust us; investing in one of these machines can save you a ton of aggravation, time, and money.

If you have further questions about any of the rosin presses in our catalog, be sure to contact our customer support team on this link.

By George Mouratidis

Whether you’re a commercial grower who wants to switch to energy-efficient LEDs or a beginner ready to set up your first garden, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed by the expansive range of grow light choices available. 

Let’s have a look at some of the best grow lights for sale in 2020.

The 13 Best LED Grow Lights in 2020

1. KIND LED K5-750

With the KIND LED K5-750, you can control your grow lights directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The KIND command center allows you to manage spectrum control and timing for multiple lights via wifi. The K5-750 features both three and five-watt fully dimmable diodes. The unit is also available in 1000 watts.

KIND LED K5-750 Specs:

Weight: 28 lbs

Dimensions: 23” x 17” x 3.5”

Footprint: 4’ x 4’

Total Diodes: 208

Maximum Watts: 430 watts

HID Equivalent: 750 watts

Diode Wattage: A mixture of 3-watt and 5-watt diodes

Voltage: 100 to 240-volt AC power

Amps: 3.58 amps at 120v / 1.8 amps at 240v

PPFD: 458 μmol/m2/s

Lifetime: over 50,000 hours

Warranty: 3 years

Cost: $1,395

2. Black Dog Phytomax-2

Commercial growers looking for a real workhorse in the grow room may want to check out the Black Dog Phytomax-2 series. Hailing from Colorado, Black Dog LED claims that its Phytomax-2 LED lights provide the best active heat management technology in the industry. 

The Phytomax-2 1000-watt light has an exceptionally large footprint with a maximum of 6.5’ x 6.5’. Lights in the Phytomax series also have a long lifespan of over 70,000 hours. Each Black Dog Phytomax-2 light comes with a complimentary pair of ratcheted light hangers.

Black Dog Phytomax-2 Specs:

• Weight: 53 lbs
• Dimensions: 21” x 21” x 21”
• Footprint: up to 6.5’ x 6.5’
• Total Diodes: 420
• LED Watts: 2,100 watts
• HID Equivalent: 1000 watts
• Diode Wattage: 5-watt diodes
• Voltage: Input: 100 to 250-volt AC power
• Amps: 8.8 amps at 120v / 4.4 amps at 240v
• Lifetime: over 70,000 hours
• Warranty: 5 years
• Cost: $2,279

3. NextLight MegaLED

NextLight designed the MegaLED for commercial growers looking to replace 1000-watt HID lights and cover more area while using less power.

The MegaLED’s efficiency rating qualifies growers for the highest level of incentives and rebates from their local electric companies.

The unit is also especially lightweight at only 23 lbs, making the NextLight MegaLED an excellent choice for large commercial growing spaces.

Nextlight MegaLED Specs:

• Weight: 23 lbs
• Dimensions: 37” x 37” x 2.5”
• Footprint: 5’ x 5’ (Veg), 7’ x 7’ (Flower)
• BTU Output: 2,200
• HID Equivalent: 650 watts
• Operating Frequency: 60 Hz
• Voltage: Input: 120 to 277-volt AC power
• Amps: 5.4 amps at 120v / 2.7 amps at 240v
• PPF/watt: 215
• Life rating: 100,000 hours
• Warranty: 5 years
• Cost: $1,695

4. MARS TS-3000 Full-Spectrum

MarsHydro has been manufacturing high-quality LED grow lights for over a decade, and it shows.

The Mars TS-300 does a fine job mimicking the luminescence of traditional grow lights. The Mars TS-3000 only consumes 450 watts while giving plants 600 watts of equivalent full-spectrum light.

At just under $440, the Mars TS-3000 is the perfect option for growers who want to convert their operations to LED while sticking to a budget.

MARS TS-3000 Specs:

• Weight: 5.12 kg
• Dimensions: 64 x 58 x 7 cm
• Footprint: max 5’ x 5’
• Maximum Watts: 450 watts
• HID Equivalent: 600 watts
• Voltage: Input: 100 to 277-volt AC power
• Number of Diodes: 1016
• Amps: 2.02 amps at 220v
• PPFD: up to 2.3μmol/w
• Lifetime: over 50,000 hours
• Warranty: 3 years
• Cost: $439.99

5. KIND X2

No commercial LED grow light list can be complete without mentioning the latest offering by KIND.

The company designed the X2 to meet the needs of commercial growers who use vertical racking configurations. The X2 allows growers to tune the light along three channels for each stage of growth.

The unit also features patented Osram Oslon diodes and a digital controller from Grow Strong industries.

KIND X2 Specs:

• Weight: approx. 40 lbs
• Dimensions: 39.4” x 39.4” x 4.3”
• Footprint: 4’ x 4’
• Total Diodes: 384
• Maximum Watts: 750 watts
• Efficacy: 2.2 μmol/J
• Power Factor: .963@240 volts
• Input Voltage: 120-277-volt AC power
• Spectrum: 3-channel, fully adjustable
• Amperage: 5.25 amps at 120v / 2.625 amps at 240v
• Recommended Height Above Canopy: 12 inches
• Lifetime: over 75,000 hours
• Warranty: Five years
• Cost: $1,695

6. Grower’s Choice ROI-E680

LED industry leaders TSL Horti Tech and Grower’s Choice teamed up to create an affordable and efficient lighting option for commercial growers.

The result is an ultra-efficient grow light that saves up to 40% in electricity while delivering uniform levels of PPFD. The unit features Osram Top-Bin Diodes and Grower’s Choice patented 3K CMH Full Phase Spectrum.

The ROI-E680 is compatible with most lighting controllers so that growers can run the light with their existing system. If this is your first set-up, you may want to invest in the Grower’s Choice Master lighting controller.

