Pocket Wizards - Cheap build Quality

Oxford_Matt

Oxford_Matt

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I have been currently using some cheaper Radio Triggers but have been recently upgrading my kit.

After deciding to bite the bullet and Buy a pair of pocket Wizards I popped into our local store. Got then from the box and was very very disappointed by the Cheap and Nasty build quality. For £100 each I guess I expected to much. I know some will say they are reliable doesn't matter what they look like but for the price should be better.

I would be interested in Quality alternatives???

Thanks
 
Radio poppers are the main quality alternative. The build quality on my flex kit is pretty decent, sure its not great but they feel better built than my 50 1.8.
 
Thanks for the info. I will have a look at the PW Flex models. I am surprised another manufacturer has not come on the market with a Quality built reliable unit.... As the build costs can't be that high.
 
ding76uk said:
How do you measure quality though? I have had mine for 3 years now. Not one misfire, always work. That is build quality to me. The are not pretty,but they are strong enough for what they take & they work, all the time every time.
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I understand what your saying. But would you expect a poorly built Citroen that may be reliable and do the job for the same money you could buy a BMW with???
 
Oxford_Matt said:
Thanks for the info. I will have a look at the PW Flex models. I am surprised another manufacturer has not come on the market with a Quality built reliable unit.... As the build costs can't be that high.
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It sounds like you're talking about the PW Plus, which isn't great build quality but has a great rep for reliability. PW Flexes are better made.

Best made triggers I know of are Phottix, and their Atlas is a PW-compatible clone, sold in the UK as Interfit or Calumet branded.

Or check out the Phottix Strato II which is arguably the best non-TTL trigger going, and now imported by Intro2020 http://www.intro2020.co.uk/pages/products.htm They're not listing the new Phottix Odin TTL triggers yet but they seem to be making a good name for themselves. You can get them direct from Phottix.
 
HoppyUK said:
It sounds like you're talking about the PW Plus, which isn't great build quality but has a great rep for reliability. PW Flexes are better made.

Best made triggers I know of are Phottix, and their Atlas is a PW-compatible clone, sold in the UK as Interfit or Calumet branded.

Or check out the Phottix Strato II which is arguably the best non-TTL trigger going, and now imported by Intro2020 http://www.intro2020.co.uk/pages/products.htm They're not listing the new Phottix Odin TTL triggers yet but they seem to be making a good name for themselves. You can get them direct from Phottix.
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Great Info. Thank you.

Just ordered x2 from here: http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~9254~categoryid~173.html

They done me a deal on a pair for £139. :)

Interesting: http://charlesverghese.blogspot.com/2010/05/clash-of-titans-phottix-atlas-vs_8031.html
 
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Ozei said:
An excellent shop, great service :thumbs: - I've bought quite a few things from them.
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What amazes me is that they never overcharge, ok so perhaps some things are pennies more if you know what I mean, yet the large box shifters like Jess and WHE can be really OTT.

Personally I would rather pay more and receive service which is what they are best at. ;)
 
They were advertised on their Website for £86.50 each. Asked for a deal of I bought 2 and they said £69 each. Delivered!! After reading the reviews about better build quality and longer range than the Pocket Wizard equivalent I'm really pleased!! And it has a metal hotshoe foot, not plastic :)
 
JSER said:
....Personally I would rather pay more and receive service which is what they are best at. ;)
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I couldn't agree more. I bought a Gitzo setup from them and Colin (the boss) must have spent at least an hour showing me the range and going through countless leg & head combinations. Dan and Ruth are exceptionally friendly & helpful too. Definitely 10 out of 10 for service.
 
Oxford_Matt said:
They were advertised on their Website for £86.50 each. Asked for a deal of I bought 2 and they said £69 each. Delivered!! After reading the reviews about better build quality and longer range than the Pocket Wizard equivalent I'm really pleased!! And it has a metal hotshoe foot, not plastic :)
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Go and collect them Matt - you'll be like a kid in a toy shop. :D
 
Probably best I don't.... Lol. I am buying a Bowens Travelpak and that's it until next year. I promise ;)
 
Hi Matt,

I've had my PW for about 4 or 5 years now. I totally agree that the build quality is substandard for something that gets professional use. The plastic hotshoes are particularly disappointing.

Having said this, I did try several alternatives, starting cheap and ending with a Bowens kit. All of them stopped working after a short time!

I can say that, despite the plastic build of the PW, they haven't broken yet and haven't stopped working. I'm off on a job now, so they're bound to let me down now!

Best wishes,
Dayve
 
Dayve said:
Hi Matt,

I've had my PW for about 4 or 5 years now. I totally agree that the build quality is substandard for something that gets professional use. The plastic hotshoes are particularly disappointing.

Having said this, I did try several alternatives, starting cheap and ending with a Bowens kit. All of them stopped working after a short time!

I can say that, despite the plastic build of the PW, they haven't broken yet and haven't stopped working. I'm off on a job now, so they're bound to let me down now!

Best wishes,
Dayve
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Hope you didnt tempt fate!! :naughty:

Thanks, My Radio Triggers arrived this morning and I am really pleased with them. Build quality is excellent, Tested them and they did not False trigger or miss one single shot. Time will tell with regards to reliability, but they told me they have sold lots and never had a faulty return. :thumbs:
 
Dayve said:
Hi Matt,

I've had my PW for about 4 or 5 years now. I totally agree that the build quality is substandard for something that gets professional use. The plastic hotshoes are particularly disappointing.

Having said this, I did try several alternatives, starting cheap and ending with a Bowens kit. All of them stopped working after a short time!

I can say that, despite the plastic build of the PW, they haven't broken yet and haven't stopped working. I'm off on a job now, so they're bound to let me down now!

Best wishes,
Dayve
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Got to agree...I have PW+II's and the Flex TT1/TT5 combo and never let me down....Saying that the Flex kit hasn't been used too often...Thinking of selling them....
 
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