Gary is in the pay of Lencarta and recommends them at any opportunity, even though his sig above doesn't say so. I find it strange that a very similar lighting company with the same business model as Lencarta and equivalent stuff, Elemental, hardly every get mentioned, unlike Lencarta. Maybe they dont have a Gary on the forums. He appears to be breaking this rule all the time:
Rules: Links to commercial sites by members with a financial or personal link to said sites.
Read this sentence: Elinchrom build quality isn't what it was - there is absolutely nothing wrong with the light quality, even in their consumer units, but they no longer have the build quality IMO and they are by no means the only 2nd tier brand worth considering. There are a few others available that are at least as good, much better value for money and which have better light shapers at better prices.
Nowhere do you mention comparing Elinchrom consumer units against professional units, you just complain that all Eli are not what they were. I disagree. Hardly the 'end of my argument' now is it? I think they are very well made, and have never even so much as blown a modelling bulb in any of my dozen or so units. Even in my 'consumer units'.
Second tier? Absolute rubbish. If you think they are second tier, why do many world famous advertising photographers like Annie Liebowitz use them? Do you think she cant afford Profoto/Bron if that is what she wants.... well, Annie prob cant at the mo, but you get my argument.
Obviously, a mount is important to me. They probably have Bowens mounts on them anyway. If you want a softbox, get an umbrella mounting one - the Viewfinder PLM copies with covers are effective, massive, beautiful quality softboxes with umbrella mountings.