Although there are many different models of reflector available, in varying shapes and sizes, they can all be quite easily categorised as “air cooled” or “non-air cooled” and then “open-end” or “closed-end” – see below for brief definitions of each category.
The Budget Reflector (left) is open end, whereas the SunMate (right) is closed end
Air Cooled: incorporates an extraction system to move heat away from the lamp
Non-Air Cooled: no separate extraction system to move heat away from the lamp
Open-End: reflective material only surrounds two sides of lamp to reflect light
Closed-End: all four sides surround the lamp to reflect light
The majority of reflectors fall into the “non-air cooled” group, either being “open-end” or “closed-end”. A further subdivision of “open-end” reflectors is “flexible” reflectors, which feature unique adjustable reflector wings. This advanced type of design can be seen most effectively utilised by the Adjusta-Wing and White Adjusta-Wing models.
For a time the Adjusta-Wing was the only “flexible” choice available, specifically targeted at more serious and professional growers. It quickly garnered a lot of positive reviews and eventually became known as “the ultimate” reflector, a deserved title still relevant to today. But with the recent introduction of the White Adjusta-Wing, the numerous benefits of the flexible reflector have begun opening up to entirely new audiences.
Several features shared by both the Adjusta-Wing and White Adjusta-Wing put the flexible design above rival options in the minds of many people. They are the following:
Adjustable Wing Design
As your plants grow bigger, flexible reflectors can be moved closer and closer to the plant canopy – much more so than any competing alternatives. This becomes possible through gradual adjustment of the wings, whereby you flatten out and widen the overall span every time the distance separating the reflector and plant tops is reduced (always attempting to maintain the optimum 1.5m width of light). Positioning a winged reflector immediately above your plants for two or more weeks will drastically improve light penetration, helping it filter down to stimulate existing lower flowering sites whilst also triggering additional blooms and fruit sets.
Moveable Lampholder Position
A moveable lampholder position, in addition to the aforementioned adjustable wing design, lets the Adjusta-Wing and White Adjusta-Wing give you the highest degree of control over light spread. Each change made to the wingspan usually requires a subsequent alteration to the lampholder position, as this provides a reliable means of ensuring that light continues to adequately cover all plants. Just remember to keep a watch out for the emergence of any dark shaded areas, regularly checking how the light appears on your grow room floor.
At the start of the vegetative period you should be hanging the reflector relatively high up in your grow room, positioning the lampholder quite far away from the underside of it and aiming to achieve maximum downwards focus (don’t forget the recommended 1.5m width of light). By the flowering stage, you will ideally want the reflector suspended just above plant tops with very little space between them and a wide spread of light, adjusting the lampholder position as and when required.
Free Heat Shield Super Spreader
The Adjusta-Wing and White Adjusta-Wing also include a fantastic Heat Shield Super Spreader for no extra cost, which you attach to the bottom of the lampholder to help deflect heat and distribute light. If your reflector is hanging low this handy accessory will prove essential, countering the potential problem of a hot spot developing in the immediate growing area below it. Plants located here would otherwise receive greater levels of light and therefore grow more than those situated further away, leading to uneven results across your crop.
During the latter stages of the plant life cycle we recommend attaching the Heat Shield Super Spreader and moving the lampholder as close as possible to the reflector to create a minor shadow in the centre of the light spread, thus negating the effect of a hot spot. Right before harvest (when fruiting sites have been activated and multiple fruit sets are formed) you need to create a “fake” Autumn for plants by slowly moving the reflector upwards, simultaneously narrowing the focus and adjusting the lampholder to even out light spread.
Dimensions, Coverage & Assembly
With wings stretched out, the Adjusta-Wing and White Adjusta-Wing measure 55cm (length) x 75cm (width). Both reflectors have been designed to cover an area of 1.5m x 1.2m. For optimum performance attempt to keep the 1.5m wide spread of light irrespective of the hanging height.
The reflectors are sold flat pack and require a little bit of basic assembly, referring to the step-by-step manufacturer instructions supplied.
Given that the adjustable wing design, moveable lampholder position and heat shield super spreader relate to both flexible reflectors, what then sets apart the Adjusta-Wing from the White Adjusta-Wing?
Essentially it all comes down to surface material.
The Shining
An inspection of the reflectors surfaces reveals that clear differences exist. The White Adjusta-Wing has a very reflective, titanium, powder coated finish, deemed suitable for 9 out of 10 scenarios and capable of satisfying growers with the highest standards and demands. However, the Adjusta-Wing is really something else! Its jaw-dropping 98% reflective Vega/Miro aluminium surface simply cannot be beaten in terms of reflectivity, with only a tiny amount of light produced from the lamp being absorbed upon reflection – the vast remainder is free to head down and out towards your plants! Consequently the Adjusta-Wing represents the perfectionist’s choice.
So how do you decide which reflector is right for your set up? Ask yourself this one question – am I trying to grow a great crop, or the greatest? If your heart is set on reaching the pinnacle of plant performance, the only option is an Adjusta-Wing… our ultimate reflector!
Nano
Nano
Perhaps Growell could look into including an information sheet as they do for similar products that come with scant relevant information from the manufacturers? (Note to manufacturers: nobody needs printed advertising spiel for a product they've already bought!) If your team does take up this idea please use diagrams to illustrate the concept more clearly than words allow.
Back to the Adjusta-Wing: very happy, would recommend. Detailed guidelines for using the various configurations would remove the guesswork from an otherwise excellent product.