The goal of any camera/lighting system is that it just works, and when the system worked it was a stellar performer, but since I've purchased the Porty Premium in 2005 (just 3 years ago) I've had it in for service 6 times. I am a professional photographer adept at improvising on location due to the poor reliability of the Hensel system. My equipment is well stored and pampered and yet the list of problems with this system has caused me switch camps and buy Elinchrom. I've gone through 3 failed batteries, a charger that wouldn't charge, a ringflash that shorts out the pack when connected (repaired twice---a year apart), a failed remote, and a power pack that would not fire unless set at full power! All of these problems were known to Hensel service so it leads me to believe there are more dissatisfied owners than myself. My Porty is the previous 1/125 sync version and maybe their packs are more reliable now but I for one will not travel that road again. The amount of money I've spent on replacement rentals, repairs, [...] is just too painful to think about. I am extremely disappointed with my purchase.

By Prawntoast from Brisbane Australia on 1/21/2008

This is a great system which is very robust, weather sealed and flexible. The batteries are heavy though so if travelling expect to pay some excess baggage. However, they do last an exceptional amount of time. My one complaint about the system is the aerial which needs to screwed off before packing otherwise it is prone to breaking off. A fold down or retractable design would have been better. Also worth a note the system can be used with mains power without the battery in place making it the same as a normal powerpack.