Grower’s Choice ROI-E680 Specs

• Weight: 30 lbs
• Dimensions: 42.4” x 42” x2.4 ”
• Spectrum: GC-3K Full Phase
• Maximum Watts: 680 watts
• Diodes: Osram Top-Bin Diodes
• Voltage: Input: 120 to 277-volt AC power
• Voltage: Output: UL standard: less than 76 volts DC
• Amps: 5.872 amps at 120v / 2.618 amps at 277v
• PPF: 1770 μmol/s
• Lifetime: over 54,000 hours
• Warranty: 3 years
• Cost: $900

Best LEDs for Home Growers

7. California Lightworks SolarSystem 550

The SolarSystem 550 makes an excellent compact and lightweight LED option for home growers. The unit weighs a mere 13 pounds but will cover up to 6’ x 6’ in the vegetative stage or 4’ x 4’ during bloom. The compact LED light comes with features like programmable spectrum control and a full five-year warranty. Paired with the economically-priced SolarSystem Lighting Controller, the 550 offers the ultimate in convenience.

CA Lightworks SolarSystem 550 Specs:

• Weight: 13 lbs
• Dimensions: 18” x 8.5” x 4”
• Footprint: up to 6’ x 6’ (Veg), 4’ x 4’(Bloom)
• Maximum Watts: 400 watts
• HID Equivalent: 600 watts
• Diode Wattage: 3-watt diodes
• Auto Voltage: 90 to 277-volt AC power
• Amps: 3.3 amps at 120v / 1.65 amps at 240v
• PPFD: 888
• Lifetime: over 50,000 hours
• Warranty: 5 years
• Cost: $799

8. KIND K3-600

Although Kind’s K3 series lacks the wifi control of the company’s K5 series lights, they still make a solid choice for home grows or even smaller commercial operations.

They’re sturdy, energy-efficient, and have a lifetime of over 50,000 hours.

Kind’s K3 series LED lights are user-friendly and can be adjusted for use through all of the growing stages. Hobby growers can’t go wrong with the K3-600.

KIND K3-600 Specs:

• Weight: 24 lbs
• Dimensions: 28.4” x 13” x 3.25 ”
• Footprint: 3’ x 4’
• Total Diodes: 150
• Maximum Watts: 288 watts
• HID Equivalent: 600 watts
• Diode Wattage: 3-watts
• Voltage: Input: 100 to 240-volt AC power
• Voltage: Output: UL standard: less than 76 volts DC
• Amps: 2.67 amps at 120v / 1.33 amps at 240v
• PPFD: 663
• Lifetime: over 50,000 hours
• Warranty: 3 years
• Cost: $990

9. California Lightworks Solar Extreme 500

California Lightworks Solar Extreme 500 offers the perfect solution for home growers or small operations who want to grow a professional-grade harvest on a budget.

The Solar Extreme 500 offers full-spectrum coverage of over 16 square feet while consuming up to 50% less energy than traditional LED grow lights. The user-friendly unit eliminates the need for LED drivers with a built-in direct AC drive and chip-on-board design.

Keep in mind that you cannot use the Solar System controller with the Solar Extreme 500. You will need to automate light schedules with a standard timer.

California Lightworks Solar Extreme 500 Specs

Weight: 11 lbs

Dimensions: 18” x 8.5” x 4”

Footprint: up to 4’ x 4’ 

Maximum Watts: 400 watts

Heat Output: 1280 BTU

Voltage: 120-volt AC power

Amps: 3.3 amps

PPFD: 500 at 24”, 800 at 18”

Warranty: 3 years

Cost: $449

10. MINT LED 600

Another compact yet powerful unit, the MINT LED 600 provides a full 600 HID-equivalent watts while only using 420 actual watts.

The fixture offers three, fully-customizable channels that can be controlled using a user-friendly remote.

The MINT grow light runs cool to the touch and does an excellent job mimicking natural seasonal light spectrums.

MINT LED 600 Specs:

• Weight: 30 lbs
• Dimensions: 30” x 20” x 7”
• Maximum Watts: 420 watts
• HID Equivalent: 600 watts
• Voltage: 120-volt AC power
• Warranty: 3 years
• Cost: $998

Best Bar LED Lights

11. KIND XD-150

The Kind XD-150 is a professional-quality bar light that can expand your primary grow light’s footprint just where you need it. Growers can choose from bar lights optimized for the vegetative or flowering stages, each with an estimated lifespan of over 50,000 hours. Kind XD bar lights also come in 75 watts and are available in either 4-foot or 6-foot sizes.

KIND XD-150 Specs:

• Weight: 14 lbs
• Dimensions: 94.8” x 3.1” x 2.3”
• Spectrum: Vegetative or Flowering Stage
• Total Diodes: 864
• Maximum Watts: 150 watts
• RMH: 9 inches
• Voltage: Input: 100-277 volt AC power
• Amps: 1.25 amps at 120v / .625 amps at 240v
• PPFD: 128
• Lifetime: over 50,000 hours
• Warranty: 3 years
• Cost: $349.95

12. MINT Wand 2-Foot Bloom/Veg

Based in Seattle, Washington, Mint LED specializes in LED lighting for both ambient lighting and horticulture.

The MINT LED 2-foot bar light is one of the most affordable options when you need to get into those tight spots below the canopy or at the edges of your grow space. 

MINT Wand 2-Foot Bar Light Specs:

• Weight: 4 lbs
• Dimensions: 26” x 4” x 3”
• Total Diodes: 13
• Maximum Watts: 28 watts
• Warranty: 3 years
• Cost: $102.50

Best LED Light Grow Tent Package

13. Black Dog Complete LED Kit

Black Dog offers everything a new grower may need in one handy package. Grow tents feature a professional white reflective interior and come in several sizes. Growers can choose from PhytoMAX-2 600, 800, 0r 1000-watt grow lights.

