2002 Matrix

[dbl-a]

I'm looking at a salon that has a 2002 Matrix. Any feedback on this bed is appreciated. Lamps? New acrylics? What about upgrades that I have read about like retro kits and filter glass? Thanks in advance!

[solarmeter®]

Guess what. That was part of the 2002 Nashville Shootout. I dug out the file:

Virgin 2002 Matrix L33 body position outputs:

UVA+B: 74.1 mW/cm²
UVB: 1.32 mW/cm² (1.81%)
Med/hr: 17.7 (13.6 min to 4 MEDs)

No idea what if any glass "upgrades" would do to the outputs.

[dbl-a]

Thanks. Can you please explain that to me a little bit? I haven't read up on meters as I still haven't bought a salon. I may be in the market for a meter or two in March though.

[solarmeter®]

Just read this please:

http://www.islandsuntimes.com/04-07/measure.htm

Then read FAQ page on www.solarmeter.com .

[dbl-a]

How do they compare to the newer models? Tanning, not looks.

[Din]

From what matrix owners say...the older ones before they switched to the newer lower wattage lamps performs better than the new one.

I don't own a matrix, but if i did, i'd go with the older ones than the new ones from what "the people" are saying about it.

Older one is a VHR on steroids where as the newer one is not as intense or VHR on steroids-ish.

[Drew]

main problem with older ones is the heat. Real damn hot on the body.

Now Steve, those numbers,.....are about as high as Matrix will go. Most likely that is with the ballasts "jacked" to the high position and with brand new glass. Just one sheet remember, they threw the clear in the garbage and upped the heat and uvb.

now this bed at that output would be a 12 min session....and vhr on steroids even at 12.

At 15 mins, it IS a vhr bed. It is a sungate with new lamps....which is what I think I would rather tan on.

[dbl-a]

Thanks. Keep the info and opinions coming guys.

[jdjd]

If your looking to buy an older Matrix, try to avoid ones with eletric lifts. The lift system can be a bugger.
Clip-in lamp kit is a must.

[Drew]

is dbl a your breast size....or your preference for breast size?

bored.

[solarmeter®]

I thought AA was: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/?Media=PlayFlash

Drew: The Matrix numbers were from Don Smith, not my meters, so maybe they're a bit inflated?

The other HP beds Nashville Shootout numbers were measured by me.

[John]

The old Matrix does not tan nearly as well as the new ER version.
Drew is right the unit was so hot that the UV would peak about 1/2 way through the session, then crash because the unit got too stinkin' hot.

The new unit & reflectors run much cooler & the output stays steady for the whole session without crashing from over heating. More efficient, cooler session with about 25% more total UV output.

Your old 2002 Matrix can be retrofitted with an ISO Italia kit which will improve output slightly & make lamp changes much easier.

[Drew]

and still cook a chicken in just 20 mins. All while keeping the buns warm.

[bjhcpa]

About 6 weeks ago we replaced a 2002 Matrix with the new L28 Matrix from Iso. I cannot tell you the positive response we are getting from customers. Hands down the best response we have ever gotten to a new piece of equipment in one of our stores. Less lamps and wattage, 12 mins. instead of 15 and we literally have people waiting 3 or 4 deep to tan in it during our busy hours. Did not have that with the 2002 model.

Our 2002 had the retro kit, more than enough ac, an extra large room and still couldnt keep that thing cool.

I would highly recommend buying the L28 over a 2002 L33 any day. And trust me, I am a huge fan of buying used equipment, (all 4 of my L33s were used) but the response to this new unit is unbelievable so as much as it kills me to buy new, its new L28s for all our new stores coming up next year.

[Drew]

what is the amp draw 0n that bed??

[dbl-a]

I just tried the 2002 and liked it. It wasn't very hot at all as it had AC ducted into it that turns on when it is used. Is this normally a 15 min bed? He is running it for 12 min though through Tmax and the counter on the bed still ays 15 min. Not sure why.

[John]

amp draw on the new L33ER is 53 amps 3PH
for the new L28 it is 46 amps 3 PH

[drcrowley99]

I've tried the old L33 and found it to be warm, but not too hot. My customers seem to prefer to get a little warm while tanning, so wouldn't consider it an issue.

The tanning power was a bit lacking on the body though, with the 7.0 meter reading 9. I also tried the new L27 (compact matrix). It's gorgeous! The tanning power was worse than the L33 ... 8 on the 7.0 ... only 2 MEDS per session with 5.0 reading of 40. My level 2 Sunsource 32 lamp VHR is better ... not nearly as sexy, but better.

Keep in mind that I don't know what voltage the machines were running at, but given my experience ... wouldn't consider the L27 for my salon at any price.

Best

[Drew]

Tanning Power is not MED's. A 9 on the bed means about a 30 min to 4 med session ...(without my calculator)...

which is about 1.5 meds which is perfect for HP....So long as the 5.0 meter is over 60 for a 15 min session and over 75 for a 12 min session...it is tru hp.

40 on a 5.0 would mean you take a gun and shoot it. Put it out of its misery.

[drcrowley99]

Agreed. Can't understand how manufacturers can design an overwhelmingly beautiful piece of equipment and not engineer performance ...