Originally Posted by
operator
I'm talking about the more expensive options in LED >$100. The LED itself? The batteries? The electronics?
I would say depending on units, it could be the sum of the parts, and the overhead for the companies R&D, marketing, sales distribution, service and warranty...etc. Like most other specialized products, there is a premium to be paid for leading edge.
Looking at Cutter Electronics to build a DIY 3 array LED of the same class as say a Dinotte 600L, it would cost at least $174 for the 3 emitter Cree MR11 Kit (includes LED driver), and a slick machined housing. This does not include batteries, or charger. The batteries would be around ~$65 for 2 x 4000mAh units and a smart charger.
So we are roughly up to $234 with out shipping and assembly for the parts. I think the $389 I paid for a canned solution 600L is a small price to pay for all the other overhead.
This is just one example, and certainly it could be done cheaper or more expensive.
Next season I may just have to look at building one for fun!