Ergo Classic 600 or Sungate?

[GTStudio]

Need info on deciding between an ergo classic 600 or a sungate for my level 2. This will be a matter of opinion but I would like to see what everyone would pick out of these two and why. My level 1 are UWE Tropicals (no facials) and my level 3 is a Sunboard Plus. Will be charging $20 singles for my level 2.

[Din]

For performance, the Sungate is going to outperform the Ergo.

[BIG AL]

If you asked that question 2 or 3 years ago, it would have been the Sungate by the vast majority. In my opinion, the Sungate was the best big VHR being made at that time. As far as performance, Din is on the money.

The problem with the Sungate now is parts. If something breaks, parts are very hard to come by and some there are not any. That is why you see 06 Sungates that cost 30k, on this forum for 10k. If it was a heads up contest, I would throw rocks at the Ergo.

[GTStudio]

It is a 2005 Sungate or a 2002 600. 10min Gate or 12min 600. If the Gate will out-tan the 600 I'd rather have that. What about maintenance? Also, at some point I'd be getting additional units and would like to keep them the same model. Seems there are more 600s out there. Any further advice/things to consider?

[Din]

I think i read on here somewhere that since UltraSun is still making the Sungates and has since taken over, parts are still available for the old gates.

[GTStudio]

Just saw your post Big Al after I posted. Thanks for your input Din and Big Al. Another factor to consider is my comp (big chain) has the all the latest Ergo equip. Don't need something that breaks down and can't be fixed but need something thats going to kick some azz. Comps largest VHR bed is Affinity 500, next is 1050 HP.

[Din]

If it was me, i'd get the Ergo 650 Classic Combo HP/LP bed.. That will outperform both!!!

[GTStudio]

Originally Posted by Din

If it was me, i'd get the Ergo 650 Classic Combo HP/LP bed.. That will outperform both!!!

Good idea, but the problem with that is going to be it would probably match the performance of the Sunboard and would be a level 3 in my lineup. At this point I would rather have something more VHR and less HP to distinguish between level 2 and level 3. I love the 650s (salon I worked at had 2 but got rid of them) but it's not going to fit my mix right now.

[Din]

Maybe so....actually the Ergo 650 will outperform your Sunboard.
but all that means is, get rid of the Sunboard. Are you changing your equipment to better compete with the salons in the area or because you want it to fix your current mix.

Then replace the Sunboard with a Matrix and you'll have no problems competing.

Just my opinion.

[kpowr82]

I would bring the 650 and the Gate if money allows. charge $20 and $30 (assuming your Sunboard is $30). When the 650 wipes its'ass with the Sunboard, replace it with a monster HP like Matrix or Magic.

EDIT: Just saw Dean's simultaneous post. Great minds think alike...lol

[Din]

That just shows you we think alike Kpower as we post at the same time, the same thing....LOL.

[kpowr82]

Or your immensely powerful brain waves are capable of crossing even International borders causing me to subconsciously post the way I did...

[GTStudio]

I am going to contact UltraSun and see if they still have parts available. If so I'm going to get the Sungate. Money will only permit one purchase right now. Sunboard Plus is $30 singles. This is a new salon and I got a good deal on a Sunboard. I've tanned on the Plus before and decided to buy it. I'm just going to have to keep the best lamps in it and relamp frequently. Matrix is a possiblity later. I would like to add the Matrix V19 at some point and keep the Sunboard as well. Thank you everyone for your input. Your info is what I was looking for.

[movieking]

Future has the boards for the Sungates in stock now or at least they did a couple of weeks ago so the parts issue isn't as big a deal as it was a year ago.

[GTStudio]

Originally Posted by movieking

Future has the boards for the Sungates in stock now or at least they did a couple of weeks ago so the parts issue isn't as big a deal as it was a year ago.

Thanks, I was going to contact them as well. They have the new Sungates on their website and I figured they may have parts for the older units.

[RobertK]

New Gates share nothing with old Gates. For that matter I do not even know if there are any new Gates running in salons yet??? Parts are an issue but they do tan great. The Gate is going to run circles around your Sunboard. You can easily put them at the same level.

[GTStudio]

Originally Posted by RobertK

The Gate is going to run circles around your Sunboard. You can easily put them at the same level.

I was afraid of that too. The Sunboard is here to stay for now. Would like to add stronger HP asap, but also want the best in VHR equipment. I may get the Gate, pray it doesn't breakdown, and add another 360 or vertical HP when money permits. Decisions, decisions.

[RobertK]

Why not get a small VHR for level 2 and put the Gate with the Board as level 3. When funds permit add a level 4. Where are you located?

[BIG AL]

The gate and a 650 would be a great combo. I have never been a big fan of the Sunboard. Maybe it has to do with my competitor sells them for $8 a session.

The Sungate is very hard on lamps and they have to be changed often.

[dbl-a]

My thoughts are much the same as everyone else. I think my 15 Classic 600 outperforms a Sunboard. Surely a Sungate will. I think another problem you will find is there will be a large gap or jump from your Tropicals to any of the beds mentioned. Get the Gate now. Swap the Sunboard out for a better HP. And add something in between the tropicals and the Gate.
A note: There has been a couple of 650s on here for less than $10k. I have one and it is loved. I also have a 600 below that and a Matrix above it. They are distincitve enough to price them accordingly. For me, $17, $24, and $30 singles.