Alien Bees - Vagabond 300 Power

MDalby

I found a AB Vagabond 300 portable power unit for $200. It is used and 3 years old. That is $100 less than new.

But, I am concerned if it has remained charged and if the batteries are in good condition etc. The unit is remote and I can't test it.

Any thoughts if it is worth the risk?

MD

Mitchell

I'd be a little concerned about whether it's been properly cared for. My understanding is they need to remain plugged in when not in use. Can the seller give you any assurance about how the unit has been used and maintained?

MDalby

Mitchell wrote:

I'd be a little concerned about whether it's been properly cared for. My understanding is they need to remain plugged in when not in use. Can the seller give you any assurance about how the unit has been used and maintained?

He says he keeps it in his garage and he recently brought it in and recharged the unit.

I like a bargain but I hate anything being unreliable. I would rather spend the extra cash and know I am going to have something that works as intended.

Thanks,

MD

rwells

MDalby wrote:

I found a AB Vagabond 300 portable power unit for $200. It is used and 3 years old. That is $100 less than new.

But, I am concerned if it has remained charged and if the batteries are in good condition etc. The unit is remote and I can't test it.

Any thoughts if it is worth the risk?

MD

The Vegabond ll is (3) times faster than the older one you are looking at. All things considered, I'd buy the new one.

ziggy53

You can contact the manufacturer and see how much it would cost to have the unit re-celled if necessary. That would let you know the worst case scenario. The batteries may even be user serviceable.

Buying a rechargeable powered device is always risky.

Art Scott

ziggy53 wrote:

Buying a rechargeable powered device is always risky.

I always figure on having any type of power device with batteries as the source rebuilt.....so If I purchase a used Quantum Battery.....I'll recharge it and see how long it lasts for 2 or 3 full charges and drains and if now close to what it should be....off to be rebuilt..........I do believe the vagabonds are user serviceable.......of course

You might want to ask the seller when he purchased and if he will send receipt as you might be able to get discounts on the new system.....see HERE ........

Village Idiot

And if the Vagabond is the first gen, they were very unreliable from what I've read.

Google and I'm sure you'll find problems.

rwells

Village Idiot wrote:

And if the Vagabond is the first gen, they were very unreliable from what I've read.

Google and I'm sure you'll find problems.

I had 3 of them, no problems.


I don't personally believe that Paul Buff has equipment out there that's unreliable, that he wouldn't take care of. (Lights & portable power) He has great products & unbelievable customer service.

Don't believe everything you read on the Internet...

Village Idiot

rwells wrote:

I had 3 of them, no problems.


I don't personally believe that Paul Buff has equipment out there that's unreliable, that he wouldn't take care of. (Lights & portable power) He has great products & unbelievable customer service.

Don't believe everything you read on the Internet...

Customer service is great because he replaces everything. If his products didn't break, then you'd never hear about his customer service.

Blurmore

I replaced the battery in my AB300 after 2 years of pretty hard use and not perfect care for 40 dollars. Did it myself...no problem. Battery warehouse carries the exact replacement (not OEM but the same battery) it is a scooter battery. The most important thing to keeping lead acid batteries GTG is that they are charged IMMEDIATELY after use and kept on trickle when not in use. You can test the battery fairly easily by hooking up a AB800 and popping a couple full blasts in quick (like 3 seconds apart) succesion, after 10 if it is screaming (you'll know what I mean) during recharge it is time to replace, no squeelin' it probably has some life in it.