As someone who has received gear at a reduced rate, whether that's free for use, free for testing, or sourced from locals, I think it's very important to look at recommendations through the appropriate lens. Without transparency, seemingly harmless recommendations can be more than they seem. Some may be rooted in blurred lines of favor (real or perceived) from manufacturers, while others are open in their approach.
I have not always been good at this, but my current approach to recommending is to start with how I received the gear, then follow up with why I dig it (or why it sucks).
Back in Nov, the following was shared in this thread:
30 Nov - "I did receive my current lights at a reduced rate, but only because I had a photon 48v2 in excellent condition and a lumenbar v2 48" that was new, and I traded them in for credit that I used towards the meridian setup. I spoke with them and expressed interest in the lights, I asked tons of questions because I had a very successful tank under the photons and was nervous going to a brand new light. I liked the info I heard. I asked them if they would accept my current setup as a trade in for credit since they sell recertified lights on their website. They made me an offer. I accepted. I applied the credit towards the meridian setup. That is what I mean by "reduced rate"
In April, after repeated inquiries, and on an alternative platform, I received this answer to the how did you acquire the gear question.
13 Apr - "i paid zero due to gear I shipped back as trade in credit"
Roger. Reduced rate. Those are two answers are very similar, yet very different.
This is a general request...if you recommend, share how you got the gear. Be open about it. People deserve to know, and they may appreciate your openness much more than the alternative.
