Buying a new lamp, Your Opinions on brands

So, I've been reading as many threads on lights as I can find here - So I'm interested in getting a switchable 1000 watt light and am curious as to which brands you think are the best and why? and where have you shopped online in the past/which to avoid? thanks!

IMO, go digital, its not as cheap but why be cheap with your lighting, its one of the, if not the most important aspect of your grow. Phantoms are some of the best digitals out right now, and yes you can run MH or HPS bulbs on Digitals

Otherwise, Sun Systems Harvest Pro's are very good, will last forever and inexpensive. I have had a 1k Watt Switchable Harvest Pro in my Veg room running for three years almost non-stop, they are beasts.

Hortilux makes the best HPS bulbs, Ushio makes the best MH bulbs, they cost more but are worth every penny.

If you want less larger plants go with a Radiant 6 or 8, great penetration
If you are SOGing or ScRoging then go with a Raptor, Magnum, etc... Better coverage but less penetration.
If you can afford the extra heat Adjust-a-wings are the best all around reflectors, and hey you can adjust their light pattern =)

oh i didn't know all digital ballasts were switchable. i can't afford any extra heat..the room i'm using is hot as hell, and it's summer in hawaii - doesn't help. . . Does it really matter much what kind of reflector you buy? or would it be just as easy to build one from scratch do you think?

yeah some reflectors r better for heat i have a cool tube with a quatum ballast dimmeable and switchable...U can get a 1K light a have it set at 500w for seedlings if u want them bump it up to 750 then 1000 anyway quatums r great 3yr warrenty too...

Digital ballast arent good for hortilux bulbs i thought???

I have a Phantom 600w digital ballast with a hortilux hps bulb.. only been on for a total of 12 hours though hah.. The owner of my local hydro shop said it works fine

In about 2 1/2 months i can see how well it works

I like to buy the componets and put it all together, you spend way less that way hundreds less.