why do these ebay lights suck?

[tedstriker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/2400W-3-Light-SOFTBOX-BARNDOOR-PHOTO-VIDEO-LIGHTING-KIT-/330558143922?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf6ccfdb2#ht_2423wt_1139

i know they do because they are only 279. but why? i lack technical knowledge about lights except the very basics and am looking to get a set.

 

[Paul Hudson]

The electric contact are built of substandard material and will fail in a very short time. The screws and handles are made of plastic and soft metal and will break and strip very quickly. The housing is built of very light sheet metal. Etc, etc, etc...

 

[tedstriker]

ah i see. thanks

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

Listen to Paul, as he's speaking from experience (as i do too) - after 3-4 shoots the point of contact with the bulb will melt away and you will have to do time consuming parts replacement (that too will only last so long). If you ask me $300 is a LOT of money to pay for a light that will last only so few shoots.