Quote Originally Posted by michaelz
If you're looking to get into continuous lighting, stay away from Westcott...
Well, I'm not sure this is the right place to trash a well-respected and long-standing lighting manufacturer such as Westcott, but I know where you're coming from, and sometimes you just need to vent...

I'd suggest you write up a review to voice your displeasure, but it doesn't look like you actually used the gear, so it's probably a moot point.

Considering Westcott's rep, plus the fact that I've used Spiderlites and have never had any problems, I'd have to chalk your experience up to simply a bad unit. It's not really fair to form an opinion about an entire product line and company based on this single situation.

As for the complaint about the "kit", I'd think someone who has longtime experience shooting weddings would know better than to buy one. Of course the stands and other accessories are going to be cheap stuff in a lower priced kit.

If you're going to be doing a lot of studio work, investing in good solid light stands is just about as important as the lighting fixtures themselves. Buying these items seperately is the way to go, and it's worth the extra money.