Other equipment includes a 6” fan, a 6” CanLite carbon filter, and a 6” dust Shroom. The kit comes with all the accessories a beginning grower requires to take their crop from seed to harvest, including:

• Plastic and smart pots
• Hygrometers
• Timers
• A 60x illuminated microscope
• Trimming scissors, a drying rack, and a 4-liter curing container
• A green light headlamp 
• Pipettes, spoons, watering cans
• A grow journal

Complete LED grow kits start from $2,279. If you’re a novice grower with a little extra cash to spend, you can’t go wrong with Black Dog’s Complete LED Grow Kits. Black Dog also offers the option to build your own kit for an extra charge.

Are you ready to transform your commercial grow lighting or start your first hobby garden? Please contact us at Everything But The Plant. We would be happy to help you choose the right LED lights for your needs.

By George Mouratidis

Rosin is one of the most exciting extracts for cannaseurs and one of the most misunderstood concentrates for newbies to the cannabis scene.

Seasoned herb-lovers know that smoking or vaping rosin is among the most delicious ways to enjoy cannabis. However, novices often confuse rosin with resin, live resin, or even hash.

What is Rosin?

Rosin is quite the opposite of resin, the black tarry substance you find at the bottom of a dirty pipe or bong.

Rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate that uses heat and pressure to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. Live resin is fresh and tasty like rosin, but it’s made by flash-freezing freshly-cut cannabis buds and extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes under temperatures lower than -300°F.

Live resin can only be extracted by experts with special equipment and solvents like butane, propane, ethanol, or carbon dioxide.

Rosin, on the other hand, is a solventless extract you can safely make at home using rosin presses with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to many thousands.

How Do Rosin Presses Work?

Rosin presses work by squeezing raw cannabis material between two heated metal plates. Rosin presses apply force in one of three ways:

• Manual rosin presses create pressure through levers or hand cranks.
• Pneumatic rosin presses use air to create force, usually with the aid of external pumps or air compressors.
• Hydraulic rosin presses, sometimes called H-frame presses, use pressurized fluids to generate force. They can deliver more pressure than the other two types and are typically more suited for commercial use.
• Electric rosin presses are relatively new on the cannabis scene. These types of presses plug right into an AC outlet and don’t require external pumps or compressors.

Rosin-makers also employ non-stick papers, filter bags, and other accessories to make collecting the extract easier.

Factors that Affect the Quality of Rosin

If you’re already excited to start pressing rosin and want to know more about the process, you’re probably wondering how to produce the kind of pure, mouth-watering rosin you’ve found in your local dispensary. Several factors affect the quality of rosin, including:

• Quality of your starting material: Your rosin can only be as good as the cannabis product you start with. You can’t expect to extract dispensary-grade rosin from dried out, old schwag.
• Humidity: Rosin-pressing works best under relative humidity levels ranging from 55-62%.
• Pressing time: Pressing time will depend upon all of the other factors. You may want to increase pressing time before you turn up the heat or pressure. Pressing times typically range between 15-60 seconds.
• Pressure: While commercial rosin presses can go up to 100,000 psi, the home rosin-maker won’t need nearly as much force to press quality rosin. Home rosin presses typically don’t go past 1,000 pounds of pressure, which is way more than you’ll need for smaller batches of rosin. Rosin manufacturers press small batches of flower at between 600-1000 psi, kief around 400-800 psi, and hash at 300-700 psi. Higher pressures aren’t necessarily better for pressing rosin. In fact, excessively high pressures may allow unwanted lipids and other particle matter to contaminate your rosin.
• Temperature: Determining pressing temperatures is one of the trickiest aspects of pressing rosin. If you use temperatures that are too high, you risk evaporating terpenes from your rosin. It’s always best to start with lower pressure and dial up if needed.

Best Temperatures for Pressing Rosin

Choosing the ideal temperature to press rosin takes some experimenting. You may want to begin by following the manufacturer’s directions for your particular model of rosin press.

However, there are some general guidelines you can follow for determining the temperatures to press different raw materials.

Pressing Rosin from Raw Cannabis or Hemp Flower

The temperature you use to press raw flower depends on how much humidity the plant matter contains. Most terpenes start to evaporate once they get above 230°F.

You’ll want to keep your pressing temperatures well below this threshold, especially if you want to preserve terpenes that evaporate under even lower temperatures.

Most rosin press manufacturers recommend that you keep your flower pressing temperatures between 160-180°F with an average pressing time between 60-180 seconds.

You may need to use more pressure or slightly higher temperatures if your cannabis is older and drier.

Some rosin-makers rehydrate older buds by storing them with humidity packs overnight. Just remember that the quality of your rosin depends upon the quality of your starting material. 

Keep in mind that various strains of cannabis will require unique temperatures and produce different results.

Typical rosin yields from pressing raw flower range around 15-30%. It’s also possible to press rosin using trim or shake, but these materials tend to produce lower yields of between 5-15%.

Making Rosin from Kief (Dry Sift)

Well-sifted kief is made up of almost pure trichomes. You’ll want to choose a much lower pressing temperature to avoid destroying delicate terpenes.

Start with a temperature of around 160°F for approximately 60 seconds. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, lengthen the pressing time by 10 seconds before deciding to increase the heat.

Pressing kief at temperatures over 190°F is not recommended and can destroy terpenes. Typical rosin yields from kief average between 30-60%.

Pressing Rosin from Hash

Like kief, hash contains significantly less plant matter than raw flower and needs to be pressed at lower temperatures.

If you’re handling ultra-high quality hash, you may wish to start pressing at as low as 120°F for one minute. Adjust other factors like pressure and pressing time before increasing the temperature.

Pressing hash above 180°F is not recommended. Rosin yields from hash range from 30-70% depending on the type of hash you’re using.

DIY Rosin Presses

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may be wondering if you can rig a rosin press at home.

The technology seems simple enough, but homemade rosin presses tend to be extremely inefficient. Professional rosin presses have parts that were made specifically for the purpose of pressing rosin. It’s nearly impossible to find components that have the same qualities to use in a homemade rosin press. 

Moreover, DIY rosin presses are often a safety hazard. Frames bend, hydraulics leak, and plates may have unsafe coatings.

