Customer Reviews

Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

Just received and assembled this product today. I'm not sure why others have posted about poor quality and flimsy construction of this product. I am very satisfied with the construction and sturdiness. This product is exactly what I expected for the price, product description, and pictures.

I did notice that there are 3 very similar hydrofarm 4 foot grow systems listed on amazon, with a $15 price-range difference. This is the most expensive of the three. The only difference I can tell from the written description is that this product is described as having a premium light fixture. The pictures look the same. One of the other 4 foot hydrofarm systems received a few positive reviews.

Assembly required a philips head screwdriver, pair of pliers, and about 5 minutes of my time. One screw is used to connect each of the two vertical supports to the base cross-bars. Due to the shape and construction of the parts, this fit is tight and secure. Then each of the vertical side bars slips into the top piece (metal button is pressed and then releases into a hole on the top piece). Then you attach the light fixture itself, by hooking nylon string with s hooks attached to the top to either end of the light fixture. Pliers are used to close s hooks. The light is raised and lowered with the nylon string, very similar to a heavy venetian blind. It would be nice if the nylon string were a tad thicker, but it is sufficient for the job.

Overall, I am very happy with this product and would recommend it.

I have some mixed feelings about this product, even though I'm about to order a second one. First, and the only downside to this light, the overall construction is rather cheap. The frame is rather flimsy...Hydrofarm put all their know-how into the most important part: The light itself. But be forewarned the frame is a bit wobbly. Since a grow light sits stationary most of the time, it's not a serious issue. The two biggest plus points for this product.. the price and the fact that it works. I grow exotics and palms in zone 7 and have to overwinter them inside, and my Hydrofarm light has kept them going for 2 years straight. Unless you have the extra bucks $$$ to invest in the HP sodium or metal halide lights (as well as the increased energy usage) it would be hard to beat this bargain.

This is my initial impression of the grow light system: like many other products on the market, this seems to have fallen prey to "make it as cheap as possible and charge too much for it". Luckily, Amazon's price is better than others'. The unit does what it should but the supporting materials are lightweight and flimsy - in desperate need of an upgrade. It feels like one twist of the support pieces and the frame would collapse. For this price the unit should be of a higher standard of materials and build quality. I've found this problem with many things these days.
The unit is easy enough to assemble. My unit was pinched at one of the mounting joints so I had to reshape a bit with pliers before the pieces would connect.
The height adjustment is a nice feature but the "feather-touch" claim is an exaggeration. Though not difficult to adjust, this description certainly doesn't apply to this mechanism. It's more like raising and lowering a heavy, moody mini-blind.
Overall, I think that the unit will perform as expected but something sturdier could be assembled from parts acquired at a hardware store. Though it would probably more rudimentary (unless a comparable adjustment feature were finagled), it could be done for a lot less money.

I have had this light set-up for a few years now, and still love it. The original fluorescent fixture conked out after 2 or 3 years' use, but a $10 shoplight fixture from a hardware store replaced it seamlessly. The stand is very light, and slightly aggravating to put together the first time, but it does the job beautifully. It is the easiest to adjust of all lighting systems I've used, allowing one-handed movement of the light up or down, making it great for seed starting. The one-handed-ness is made possible via some coiled metal strips within the cross-bar that create tension on the two strings or chains that connect to the sides of the light fixture. If you have to remove the fluorescent fixture for bulb replacement or storage, I recommend that you hook the two strings or chains to one another to avoid having to reassemble the tensioning mechanism, which can be annoying.

This, plus a few heat mats and a small fan on a timer are all I've needed to start and grow thousands of strong seedlings in my tiny apartment, populating the neighborhood with flowers and veges for years now!

The primary problem is that the unit is flimsy. It leans in one direction or another, and is not stable. The string used to adjust the lamp reminds me of having those frustrating window shades that never work right. If I had it to do over again, I would get the cheaper flourescent lamp with metal chains for adjustment.

I'm an avid indoor & outdoor gardener and seedstarter.

I really regret buying this lighting system. It is flimsy, required serious adjustment to get it to fit together, and difficult to raise & lower the light. Overall, extremely poor quality.

I only used it for 1 season and then bit the bullet and bought a more sturdy system with 3 bulbs instead of just 2.

Don't waste your money on this.

This item arrived very quickly, is pretty sturdy, and easy to put together. All instructions were included, I set it up in under 15 minutes. Even if you didn't have instructions, the pull cord is pretty self explanatory, common sense would tell you how to use it, it works just like any set of blinds.

My seedlings have been under the light for less than an hour and have already perked up. Can't beat it for the price.

I don't usually leave reviews, but the questionable negative comments about this product urged me to write my first. I purchased this light for my five African Violets. First, I'd like to commend Amazon for its low price and incredibly fast shipping; the product was at least $20-$25 more at other sites, and I received it within two days. Assembling the light took under five minutes and was a breeze. The instructions, if needed, are very clear and easy to follow. I'm not sure why people say that the light assembly is flimsy. I think they must not be tightening the screws that attach the feet; if the screws are loose, the fixture will be too. If anything, its light weight is a plus, for it allows you to move it from room to room with ease if you want to. Adjusting and locking the height of the light is also very simple; its just like tightening the waist band of a winter jacket. After only 12 hours of resting under the fixture, my Violets are standing up much straighter and look healthier and happier. The whole system has added a beautiful cheerfulness to our home --- a brightness that my poor African Violets just couldn't seem ever to find in the winter months in a very grey Chicago!

I bought the old version of this (as pictured) about a year ago. I had no problems with it so decided on getting another. The new one that I got (about a month ago) is better than the first. It has a much better height adjustment design in the center of the fixture and with a heavier cord. The hanging clips are also better designed and this newer unit has an off/on button on it's electrical cord instead of the old pull chain. The picture of this product does not show any of this and needs to be updated.

As far as being sturdy, I've had no problems at all. It assembled easily and once placed on the table it's plenty sturdy and not going anywhere. I guess if you're moving this thing around a lot you would need to be a little careful because the frame could be twisted if you don't watch what you're doing and bang it around.

The balast has gone out on one of my lights?? I bought a replacement tube but it still doesn't work. I was told I need to go to a lighting repair store to have it looked into. I'm afraid it will cost more than it's worth. Also the unit has ALWAYS wobbled on its feet.

Otherwise, it's a great idea.