Arri - Sky Panel X

I was invited to attend the Sky Panel X reveal party at Arri’s Long Island City location by my friend Rich Barbadillo (Illo Lighting/Samson Stages). Seeing as I’m about to purchase two of these new units, I figured it would be a good hands on opportunity. Suffice to say, I was impressed with what these new units could do! I mean this as a complement to both companies, but this is Arri’s version of a Vortex 8 but with more accessories out of the gate. The obvious highlight was the HyPer Optic reflector which (on paper) nearly triples the effective output of the light (while reshaping it, slightly more spherical). All three configurations (X21, X22, X23) have benefits, but the X23 is easily the best option as it can replace most larger units with a single 20amp one. They didn’t let us use light meters to measure anything, but by my eye I would say the X23 was around a 9k HMI (maybe closer to a full spot 6k) at around 10-15 meters. I was told that the units, as I was seeing them, would be “improved” by the time I got them in my hands, so that leaves me hopeful for an additional increase in output by the time my units arrive. Overall, I’m happy with my purchase but I don’t think my Vortex 8’s will be retired anytime soon. More tools in the tool box.