Homemade rosin presses also lack the carefully-engineered automatic safety features of professionally-made models. In most cases, manufacturing a rosin press is better left to the experts.

What to Look for in a Rosin Press’s Temperature Controls

One of the most important features of a high-quality rosin press is an even distribution of heat throughout the pressing plates.

Hair straighteners and cheaper rosin presses often have uneven heat distribution. Uneven heat can mean leaving cannabinoids in unprocessed bits of raw material and evaporating the terpenes out of others. You’ll be left with less potent rosin and a lot of wasted material.

Precise temperature control is also crucial for a rosin press.

The closer you can dial in rosin-pressing temperatures, the better rosin you’ll be able to produce. Some of the best rosin presses have digital readouts that allow for controlling pressing temperatures within 10 degrees. More precise temperatures will help you to preserve terpenes and create rosin with different textures.

Other Features to Consider When Shopping for a Rosin Press

Now that you have a better idea of what rosin is, how rosin presses work, and how to get the best results when pressing rosin, you may be ready to shop around for your first rosin press. Before you lay down your hard-earned cash, you’ll want to consider some factors, such as:

• The material and shape of the plates: In general, rectangular plates are more efficient than square or horseshoe-shaped plates. Aluminum plates tend to distribute the heat more evenly than stainless steel versions. Extra-large plates are only needed for pressing enormous amounts of rosin. If you use oversized plates to press average amounts of rosin, you’ll risk burning the rosin.
• The pressure available: Even if you have money to burn, you won’t need a 10-ton rosin press when you’re just starting out. A model that goes up to 700-1000 psi will be plenty for home use. If you’re planning to press your entire home harvest, you may choose a rosin press with bigger plates that can deliver 3000 psi. You can always upgrade if you decide to become a commercial rosin manufacturer.
• The mechanism: Manual or pneumatic rosin presses are usually the best choices for the home rosin-maker. Manual presses cost less because you don’t need to invest in an external pump or air compressor to use them. Hydraulic presses, while excellent for commercial purposes, are generally considered overkill for beginning rosin-makers. If you do choose to go hydraulic, make sure that you buy from a reputable brand. Cheap rosin presses tend to have hydraulics that may leak or otherwise malfunction.
• Your workspace: If you live in a small apartment, you’ll probably be better off with a lightweight model with a quieter mechanism, such as a semi-portable manual or electric rosin press.
• The safety features: Pressing rosin is a lot safer than making extractions using solvents, but accidents still may happen with rosin presses. Look for rosin presses with built-in shut-off functions and other safety features.
• The warranty: A rosin press is a piece of equipment that should last for years. Make sure the length and terms of the warranty cover any possible factory defects.
• Customer reviews: Check out what previous buyers have to say about the company’s products and customer service.

Are you shopping for a rosin press? Our friendly customer support staff would be delighted to help. Please contact us through our website or call us at 814-422-5544. We offer free U.S. shipping and guaranteed low prices.

By George Mouratidis

When you get indoor gardeners in a room discussing LED grow lights, one name always pops up—Kind. Most growers will agree that the company revolutionized LED grow light technology. But controversy soon erupts when someone starts talking about the price. Are Kind LED grow lights really worth the expense?

Let’s examine the details so that you can decide for yourself.

About Kind LED

The founders of Kind LED are veteran growers from Santa Rosa, California. Like most early indoor gardeners, the Kind team began with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting. When Kind started in the industry, LED technology couldn’t match the yields growers could get from standard HIDs. 

The company spent decades producing high-quality harvests, but they were constantly reminded of the expensive energy costs and excessive heat produced by HID lighting. Eventually, they decided to take matters into their own hands and develop more effective LED grow lights.

Kind’s LED Technology

Kind’s LED innovations include 12-band diodes and targeted-spectrum technology. 12-band diodes ensure that plants receive light from every range of the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) spectrum between 400-700nm. Kind’s targeted-spectrum technology is one of the most exciting and potentially useful features of Kind LED grow lights.

Kind’s engineers found that “white-light” full-spectrum LEDs wasted a considerable amount of energy in the yellow and green range (500-600nm) of the PAR spectrum. In order to thrive, plants need some light in the 500-600nm range, but they don’t require nearly as much yellow/green light as typical full-spectrum LEDs provide. 

Typical white LEDs emit an equal amount of light throughout the entire PAR spectrum, which causes them to lose efficiency. All of the unabsorbed yellow/green light also produces more heat in the grow room. Kind’s X2 commercial grow light uses targeted-spectrum technology to focus more energy on the blue and red ends of the PAR spectrum while giving plants just the right amount of light from the yellow/green range.

Kind K5 Grow Light Series

Kind’s K5 series combines both three and five-watt diodes within an extra-large footprint, which matches the coverage of traditional grow lighting. 

The K5’s impressive wireless command center offers gardeners a host of advanced features. K5’s Secondary Optical Lenses allow gardeners to dim or intensify individual ranges of the PAR spectrum as the plants move through the growing stages. The command center includes an integrated timer to simulate sunrise and sunset and a remote controller.

K5 Series Specs

K5 XL750

K5 XL1000

Dimensions

23” x 17” x 3.5”

26” x 20” x 3.5”

Footprint (RMH)

4’ x 4’

5’ x 5’

Weight

28 pounds

36 pounds

Total Diodes

208

320

Maximum Wattage

430 watts

650 watts

HID Wattage Equivalent

750 watts

1000 watts

Diode Wattage

Mix of 3 watts and 5 watts

Mix of 3 watts and 3 watts

Input Voltage

100-240 volt AC power

100-240 volt AC power

Output Voltage

UL standard < 76 volts DC

UL standard < 76 volts DC

Amperage

3.58@120v / 1.8@240v

5.25

PPFD Peak (RMH)

458

720.25

Lifetime

>50,000 hours

>50,000 hours

Warranty

Three years

Three years

Price

$1,395

$1,695

Kind K3 Series 2 Grow Lights

Kind’s K3 line of grow lights is targeted more toward home gardeners rather than commercial growers. The K3 line offers the same 12-band LED technology without some of the extra features of the K5 series, such as the wireless command center and 5-watt diodes.

