It really does take some amount of talent to use strobes effectively. Not saying your not talented enough. But there is allot to them. Not every 600ws strobe has the same output.
Not every 600ws strobe can be dialed down the same amount. Really do your homework on them. Speed lights are really all most people need. And when getting into strobes, spend money on them. This is where "you get what you pay for" is actually true. Buy cheap crap and you'll be replacing them in no time.