Lanstroth V National hive

[Ely]

 

[Polyanwood]

I started on Langstroths because they were cheaper. After a few years I moved to Jumbo Langstroth and then when I realised people wanted mostly to buy bees on National, I starting running a few Nationals on standard brood and 14 x 12. Then last year I bought Commercial hives with bees in them. What a nightmare. Now I have all sorts of hive! I keep only one type of hive at each apiary and that helps a bit.

I don't have a favourite hive. I have rarely had brood nests that don't fit in a jumbo langstroth, but with all the others sometimes one brood box is not enough. I notice that when I let beginners handle my bees, they all prefer the long lugs of the Nationals

I don't think it matters what hive type, although you do need to keep bees that suit that size box.

 

[BeeJayBee]

I notice that when I let beginners handle my bees, they all prefer the long lugs of the Nationals

I'll be the exception that makes the rule.

I started with Langstroths and prefer them to Nats.

I've seen National frame lugs broken by a too enthusiastic learner. I'm not sure it would be quite as easy to break the shorter Lang frame lugs.