Stupid Question? Deep vs Jumbo

[itma]

So I assume it is a personal preference thing then?

I'm pretty fit and can lift and look at a big frame easy enough I imagine.

Langs aren't something I've even considered x

Bees can be kept in all sorts of different boxes.
Which system you choose is personal preference.

The size and thus number of boxes is one factor.
Lug length preference is another.
IMHO the National family's long lugs are easier for the hobbyist/beginner. But short lugs (Langstroths, Commercial, Smith) allow a simpler box for DIY.

Local 'traditions' are also important.
As a beginner, you'll find help (and loans) easier to come by if you go with the flow and pick something compatible with what is locally popular.
If I was in Finland, I wouldn't be using a British National hive ...

The National family does have the distinct advantage of being based on a British Standard. While poly (with thicker hive walls) does require some departures from 'standard', at least the standard frames do fit (which, wordwide isn't true of all the so-called Landstroths). And generally (but not universally) the departures from standard allow interoperability with wooden boxes.
Some beekeepers choose to make their own modifications to depart from the standard, but that's a different thing.



14x12 frames are not too heavy for most with the usual physical abilities, but moving full 14x12 hives is definitely best done as a 2-person job.

 

[mjt68]

So I assume it is a personal preference thing then?

I'm pretty fit and can lift and look at a big frame easy enough I imagine.

Langs aren't something I've even considered x

If you're not committed to nationals then it's not too late!

Langs are great and can be got cheaply (cheaper than nationals even). I use the 'medium' size boxes and frames for honey (Dadant shallow frame). You can use one size box but all mediums would be easier than all deeps (brood box size) as deeps full of honey are pretty heavy. Many cheap (ebay) extractors won't take langstroth length frames but decent extractors will.

The reason I chose them is that they take 10 frames in a box and frames come in packs of 10 and there's no faffing with brood and a half/double brood (unless you have very prolific queens or run all mediums).

 

[Robbo8916]

Thanks for all your replies guys and girls - Lots to peruse

 

[Hawklord]

I like working double brood nationals as it gives me loads of bees when making nucs up. A 2nd grade national brood box was about £15 in the Janunary sale.