Brightest remote strobe heads? Not LED!

[bmd224]

What were the brightest STROBE (not led) remote head light heads, that are not self-contained? And are NOT HAW inserts. Whelen 700 series linear heads? Whelen 900 series? Code 3 dual RVM?
Thoughts?
By the way, I noticed Whelen no longer has new strobe heads on their website. It's all LED now.

 

[Jarred J.]

define "brightest"

most power,

better optics,

perceived end user view point?

 

[bmd224]

I guess I mean what had the best optics, making it appear brightest to the end user.
I know big splotches of light (a 900 series head fully lit and not split) is going to be more noticeable than a smaller head. I know the strobe power supply OUTPUT being as close to 20 watts per strobe bulb makes for a brighter flash. I realize Tomar had a longer flash dwell-time with their Neobe supply units. Linear seems to have a better 'pop' over curly strobe tubes. And I know red is brighter during day when blue all but washes out, but blue is brighter at night & doesn't get confused as tail lamps like red does at night.
With those variables isolated, what remote strobe light-heads do most on here believe are brightest? Personal opinions are welcome--no need to give data unless you want to.
Thanks everyone!

 

[EastSide279]

I think the 900 series are the brightest due to the large reflector. Definatly need to be driven by good power supply pushing the 20 watts per bulb. I have seen potentially decent strobe setups totally suck due to a low watt power supply being used. Color also makes a difference and day night. I have found the non linear strobe tubes to be brighter but that's just my opinion. The 700 series are nice too for a smaller size.

 

[JohnMarcson]

Reflector and tube size and design play big roles, but strobes are only as good as your power supply. Any good condition head from a major manufacturer is going to be very similar to other ones of its size. A 7x3 Whelen vs. a Tomar is going to come down to condition and power supply. There is no one good answer here. Pick a size that fits the application and source new major brand equipment. Use the max watts per head you can.

 

[SO Brite Lighting]

I was always a big fan of the Nova Par extended lens heads. Linear head with great optics

 

[Sparky_911]

John nailed it.

I've seen a pair of Whelen micromax (pre 400 series) out blast a pair of 700s (curly) of equal age/shape/color. Both had fluted optics.

Speaking of optics, that makes a difference as well. I've seen 900s with smooth and fluted lenses and they have way more (perceivable) punch smooth.