Hydrofarm has the Raptor hood, a 45 pound giant that is built like a tank. The quality is undeniable when you look at this hood. Just sitting there the hood looks like it could be used as a pinata and still function properly. The reflector is completely lined with a 95% reflective material for maximum light spread, and the Raptor claims to have "the biggest wingspan on the market" with its 30 1/4 x 41 1/2 footprint. If there is anything negative to say about the Raptor is the socket placement for the light and the seal of the glass lens. The socket assembly is not centered in the middle of the hood so I can't fathom that the light spread is as efficient is if it was mounted directly in the center. Also the seal is nice and tight but hydrofarm uses screws to hold the glass down, so if you are changing a bulb or cleaning the lens this can be a bit of a hassle. The retail of the Raptor is $269.95 and the Raptor is only available with an 8" flange. Hydrofarm also uses a patented cord set for its reflectors which make it only compatible with a hydrofarm ballast. Of course you can get an adapter for an additional cost.
Sunlight Supply has probably the most popular hood in this category with their Magnum XXL reflectors. The Magnum XXL is available with both 6" duct flanges and 8" duct flanges.The dimensions on the Magnum XXL 6" are 32 1/2" L x 26 1/4" W x 7 3/4" H. The Magnum XXL 8" has a little bit bigger size at 38 1/2" L x 29 1/2" W x 9 12" H. Although these hoods are a bit smaller then the Raptor the bulb placement is a little bit better. The Magnum XXL also uses 95% reflective aluminum to line the reflector to give it optimum reflection. Some people have complained about the seal between the hood and the glass, and I have read reports of growers either using duct tape or aluminum tape to tape the air gaps to maintain a proper seal. The price for the 6" is $232.95 and the 8" retails for $266.95, a few bucks cheaper then the Raptor. The Magnum XXL reflector also uses a standard cord set which makes them compatible with all ballasts on the market with the exception of hydrofarm.
New for 2011 BWGS (Bloomington Wholesale Garden Supply) launched their monster hood in the King Cobra. As part of their new line of hoods called the predator series the King Cobra is the biggest and the baddest. BWGS seemed to have capitalized on all the mistakes made by the previous players in the market and really came up with a fantastic product. The hood is available in both 6" duct flange and 8" duct flange similar to the Magnum XXL but with a bigger foot print. The dimensions of the King Cobra 6" are 42.75" x 30" x 9.75", and the King Cobra 8" are the same unlike the Magnum XXL. Again this hood uses 95% reflective aluminum insert for maximum reflection. The thing that makes this hood so unique is the bulb placement though. The bulb is centered directly in the center of the hood. For those gardeners who use 600watt systems there is a bulb adapter you can get so you can even align your 600Watt bulb directly in the center as well. The King Cobra also uses a standard cord set so it is compatible with a wide variety of ballast manufacturers. At $235 and $266 the King Cobra reflectors are priced to compete in this market.
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