Cheap 400W HPS's Way Cheaper then HTGsupply for a Superior Product

Do YOU think this is a good deal?


  • Total voters
    41

dajosh42069

Well-Known Member
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HNPGKA

400 Watt Electronic Ballast with HPS bulb and Air cool Tube Reflector, GYO2009




Product Features


  • Ballast Works with both High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) bulbs (MH bulb NOT included)
  • Automatically detects type of bulb installed and adjusts itself accordingly
  • 6-inch Air Cool Tube with removable extended reflector
  • Fits all standard 6" air vent and exhaust fan system (NOT included) to any grow tents
  • UL-listed, CE certified
Price: $139.00+ whatever shipping, is still cheaper then going with anything HPS from HTGsupply.
Comes with a bulb, but it's a pretty basic one, I recommend getting an enhanced spectrum, but if your just starting out, the bulb in it will work great!




I just ordered one myself. Now it may very by location, as I believe mine was shipped from only 1 state over. But even with additional shipping, it's still cheaper, for a MUCH BETTER PRODUCT, then you can get from HTGsupply.
IT INCLUDES THE GLASS FOR THE TUBE AND ALL! Just wanted to let others know, since it seems like every time a new 400W HPS is mentioned, it's from HTGsupply, I almost got one from there myself....
But I KNOW the value of shopping around, for anything big or small. Growing the best buds on a budget is tough...so every little bit helps!
I'd heard about people getting some decent deals on Amazon, so I checked it out, took me an entire night of browsing lights and comparing Features vs Prices.
For the money, this is the BEST light I could find. And as long as they have them in stock, I wanted to share this info with everyone.

Good growing!


(PS; I haven't installed it yet, i'll come back and give a general review after I do tonight (or tomorrow morning))
Oh, and you'll notice the poll has answers that only end in "!!!". Because if your not YELLING your answers at someone, your not doin it right. ;-) :-P
 

dajosh42069

Well-Known Member
Thats still not bad, Lumatek is a good brand to have. Ok, so I plugged it in earlier and wow...bright as fuck, and the ballast is tiny too. Another cool feature is you don't have to worry about switching it switches or buttons when you put in a MH bulb, it auto detects is and automatically switches to MH power. It was getting pretty hot, but my Stanley Blower Fan should arrive tomorrow, and once i'm done modding it, it'll be air cooled. Which is easy cause most HPS lights require you to buy the glass tube for it separate for 20-30 bucks. But it's included in this one. Once my fans modded, i'll be able to power my carbon filter, light, and such with ease. And my plants will DEF thank me for it.

Thanks for chiming is and voting in my favor in the poll.
The way I feel about it is;
"If I can save someone some money, and they use that money to get the proper nutes, and use those to grow some proper buds with their proper light...then the 10 mins it took me to put together the OP was completely worth it!"
To be completely honest, I love helping people grow cannabis. Whenever anyone asks me any question on the topic, I answer them at length, and finally will refer them to Rollitup. It really feels good to help someone grow the meds they rely on, or even to help someone save a few bucks and from the possability of getting who knows what from who knows where. When you grow it, you know EXACTLY what went into it. Love and care from you, the grower!

Anyway
Happy growing all, happy harvests, and happy smoke.
 

Vento

Well-Known Member
Good Deal Man :)

Thanks for the share , I'm in the UK so it's no good for me :(

+Rep for your willingness to help others and enjoying doing so :)

Peace :)
 

Serapis

Well-Known Member
How can the OP claim that this is a much better product? He hadn't even owned one at the time of the posting.... And he is comparing it to what HTG combo? And good luck with that bulb and ballast.... I'd much rather spend the extra few dollars and get an HTG bulb with a warranty. HTG also has excellent customer service and they ship from 5 different locations. The ACTUAL price before shipping is also $152.99, not 139 as posted. If you go with the super saver free shipping, prepare to wait up to 10 days to receive it. For those that have read high times and know that digital-switchable ballasts can kill your bulbs prematurely, HTG has a great deal on a name brand, not a knock off, cool tube 6 with a magnetic ballast and free shipping, with a HTG HPS PLUS bulb. http://cgi.ebay.com/400-watt-HPS-GROW-LIGHT-400w-COOL-TUBE-GLASS-REFLECTOR-/390100001652?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ad3c5a374
 

dadio161

Well-Known Member
I'm going to have to go with Serapis on this one. What is the OP gonna do when his no name=brand ballast goes out in a few months in the middle of harvest ? And thanks to Serapis , I now know of a HTG supply store in Denver . An hour away.
I may be getting old , But I do know that you get what you pay for. You buy cheap , you get cheap.
 

dajosh42069

Well-Known Member
You have to click the new for 139.99 dude, try looking deeper then the surface. And i'm refering to the least expensive HPS Magnetic Ballast from HTG. Anything digital from them is going to cost AT LEAST 200 with shipping. Same with the link you posted.
US $189.95 then you add shipping and it's going to be WELL over 200 bucks.

