ViparSpectra XS 2000 Review

The Upgraded ViparSpectra XS-2000 is a nice mid-sized, quantum board style, LED Grow Light. It has a listed power draw of 240w and is made for 4’ x 2’ coverage. The XS series are the top product line from ViparSpectra. They are convenient, well made, and highly efficient.

The ViparSpectra XS series fixtures feature top quality components and a well-engineered design. They use Samsung LM301b diodes and feature drivers from Mean Well. These are both widely considered the best diodes and drivers on the market. The XS series also feature thick ribbed aluminum heat sinks, which help ensure a lower operating temperature and improved efficiency.

The ViparSpectra XS-2000 was upgraded for Summer 2021. They added diodes, increased the power, and improved the efficiency. They also lowered the cost! Last year, I thought the XS-2000 was not as good of a deal as the smaller XS-1500 – but with the recent changes and discounts, the XS-2000 is now one of the best deals on the market.

ViparSpectra offers the best deals through Amazon we have discount codes that combine with other sales and coupons. For the XS-2000, use discount code DrMJCoco (US Amazon) (Canada Amazon). With current promotions and our discount code, the XS-2000 is an incredible value at less than 40 cents per micromole! This is one of the best deals on the market!

The upgraded ViparSpectra XS-2000 features a total of 576 diodes. They added 72 diodes more than the original XS-2000. Now, there is a respectable 2.4 diodes per watt. The full spectrum diodes are Samsung LM301b in two color temperatures: 3000k and 5000k. They also include Osram 660 nanometer and 730 nanometer diodes. The combined spectrum is excellent for vegetating and flowering plants.

For our official test, I put the ViparSpectra XS-2000 in a 4’ x 2’ coverage area. It recorded a maximum PPFD of 1000µmol/m² at a hanging height of 43cm (17in). As we can see in the PAR map, there are excellent densities of light across most of the coverage area. However, at each end, the densities fall below the 500 µmol/m² threshold.

Across a 4’ x 2’ canopy, the ViparSpectra XS-2000 delivered an average PPFD of 631.8 µmol/m². That means it delivered a Usable PPF of 454.9 µmol. I measured a power draw of 232 watts, which gives the ViparSpectra XS-2000 a great Usable Photon Efficiency of 1.96 µmol/w.

The ViparSpectra XS-2000 fills in a 4’ x 2’ PAR map better than similar competitive fixtures. However, it is still a little shy of full coverage. Based on the data from the 4’ x 2’ test, I determined that it could provide full coverage to a 3.5’ x 2’ space. I reduced the area by 6 inches and ran another test.

In a 3.5’ x 2’ space I had to raise the XS-2000 to 45cm (17.5”) to keep the maximum PPFD at 1000 µmol/m². With slightly less space, the XS-2000 provides full coverage with excellent density light to the entire canopy. Compared to the 4’ x 2’ test, the PPFD values at the ends improve from about 400 µmol/m² to the mid-500s.

In the slightly smaller space, the Average PPFD shot up to 716.7 µmol/m², which is close to perfect. The Usable PPF dipped only slightly to 451.5 µmol. The power draw was steady at 232 watts. So, the Usable Photon Efficiency remained great at 1.95 µmol/w.

I think the ViparSpectra XS series are great for home growers. They are very convenient and generate excellent light for growing. The dimmer makes them perfect for use during the whole grow. The dimmer is a continuously adjustable knob on the side of the fixture. As you can see in the test data below, the dimmer is accurate. The Maximum PPFD value is close to the dimmer setting at each position.

I appreciate the ribbed aluminum heat sink on the top of the ViparSpectra XS-series fixtures. It helps to dissipate the heat better and maintain a cooler operating temperature. This helps improve efficiency and longevity. The hottest temperature that I measured on the heat sink was 54 degrees Celsius (129.2F). The driver ran slightly warmer at 56.6 degrees Celsius (133.9F).

The ViparSpectra XS-2000 is a nice light. I really appreciate the upgrades they made with adding diodes, increasing the power, and improving the efficiency. I think it now has the best performance and the best price among a set of similar fixtures on the market. If it fits the size of your grow, it is a great choice.