I have heard they are made very well. If you search the forum for PLM you should be able to find a lot of info about them. Mine are showing up tonight so I hope I can give a good review of them in a few days.
They're solid. Not the same build as my EL Octa, but it's only 1/10 the price (and about 1/10 the folded size, too). PCB is one of the best companies you could choose to take a risk with. Consider it a 60-day risk-free rental.
I have read comments from Paul Buff that his company is negotiating with a different supplier to make the PLM reflectors. It sounded as if he hopes the new ones would be improved over the original models. I believe the second generation PLMs were supposed to be available before the end of the year. Does anyone know when they might appear? I'd like to get a new-generation 86" PLM before the new year if possible. Thanks!
Second generation will have shorter 8mm shaft and much improved diffuser and slightly better focusing. They're being made now but I don't have a firm timeline. Expecting forst samples in a few days from the new vendor. 3rd generation will will have 7mm short shaft and the 42" size will be replaced by 48". This is probably 2-3 months out. Several Elinchrom users have sawed off the shaft a bit below the latch mechanism and slid in a 1/4" steel shaft.
Believe me, dealing with China vendors is a whole new experience . . . try it sometime . . . it will make you crazy (like it has me!) I'd love to make these in USA - but then the cost would quadruple or more.