K3 Series Specs

Feature

K3XL300

K3XL450

K3XL600

Dimensions

15.75” x 13” x 3.25”

22” x 13” x 3.25”

28.4” x 13” x 3.25”

Footprint (RMH)

2’ x 2.5’

2’ x 3’

3’ x 4’

Weight

14.76 pounds

19.3 pounds

24 pounds

Total Diodes

90

120

150

Maximum Wattage

170 watts

227 watts

288 watts

HID Wattage Equivalent

300 watts

450 watts

600 watts

Diode Wattage

3 watts

3 watts

3 watts

Input Voltage

100-240 volts AC

100-240 volts AC

100-240 volts AC

Output Voltage

UL Standard 

UL Standard

UL Standard

Amperage

1.75@120v / .875@240v

2.25@120v / 1.125@240v

2.67@120v / 1.33@240v

PPFD Peak (RMH)

776

579

663

Lifetime

>50,000 hours

>50,000 hours

>50,000

Warranty

Three years

Three years

Three years

Price

$660

$825

$990

X2 Commercial LED Grow Light

The latest addition to Kind’s line, the X2 provides growers with an alternative to the typical white-light, full-spectrum LED fixtures that dominate commercial grow spaces.

The X2 uses targeted-spectrum lights that filter out some of the yellow and green range of traditional full-spectrum LEDs. 

Kind specifically wanted the X2 to solve some of the problems involved with vertical racking and overhead grow operations. The X2 uses a concentric square design to offer more Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) across the canopy than standard commercial lights provide. The 12-inch Recommended Height Above Canopy (RMH) allows growers to optimize growing space for tiered gardens. The unit features patented Osram Oslon diodes, which have an extended lifespan of more than 75,000 hours.

Purchase options include a digital controller manufactured by Grow Strong Industries. The optional controller allows over 500 functions to be controlled at the same time.

X2 Specs

Feature

Kind X2 

Dimensions

39.4” x 39.4” x 4.3”

Footprint (RMH)

4’ x 4’

Weight

40.2 pounds

Total Diodes

384

Maximum Wattage

750 watts

Spectrum

Fully adjustable three-channel

Power Factor

.963@240 volts

Input Voltage

120-277 volts

Efficacy

2.2 μmol/J

Amperage

5.25@120 v / 2.625@240v

RMH

12 inches

Lifetime

>75,000 hours

Warranty

5 years

Price

$1,695

Kind X Series Bar Lights

Bar lights come in handy for reaching within the canopy and at the edges of the main lighting fixtures. With proper placement, bar lights can substantially increase yields. Kind sells bar lights with diodes that concentrate either on the red spectrum or the blue spectrum to focus on either the vegetative or flowering phases.

Kind offers two types of bars lights: the standard X series with 40 and 80 watts and the XD series with 75 and 150 watts. The larger XD150 bar light is only available by special order.

X 40/80 Bar Light Specs

X 40 Bar Light

X 80 Bar Light

Dimensions

23.75” x 2.6” x 1.7”

47.6” x 2.6” x 1.7”

Spectrum

Vegetative or Flowering

Vegetative or Flowering

Weight

4.5 pounds

8.5 pounds

Total Diodes

108

216

Maximum Wattage

40 watts

80 watts

PPFD Peak- Vegetative

110

146

PPFD Peak- Flowering

128

160

Input Voltage

90-227 volts AC

100-227 volts AC

Amperage

.33@120v / .167@240v

.67@120v / .33@240v

RMH

12 inches

12 inches

Lifetime

>50,000 hours

>50,000 hours

Warranty

Three years

Three years

Price

$169.95

$299.95

XD 75/150 Bar Light Specs

XD75

XD150

Dimensions

47.4” x 3.1” x 2.3”

94.8” x 3.1” x 2.3”

Spectrum

Vegetative or Flower

Vegetative or Flower

Weight

7.5 pounds

14 pounds

Total Diodes

432

864

Maximum Wattage

75 watts

150 watts

PPFD Peak- Vegetative

110

128

PPFD Peak- Flowering

110

128

Input Voltage

100-277 volts AC

100-277 volts AC

Amperage

.625@120v /.313@240v

1.25@120v / .625@240v

RMH

9 inches

9 inches

Lifetime

>50,000 hours

>50,000 hours

Warranty

Three years

Three years

Price

$349.95

$349.95

Warranty, Refunds, and Customer Service

Kind has different warranty and return policies for U.S. and international customers.

The company will repair or replace any product that has defects in materials or workmanship. For the first 90 days, Kind will cover the cost of shipping for returned merchandise. After 90 days, the company will cover up to $50 per light for shipping.

Like most standard policies, the warranty doesn’t cover damage incurred by the consumer or acts of nature.

The company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee for the K3 and K5 series only. The bar lights and X2 commercial unit are not included in the 90-day guarantee. The company allows customers to return bar lights or X2 units within 30 days. However, the company subtracts a $15% restocking fee and shipping charges from the refunded amount.

For logistical reasons, Kind doesn’t cover the shipping costs for returned items from international customers. Instead, the company will assist international customers in finding a repair facility in their own country.

Kind LED has an excellent record for customer service. Kind maintains a rating of 4.3 stars from 168 reviews on Trustpilot. 

Conclusion

There can be no doubt that Kind offers some of the best options on the market with regards to efficiency.

If you’re a grower who is currently using HID lights, your new Kind LED lights could save you a bundle in energy costs and quickly pay for themselves, especially if you go with the K3 series. Buyers can also take advantage of Kind’s frequent sales that offer substantial discounts from their regular prices. Buying a Kind light during one of their sales could get you much closer to the cost of “white light” full-spectrum fixtures and may reward you with higher yields and lower electricity bills.

