Lumatek 400 Watt Dimmable $140 w free bulb OR 400 Watt Digital Ballast Nextgen $125

Pulse Start Metal Halide Bulb 6.4k (they say it is worth over $100?) comes free with Lumatek (says it produces 20% more light for $140 or $125 for the Nextgen (says it produces 30% more light).

I am STUCK between these 2 brands and not sure if I can only use certain reflector hoods with each brand (trying to find that out now from sellers). Looks like the Nextgen has a universal type outlet to take most all hoods.

I know a lot of people rave about Lumatek, but I am so drawn to the Nextgen, but I don't know if I can pass up a free bulb with the Lumatek, especially if it is a really good one. That would be one less bulb I would have to buy, because I want to use the MH for veg & the HPS for flower.

After an initial post of what I thought were "good deals & ballasts?", I have decided I will go with what most people see as the premium ballast, get decent bulbs, & I will probably get a "cheap ass hood" as people on here have said, lol, because I honestly don't see how I could go wrong with any of them. It is just for personal growing in a very small space of about 4 ft wide, maybe 1 1/2 ft deep, & 8 ft high. Will use wall mounted fan to cool bulb/hood. Thanks for your input, opinion on which one you think is better & why, ALL replies will be appreciated!

ok, if I dont have a hood, how do I hang the light? from a cord with a built in socket for the bulb I buy? and then just attach it from the ceiling hanging down? sorry I am still IGNORANT when it comes to the lighting. but if I dont need a reflector, great, that will save me more money.

anyone else?

I have a Lumatek 400 dimmable with an ordinary batwing hood unit. I'm very pleased with it, I paid a total of $220. It produces much less heat than I feared but I have the option to dim it to 250w if I want. I think you do want a reflector of some kind.

I know they are dimmable but why would you want to for MJ grow, right. thanks for your input illegal smile