I'm looking into the option of getting myself a set of stands/strobes for doing portraits.

I've found a few, one that might do the job is the Bowens Espirit 200 2-head kit (aka studio in a box) - Warehouse Express have it listed as 'Esprit Gemini 200/200 Studio In A Box Kit'.

Has anyone used this kit? What were your thoughts?

Can you recommend a similar (entry level) lighting kit?

Thoughts on brands that you have used, recommendations brands to avoid?

I've used the 250/250 travel-pak version of this bowens studio in a box. It's very good quality, feels like it it'd last a long time.

However, be aware as with all flash/studio lighting sets the fuses blow fairly often so its wise to try and find some from somewhere to keep hold of. Bowens use ceramic fuses, so are a bit rare.

Other studio lights are Eliencromm (not sure on the spelling there ;p) that are ok, but not as high quality as Bowens. Not used any other brand so can't comment on those.