Consumers should keep in mind that Kind’s diodes with targeted-spectrum technology emit pink and blue colors, which some growers refer to as “burple.” The altered light in the grow room could take some getting used to, but the change could be well worth the effort if Kind’s LED lights produce the results they claim.

If you’re still not sure, we suggest that you purchase one of Kind’s smaller K3 lights or bar lights and gauge your results. Every grow room could use an energy efficient grow light.

By George Mouratidis

In recent years, cannabis cultivators have been gravitating towards LED grow lights like, well, moths to a flame!

When you consider all of the advantages LEDs have over HIDs, it’s no wonder these dazzling diodes have a “bright” future in cannabis cultivation.

Not only are LED lights lighter than HIDs, they’re more energy-efficient and user-friendly. As a bonus, LED lights tend to be cheaper than HID lights. All of these features make LED grow lights an exceptional choice for indoor cultivators.

If you’re new to the LED market, then you might be wondering how to choose from the many grow lights now available.

Indeed, now that LED grow lights are such a hot product, cannabis cultivators have many great models to sift through. While this is good news in terms of selection, it also means you have to spend precious hours pouring over product descriptions.

To make your LED quest a little easier, we thought it’d be helpful to round-up a few of the highest-rated 1000W LED grow lights. Whether you’re looking for a high-end grow light or a budget-friendly model, you should find one 1000W LED grow light to suit your grow room below.

The Four Best 1000W LED Grow Lights For 2020

1. KIND LED K5 XL 1000W WiFi

Based in California, KIND LED is one of the most decorated light manufacturers in the USA. Indeed, this company has multiple “Gear of the Year” awards. Plus, Kind LED’s XL 1000W Version 1 routinely ranks as one of the all-time best LED grow lights.

So, when KIND LED released its updated K5 XL 1000W WiFi, you can bet expectations were pretty high.

According to most cultivators, the K5 XL 1000W WiFi lives up to the hype. Unlike previous models, this 320-diode light has a mix of 3W, 5W, UV, and IR, all of which give off a fantastic full-spectrum. At its recommended height of 36”, this grow light has an impressive max PPFD of over 720 μMol/m2/s.

While all those specs are impressive, it’s the K5’s WiFi functionality that has got people talking. Anyone who buys this grow light can download KIND’s “Command Center” on their laptop or phone. On this hi-tech app, you could easily adjust your light’s timers and intensity to suit different times of the day. You could also check the LED screen on the side of this light to verify your specifications.

Because this grow light is on the premium end of the spectrum, it’s best suited for intermediate to experienced growers. If you’re a “control freak” who loves customizing every aspect of your grow cycle, then we strongly recommend giving the K5 XL 1000W WiFi a closer look.

You could find out more about this model by following this link.

Specs

• Max Wattage: 630W
• Lifetime: 50,000 hours
• Weight: 36 lbs.
• Dimensions 26” x 20 “x 3.5”
• Recommended Mounting Height: 36”
• Cord Length: 6’
• Area coverage: 5′ x 5′ vegetative; 4’x 4’ flowering
• PPFD Peak: 720.25 μMol/m2/s

Pros

• WiFi-enabled “Command Center” allows you to control your light settings.
• UV and IR LED lights to increase bud production.
• Strong PPFD and generous area coverage.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Not ideal for beginner growers.

2. PhytoMAX-2 1000 W LED

If you’re most concerned about flooding your grow space with light, then put Black Dog’s PhytoMAX-2 1000W LED at the top of your shopping list.

According to manufacturers, this powerful light can cover an insane 6.5’ x 6.5’ during flowering and 8’ x 8’ during vegetation. Company execs also claim you could get an average PPFD of about 596 μMol/m2/s if you hang your light from 36 inches.

But it’s not only PhytoMAX-2’s large grow area that’s impressive. Indeed, this light boasts a ridiculously long lifespan of over 70,000 hours. Plus, this grow light has one of the largest heat sinks for optimal temperature control.

Another selling point for the PhytoMAX-2 LED is Black Dog’s proprietary Phyto-Genesis Spectrum® frequency. After six years of studying what wavelengths most affect photosynthesis, scientists at Black Dog developed a mix of UV and IR frequencies that stimulate the biggest buds in the business.

Although the PhytoMAX-2 is one of the highest-priced LED grow lights, customers usually aren’t disappointed with this Colorado-made product’s durability and intensity. Find out more about the PhytoMAX-2 LED light on this link.

Specs 

• Area coverage: 6.5’ x 6.5’ flowering; 8’ x 8’ vegetative
• Product Dimensions: 21″ x 21″ x 7″
• Weight: 53lb
• Average PPFD: 232 μMol/m2/s at 57’’; 596 μMol/m2/s at 36’’
• True Wattage: 1050W
• Lifespan: 70,000+ hours
• Number of LEDs: 420

Pros

• Covers a wide area for flowering and vegetative plants.
• Lasts an average of 70,000 hours.
• Large heat sink for temp control.
• Science-backed Phyto-Genesis Spectrum® technology.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Not ideal for small grow spaces or beginner growers.

3. Mars TS 1000 Quantum Board LED

While the Mars TS 1000 isn’t the “best in breed,” it’s undoubtedly the best budget buy. For under $200, the Mars TS offers home-growers a max PPFD of 740µmol/m2 from a height of 18 inches. Thanks to this grow light’s lightweight construction, it’s easy to fit inside any mid-sized grow tent.

OK, we know what you’re wondering: how could MARS LED offer such an attractive product for such a low price? We’ll start with the obvious—these lights are manufactured in China rather than the USA. Also, the MARS TS doesn’t offer the broadest full-spectrum range, nor maximum grow space coverage.

Another issue some people have with the MARS TS 1000 is the LEDs on this unit are exposed. Also, the sides of the MARS TS 1000 aren’t intense, which means light could spill out the sides. For this reason, it’s not recommended you use a MARS TS 1000 without a grow tent.

