Here are some of the most "interesting" and "consistent" comments from people using new-era sunlamps:
- One of the most interesting "findings" is that clients who choose to tan in sunbeds equipped with new-era sunlamps opt for shorter session times than do clients who choose sunbeds equipped with traditional sunlamps.
[Note: Since the Tt (tanning time) is shorter, i.e., it takes less time to deliver an optimal dose of tanning photons, in new-era lamps it appears that clients "learn" that they can "adjust" their session time downward and still maintain their desired level of tan. We saw this "phenomenon" when we first started using new-era sunlamps two years ago and it is "encouraging" that others have seen the same thing.] - The second interesting "finding" is that clients comment on the fact that their tan lasts longer and is a more "pleasing" and "sun-like" color.
[Note: Several people commented that you have to "educate and inform" clients that a new-era sunlamp tan takes longer to fully develop (similar to a HID/hp tan) than does a traditional sunlamp tan. This "delay" is more than offset by the fact that the tan lasts longer and has a more pleasing color.] - The third interesting "finding" is that when new-era sunlamps are used in the bench of "hybrid" (i.e., HID/hp in the canopy and LP in the bench) sunbeds, the client satisfaction is much greater than when traditional sunlamps are used in the bench (which makes me wonder why the manufacturers can't seem to figure this out!).
The only consistent (so far) comments from salon owners who said that they didn't like new-era sunlamps is that:
(1) Their clients wanted a more "reddening" tan (most of these comments come from the SE part of the USA).
(2) They thought that new-era lamps in their 100w sunbeds tanned too good and reduced the number of people who formerly upgraded to their 160w sunbeds.
(3) They had "lighting" problems when they tried new-era lamps in 160w sunbeds driven with magnetic rapid start ballasts.
[Note: I have tested several of the new "programed start" electronic ballasts and the "lighting" problem goes away when these new ballasts are used. Also, these new ballasts (a) reduce the weight of the sunbed; (b) run cooler; and (c) SIGNIFICANTLY reduce your electric bill!] Finally, sunbed manufacturers who offer new-era sunlamps in their sunbeds report that they are having a much better (sales) year than are manufacturers who only offer traditional sunlamps in their sunbeds.
[Note: I can understand why a manufacturer might want to equip a sunbed with a traditional sunlamp in order to save a few dollars, but I can't figure out why they don't also offer it equipped with new-era sunlamps at a higher price (and be "labeled" with both lamps). If they did, I think that they would be surprised to find that many salon owners would be willing to pay a higher price for a sunbed equipped with new-era sunlamps.] Keep your comments about your experience (good and bad) with new-era sunlamps coming! [e-mail:
reyksmith@aol.com / Cell phone: 520-975-0180 ]
Thanks! to everyone who has commented thus far!