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Choosing the Right LED High Bay Lights for High School Gymnasiums: UFO-Style vs. Linear
Selecting the right lighting for high school gymnasiums is a critical decision that affects both functionality and aesthetics. Among the popular options available today, UFO-style round LED high bays and linear LED high bays stand out as top contenders. Both types have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on several factors, including the specific needs of the space, the types of sports to be played, and budget considerations. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of each option, keeping the latest market trends in mind to help you make an informed decision.
### UFO-Style Round LED High Bays
A UFO high bay is a contemporary lighting solution characterized by its round, saucer-like shape, which resembles a flying saucer. Widely used in industrial and commercial settings with high ceilings, such as warehouses and factories, these fixtures utilize LED technology to deliver high brightness and energy efficiency. Their compact design not only simplifies installation but also ensures uniform light distribution across large areas, improving visibility and safety. Built for durability, they can withstand tough environments, making them a cost-effective option in the long term thanks to their extended lifespan and minimal maintenance needs. With their wide beam angle and compatibility with control systems for dimming and adjusting lighting levels, UFO high bays offer versatility for diverse applications.
#### Pros:
- **Compact Design:** UFO high bays are generally smaller, making them easier to install. Their smaller footprint is particularly advantageous in high-ceiling environments where installation can be tricky.
- **Uniform Light Distribution:** These lights typically provide a more consistent light spread, which is essential for sports requiring even illumination across the playing area. The focused light output works especially well in high-ceiling spaces.
- **Durability:** UFO high bays are robust and can handle impacts better, a key consideration in gymnasiums where balls or other equipment might strike the lights. Their durability ensures longevity.
- **Cost-Effective:** Given their compact size, the latest models of UFO high bays are usually less expensive than linear alternatives when comparing similar light outputs. This makes them a budget-friendly choice for projects with limited funds.
#### Cons:
- **Aesthetics:** The design of UFO high bays may not appeal to everyone. They might clash with certain architectural styles, limiting their versatility in terms of visual appeal.
- **Glare Control:** One major downside of UFO high bays is the potential for glare. Since the light originates from a single, concentrated point, it can create glare issues, particularly in sports where players frequently look upward. This can be distracting and potentially dangerous during fast-paced activities.
### Linear LED High Bays
Linear LED high bays are a type of lighting fixture designed to illuminate large indoor spaces with high ceilings, such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and gymnasiums. Unlike the compact, saucer-shaped UFO high bay, the linear LED high bay has a longer, rectangular form that allows for broader and more even light distribution across a wide area. This design is especially beneficial in spaces where precise control over lighting is needed, as it helps eliminate shadows and dark spots. Additionally, linear LED high bays often come with modular designs, offering greater flexibility in lighting setups and easy integration with various control systems. Their sleek profile also tends to blend better with modern architectural designs, providing a more aesthetic and streamlined appearance compared to the more industrial look of UFO high bays.
#### Pros:
- **Design Flexibility:** Linear high bays offer more freedom in terms of design and can be arranged in numerous configurations to fit the space. This flexibility allows for more creative lighting solutions.
- **Even Light Distribution:** The larger surface area of linear high bays helps distribute light more evenly across a wide space, minimizing hotspots and shadows. This is particularly advantageous in gymnasiums where consistent lighting is crucial for sports activities.
- **Reduced Glare:** A wider surface area can also reduce glare, which is important in settings where people frequently look upward. This makes linear high bays a solid choice for sports that require players to glance up.
#### Cons:
- **Installation Complexity:** The larger form factor may make installation more challenging or time-consuming compared to the more compact UFO high bays. This could increase labor costs.
- **Cost:** Due to their larger size, linear LED high bays are generally pricier than UFO-style high bays when comparing equivalent light outputs. This could be a significant factor for projects on a tight budget.
### Sports-Specific Considerations
#### Sports Benefiting from Lower Glare
Sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton often involve players looking upward, making glare a significant issue. For these sports, linear LED high bays with their reduced glare and even light distribution are a more suitable choice.
#### Sports Less Affected by Glare
On the other hand, sports like wrestling, gymnastics, and indoor track and field are less likely to be impacted by glare from overhead lights. In these cases, the concentrated light output from UFO-style high bays may be more appropriate.
### Other Considerations
#### Existing Mounting Options
If your project involves replacing existing high bays, pay close attention to how those fixtures are currently mounted. Using a fixture that can be installed in the same way will significantly lower your installation costs. For instance, if the current fixtures are mounted from a rigid stem, it may be much simpler to replace them with a UFO-style high bay that can be mounted to the same stem. While linear high bay fixtures often have stem mounting options, the single point of support for a relatively larger fixture may make it more prone to damage if hit by a ball.
#### Ceiling Height
Higher ceilings may benefit more from UFO-style high bays due to their more concentrated light output. However, the specific needs of the space should be evaluated carefully.
#### Energy Efficiency
Both types are generally energy-efficient, but specific models may offer more lumens for the same input wattage. To maximize the project's impact, compare the efficiency ratings of different models even if they have the same input wattage. You may find that you get more light output with a slightly more expensive fixture that has the same or lower input wattage than another.
#### Maintenance
LED high bays, whether UFO-style or linear, typically have integrated LEDs that don’t require bulb replacements. The entire unit is replaced once it reaches the end of its operational life, which is usually quite long—often 50,000 hours or more. Your choice of fixture may be easier if you need to pick one that’s simple to replace.
### Conclusion
There’s no universal answer when it comes to choosing between UFO-style and linear LED high bays for high school gyms. The best choice will depend on your specific needs, the activities that will take place in the gymnasium, and your budget. By weighing the pros and cons of each type and considering the particular sports that will be played, you can make a more informed decision that benefits both athletes and spectators. If you’d like to discuss your gym lighting project and get tailored recommendations for your application, don’t hesitate to contact us.
**Written by Ray De Varona | September 2, 2023**