What size of strings?

[Dulahey]

I plan on making my first light purchase through CDI during the next presale. However, I just recently got married and we don't plan on buying our first house until later next year! But I want to get started anyway.

So I'm in a bit of a predicament because I don't know exactly what I need.

For starters, I plan on getting some white icicles. I know these are something we will want and there's not a problem here.

However, on the normal strands, I'm not sure what lengths to get.(I'm getting all C6's btw) I'd like to get the 100ct simply because it's more efficient this way. But I'm curious if I would be safer getting 50, or possibly even 70.

My question to you all is, do you tend to use one size over the other? I'm just curious if there is a trend out there where, for example, 70ct (21-24') seems to fit perfectly in a lot of applications. Or do you only use 50ct so if a string goes bad there is less to replace?

Anyway, like I said, I realize I don't know EXACTLY what I need. I'm just asking in general here.

Thanks.

[JBullard]

In my case, it depends on where I'm using them.

I have CDI's C6 strings in all three lengths and bulb counts. 50, 70 and 100 bulbs.

I understand why you are asking, but until you know what your display plans my be, then 1 50 ct may be too short and 2 50 counts may be too long, where as a 70 may be just right.

Or 2 70's may be too long where 2 50s or 1 100 may be correct. But using 2 50's introduces an extra connection which may become a failure point.

I purchase my lights based on the bulb counts and length of strings I actually need, for my display, not what someone on a web forum says I should buy. Money is too precious to waste.

Just my opinion.

[Jim Hans]

You can attempt to make some educated "bets" for light string lenths though. Do you think you will be going around windows? What is the circumference of a standard window? Double window? Door? Garage door? If you plan to put lights in bushes or fences any lenths will do. Making any props like mega trees or mini trees? You can figure light string lengths out for those props. Like above, until you know the house and your layout it is tough but you should be able to make some good guesses.

[Redbirdruss]

My advice is to wait until you move to your new house before you make your purchase of Icicle lights or other lights for the house facade. I made the mistake of buying some C7 Warm White strings because they were a "Good Deal" and have not yet used them. Basically I have $200 worth of LED's that are mostly useless to me.
Jim has a good point, Mini Trees are a great effect and can be used in just about every display. I use 24" floral easels and wrap them with Red, Green, Blue and White LED's. Each Mini Tree gets 140 (2 x 70) of each color. For 8 Mini-Trees I have 16 Red, 16 Blue, 16 Green and 16 White 70 count 4" spacing strands. I have used these Mini trees in every display over the last 3 years so they have been a good value overall.

[Dulahey]

That's a good suggestion, Russ. Although I'm 99% sure I would use the Icicle lights, you never know. And mini trees are very standard and I could even use them in a static display.