I'll let RFS tell you all about Alien Bees. I just purchased a lighting set from them and as a beginner, I am very happy. It is amazing how fast the AB-800 lights recycle. When I am taking pictures of the grandkids (2-5 yrs), I get just a few minutes to take the photos. So I rapid fire a hundred or more in a matter of minutes. The kids are great at providing 100 different expressions and poses in a few minutes.
Here, as you can see, Abby is bored and ready to quit after about two minutes. ;-)
Shutter: 1/60th; Aperture: F/10.0; 55mm lens; Canon EOS Digital Rebel xT