With those cons in mind, the MARS TS 1000 still offers generous coverage and light penetration for the price. Amateur home-growers or cultivators strapped for cash should take a closer look at the MARS TS on this link.

Specs

• Draw power: 148 W
• Max PPFD: 740µmol/m2
• Dimensions: 14.17’’ x 13.23’’ x 2.36’’
• Weight: 1.7 kilogram
• Coverage: Veg: 3’ x 3’; Bloom:2’ x 2’
• Lifespan: 50,000 hours

Pros 

• Affordable price.
• Dimmable with a screwdriver.
• Full-spectrum white LEDs.
• Lightweight and user-friendly.

Cons

• Unprotected LEDs.
• Made in China.
• Short reflector length on sides causes light to spill.

4. California Lightworks SolarXtreme 1000W

California Lightworks’ SolarXtreme 1000 W is a fantastic grow light choice for people who want to take advantage of the benefits of COB LEDs.

For those who are unaware, “COB” is short for “chip-on-board” and refers to a new style of bonding multiple LEDs into one module. Since more LEDs are in each of these COBs, they offer greater light penetration without taking up as much space.

Plus, grow lights that use COBs tend to be more energy-efficient and lightweight than the traditional LEDs.

Although COB grow lights usually cost a pretty penny, the SolarXtreme is one of the industry’s most reasonably priced. While this light certainly isn’t a “budget buy,” the SolarXtreme 1000W will give you a premier light quality for a reasonable price. According to California Lightworks, this light could fit a max grow tent of 5’ x 5’ and offers a PPFD of 500 μMol/m2/s at 38” high.

One thing growers should know before buying the SolarXtreme is there’s no way to customize this model. Once you plug this light in, it will automatically turn on to its full intensity. 

The only additional feature in the SolarXtreme is its temperature protection sensor, which will shut the unit down if it’s getting too hot. Other than that, there are no switches, dimmers, or internal timers. While this could be a drawback if you’re interested in customizing your grow room, it may be a plus if you’re looking for a no-fuss, high-quality grow light.

If you’d like to learn more about the SolarXtreme 1000W, please don’t hesitate to visit this link.

Specs 

• Power Draw: 800w
• PPFD: 500 μMol/m2/s at 38″ or 800 μMol/m2/s at 28″
• Max Coverage Area: 5′ x 5′
• Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 4″
• Weight: 22 lbs.

Pros

• Custom-made COB LED lights.
• Simple plug-in-and-go setting.
• Quiet and relatively lightweight.
• High-quality light at an affordable price.

Cons

• No dimmers or light control options.
• Relatively high power draw at 800W.

So, You’ve Got Your LED Set—But What About The Tent? 

Grow lights and grow tents go together like good ganja and butter. Although you could grow cannabis without a professional tent, you won’t reap the highest rewards.

Professional grow tents help you maximize your LED light’s power by reflecting light off a shiny Mylar interior. Plus, these grow tents provide your plants with superb insulation, which is excellent news for any cannabis lovers living in chilly climates.

For your convenience, Everything But The Plant stocks dozens of the highest-quality grow tents in our catalog. Be sure to check out our extensive tent catalog after shopping for your LED grow light.

The easiest Rubik’s Cube solution is available here in many languages. Learn it in an hour to impress your friends.

By George Mouratidis

As more and more consumers are turning to solvent-less cannabis extractions, rosin has become all the rage. Rosin is delicious, dabbable, and a lot safer than extracts made with solvents like butane. The only things required to create rosin are heat and pressure. 

It’s OK to use a hair strengthener to squash a few nugs for personal use occasionally. But if you’re planning to do any serious extracting, you’re going to need a professional rosin press.

Let’s take a look at some of the best rosin presses available in 2020.

1. The Sasquash V2

The Sasquash V2 is a versatile hydraulic press that features variable heat settings. The press can deliver 15 tons of force and process up to one ounce at a time with its 8.5” x 5” plates. The Sasquash is exceptionally heavy at 135 pounds, so you’ll need to install it in a permanent location.

Folks looking for a smaller model may want to investigate the Sasquash M1, which has 3.5” x 4.5” plates and delivers 10 tons of pressure. The bigger Sasquash 2.5 offers 50,000 pounds of downward force with its 10” x 5” plates. Consumers can upgrade to a pneumatic or electric pump for an extra fee. All Sasquash models come with a limited lifetime warranty.

2. RTP Gold Series

The RTP Gold Series Manual Twist Rosin Press offers a simple, user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The unit features an automatic digital timer, a microprocessor temperature gauge, and two heated 2 ⅜” and 4 ¾” aluminum plates. The RTP Gold Series has a capacity of 2.5 tons, which you deliver with a flick of your wrist. 

The press is lightweight, weighing in at only 36 pounds. And with a price tag of just around $500, the RTP Gold can’t be beaten for a starter press. The press runs on 110 power and allows for temperatures up to 415 degrees F. The company also offers an optional stainless steel mounting table.

3. Nugsmasher Original

With a price tag of less than $1000, the Nugsmasher OG offers one of the best values for the money. The Nugsmasher Original’s manual pump arm delivers 12 tons of pressure. The unit features sturdy steel construction and 3.5” x 4” plates that use 160 watts each for fast heating. The only drawback of the Nugsmasher OG is its weight of 74 pounds.

The Nugsmasher Mini is a more economical model with a price of just under $500. The Mini has 2.5” x 2.5” plates, delivers two tons of pressure, and can squeeze 3-5 grams at a time. If you’re looking for a professional model, you could check out the Nugsmasher Pro, which can process up to 100 grams at a time. Nugsmasher’s Pro model features 7” x 10” plates and reaches up to 20 tons of pressure. All Nugsmasher rosin presses feature built-in circuit protection and lifetime warranties.

