Gavita 1700e LED Grow Light Review

4trees perspective for 2026

The Gavita 1700e earned its reputation the hard way. Back when many LED fixtures were still uneven, underpowered, or built like a science project, the 1700e was a dependable commercial option with solid uniformity and a familiar brand behind it.

In 2026, the story is different.

The Gavita 1700e still works, and it can absolutely grow quality flower, but in our opinion it is overpriced for what it delivers compared to the current market. Today, many competing fixtures match it or outperform it in efficiency, output, controllability, and value.

Quick specs that still hold up

The Gavita Pro 1700e is commonly listed at:

• 645W input power Mighty Hydro

• 1700 µmol/s PPF output Mighty Hydro

• 2.6 µmol/J efficacy Mighty Hydro

• Bar style fixture intended for full cycle use, veg through bloom The Grow Depot+1

Those numbers are not bad. They are just not special anymore.

Why we say it is overpriced in 2026

The biggest issue is not that the 1700e is “bad.” It is that the market moved.

1) Efficiency has moved on

A lot of modern commercial fixtures are now reaching around 3.0 µmol/J class performance. For example, Fluence lists SPYDR 3 output up to 2,260 µmol/s with 3.0 µmol/J efficiency. Fluence

When you compare 2.6 µmol/J to 3.0 µmol/J at scale, that difference shows up in operating cost and heat load over time.

2) Price to performance is no longer in Gavita’s favor

Retail pricing varies widely, but Canadian listings commonly show the Gavita 1700e in the roughly $1,800 CAD range. Garden Effects+1

At that price point in 2026, you can often buy fixtures with:

• higher efficacy

• newer diode generations

• better built in control features

• easier serviceability

Gavita’s name used to justify the premium. Now, the premium often feels like it is for the logo.

3) Control ecosystem and accessories

Many growers still run controllers, and that is fine, but it is worth noting that Gavita’s control setup is part of a specific ecosystem. Some operators prefer fixtures with more flexible or built in dimming and modern integration options. Gavita also has formal warranty and RMA requirements through Hawthorne, which can be smooth if you follow the process, but it is still a process. Hawthorne Gardening Company

Reliability and real world experience

We have seen growers run these fixtures successfully. We have also seen reports of occasional diode sections going out and cable connection issues, with warranty replacements in some cases. Montana Cannaco

Our practical take is simple:

• if you are paying premium dollars, you should expect premium consistency

• in 2026, the 1700e is more “middle of the pack” than “top dog”

The big picture: Gavita has moved on too

Even Gavita has leaned into newer generations, like the Pro RS 2400e on their own site. Gavita
That is another signal that the 1700e belongs more to the previous era of LED progress, even if it is still a capable fixture.

What we recommend instead of chasing a brand name

If you are shopping lighting in 2026, do not buy a fixture because of the badge. Buy it because the parts and performance make sense.

Focus on:

1) Efficacy and usable output

Look at µmol/J, total PPF, and real world PPFD maps.

2) Diodes and drivers

Pay attention to diode generation and driver quality, plus whether drivers are serviceable.

3) Uniformity and canopy strategy

Uniformity matters as much as raw intensity. Hotspots and low spots cost yield and quality.

4) Warranty and support

Warranty is only as good as how easy it is to use. Understand the process before you buy. Hawthorne Gardening Company

5) Practical integration

Dimming, control compatibility, and how you will run sunrise, sunset, and stage based intensity changes.

Bottom line

The Gavita 1700e was a strong light in its prime. In 2026, it is still a workable commercial fixture, but in our opinion it is not a best value buy. It relies too heavily on its historic name, while many newer fixtures deliver better efficiency and better price to performance.