4. Pure Pressure Pike’s Peak V2

Pure Pressure leads the pack when it comes to top-of-the-line, professional rosin presses. The Pike’s Peak V2 runs on a pneumatic system and features touch screen controls that permit you to adjust the temperature up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The software allows you to save 30 presets, and the unit has two sets of legs, so that you can use the press either horizontally or vertically. Consumers can choose either 10” x 2” or 10” x 3” plates. 

Those looking for a larger option may want to check out the Pure Pressure’s Long’s Peak Rosin Press, which can process 35 grams of herb or up to 70 grams of kief or hash using eight tons of pressure. As one of the more expensive rosin presses on the market, the Pure Pressure Pike’s Peak V2 isn’t particularly suitable for hobbyists. You will also need to purchase a separate air compressor to use the unit.

5. RosinBomb M60

Many extract enthusiasts consider the RosinBomb M60 as the best electric rosin press available. The unit exerts 6000 pounds of pressure between its two 3.75” x 3.75” plates. The FDA-approved plates feature a patented flow channel that allows for continuous pressing. The compact RosinBomb M60 is made of stainless steel yet only weighs 60 pounds. Additionally, the motor makes virtually zero noise, which makes the RosinBomb ideal for home use. 

If you’re looking for an even more portable model, you may want to consider the RosinBomb Rocket, which can process up to five grams at a time. Both RosinBomb models are economically priced, with the Rocket coming in at just under $500. The company offers a 5-year warranty for structural components, and electrical parts are covered for one year.

6. Ju1ce Box Handheld Rosin Press

One of the more effective handheld models, the Ju1ce Box is an economical option for small personal batches of rosin. While the Ju1ce Box doesn’t promise to deliver the kind of results you’d see with a $1000 press, the unit works perfectly well for making dabs at home. The Ju1ce Box is much more efficient than a hair straightener, and, at $99, it’s almost as inexpensive. 

The press features two 1.5” x 1” plates and can press up to two grams at a time. Although the Ju1ce Box is clearly intended for lighter-duty applications, its structure is surprisingly sturdy and has a capacity of 300 pounds of force.

7. Triminator Rosin TRP Stack

Although most consumers associate the brand with its state-of-the-art trimming machines, Triminator also offers a respectable line of high-quality rosin presses. The Triminator Rosin TRP Stack features three 6” x 10” plates and delivers a full 25 tons of pressure. The higher pressure allows for cooler pressing that will help conserve terpenes with lower boiling points. 

The Triminator is compatible with all types of pumps, so you’ll be able to upgrade easily. The TRP stack uses a patented Easy-Pivot Drip Tech System to allow the rosin to immediately flow on to a cool surface after pressing to further protect delicate terpenes.

8. RTP Professional Series

RTP offers a versatile H-Frame Hydraulic Press that’s ideal for making high-quality rosin for commercial applications. The unit can either be used manually or connected to an air compressor. The press has a 12-ton capacity and features two 2” x 9” heated stainless steel plates. The company also offers a 20-ton model for heavy-duty applications.

9. Dulytek DHP20

The Dulytech DHP20 Hydraulic Heat Press Machine has a 20-ton capacity and two 3” x 8” heated plates. The touchscreen displays a press timer and temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. The Dulytech unit features removable hydraulics and an ergonomic handle to facilitate portability. The DHP20 is durable, easy to use, and affordable, making it a suitable rosin press for both beginners and more-experienced manufacturers.

10. Gorilla Press 420

Gorilla Press designed their lightweight and portable 420 Rosin Extraction Press on the old-school hair straightener model. The press features four temperature settings and heats up quickly so that you can enjoy freshly-pressed terpene-rich rosin in a matter of minutes. The unit features an eight-foot chord and a pollen press attachment. Parchment paper is sold separately.

11. 10-Ton Yeti Pro Series

Another excellent rosin press from Sasquatch, the 10-Ton Yeti can squash up to 30 grams of hash in one press. The unit’s hydraulic ram can deliver up to 20,000 pounds of pressure. The Yeti’s two 4” x 8” aluminum plates are covered with an FDA-approved, food-safe coating. The Yeti includes a Smart PLC for controlling time, temperature, and pressure settings. The press comes with a hand pump and a limited lifetime warranty. The company also offers a 55-ton model as part of its Pro Series.

12. Pure Pressure Helix 5-Ton Manual Press

Pure Pressure’s Helix is considered by many to be the best manual rosin press available. The unit features two precisely-calibrated 7” x 2.5” aluminum plates, which can be set anywhere up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The Helix allows you to adjust the pressure in ten-pound increments and offers 29 presets for automation. Pure Pressure also offers complete accessory kits for both the Helix and the Helix Pro.

How to Choose a Rosin Press

The rosin press you choose will depend on many factors, from budget to capacity. Here are a few things to consider before you make your purchase.

• How often will you be using the press? If you’re only planning to use your press once in a while, you may want a lighter, more portable model, so you can store it when not in use. On the other hand, if you’ll be using your press frequently, you’ll probably be wise to invest in a sturdier model.
• Are noise levels a concern for you or your neighbors? Hydraulic presses are generally quieter than other types of rosin presses. 
• How much material will you need to press at once? If you plan to use your press for large harvests, you’ll need a unit with larger plates and more pressure capacity. In general, rectangular plates work better than square ones. 
• Be careful when considering some of the cheaper rosin presses. Some of them don’t have even distribution through the plates and produce lower-quality rosin.
• If you choose a rosin press with various accurate temperature settings, you’ll be able to create batches of rosin with different textures.
• The amount of force a press can deliver isn’t always the best gauge of quality. While a certain level of pressure increases efficiency and yields, too much pressure could cause unwanted lipids and chlorophyll to contaminate your rosin. However, you will want to buy a machine with a high-pressure capacity if you’re planning to do a lot of cold pressing.

We carry a full line of rosin presses and accessories here at EverythingButThePlant. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like help picking out a rosin press. We offer free shipping within the U.S.