Items Ordered Price 1 of: 400 Watt Electronic Ballast with HPS bulb and Air cool Tube Reflector, GYO2009
Condition: New
Sold by: LEDwholesalers (seller profile)
$139.00

Item(s) Subtotal: $139.00 Shipping & Handling: $16.49 ----- Total Before Tax: $155.49 Sales Tax: $0.00 ----- Total for This Shipment: $155.49
Even after shipping it's still cheaper. Cheap enough that you could go out and buy a nicer bulb if you choose to do so.
I didn't go with super saver, since the 159.99 is 20 bucks extra to have it guaranteed by amazon and qualify for it. But even without, shipping was a WHOPPING 16.50. And it arrived in 2 days. And not to mention, the so called "equivalent" light you posted for more. Isn't a digital ballast, meaning it produced more heat, uses more energy, and or course, is non switchable. Meaning you would have to ALSO purchase a MH conversion bulb. This is exactly what I was talking about. HTG selling inferior ballasts. Forgive me for attacking everyones favorite hydro shop. But I searched and searched for the best deal I could find in regards to Features vs Price. And for my money, this was it. I'd recommend it to anyone who's just getting started. As your grow evolves, feel free to upgrade to something less functional but more expensive, but hey, it's got a 5 year warranty. ;-)

You click on the "New from 139.99" and buy it directly. The shipping may vary based on area of course.
In fact, here's the link to show it's 139.99
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004HNPGKA/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

And in terms of functionality, it's better price wise then HTG.
For ME to buy the cheapest HTG HPS Grow Light package (Ballast, Hood, Bulb, Lamp, Cord, ect) would have cost OVER $230, as they were charging something like 60 bucks shipping. But even the product you recommended is more expensive BEFORE shipping.
And the light works brilliantly btw, I tested it earlier to confirm that it worked and all. As you said, and your completely right...I'm raving about it online, and i've opened my mouth too soon. But lucky me, I wasn't wrong. It fired up in about 3 minutes to full brightness. It also has a 3 year warranty. Not 5, no. But 3, which isn't bad.

All I'm saying is, that for a lot of BEGINNER growers, who go to HTG and buy the cheapest available HPS (Which is the Magnetic Nonswitchable) for more then they would be spending if they purchased a superior product in my opinion. I respect you calling me on not trying it before I posted. But it doesn't change the fact that if someone is just starting, it's best they know they can get something better for their money.
 

dajosh42069

Well-Known Member
I'm going to have to go with Serapis on this one. What is the OP gonna do when his no name=brand ballast goes out in a few months in the middle of harvest ? And thanks to Serapis , I now know of a HTG supply store in Denver . An hour away.
I may be getting old , But I do know that you get what you pay for. You buy cheap , you get cheap.
If you live near one, great, but I don't. And 3 year warranty is 3 years. If your grow doesn't evolve in 3 years, then your nothing more then a hobbyist. And you can just buy another. But some people have more money then sense I suppose...
 

Gastanker

Well-Known Member
I'll vouch HTGs customer service but I have one of their ballasts and it's a cheap piece of Chinese crap - most likely the exact same internals as the digital the OP linked to.

My HTG 1kW ballast gets EXTREMELY hot, far far hotter than my lumatek. It makes a LOUD buzzing noise, 5x lounder than my lumatek. The fan makes a racket and will randomly change speeds which causes it to bounce forward and backward on its cheap axle, can't compare to the lumatek as they don't have fans. My favorite part is the upper plate that is somewhat free floating due to cheap case design - there are no screw or nuts I can tighten to get it to stop rattling around other than just covering it in duct tape which ups the heat even more.

Oh, and I forgot about the IR interference and the sticker warning you that if you mount the ballast pointing the wrong way that the fan will fail and may cause a fire.

And I paid more for my HTG ballast than I would have for a lumatek at another distributor - that's what really get me. Cheap equipment for not that cheap.

1kW lumatek $299.00 http://www.urbansunshine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=233_244_251&products_id=17636
1kW Crappy HTG Digital Greenhouse $319.00 http://www.htgsupply.com/Product-Digital-Greenhouse-Dimmable-1000-watt-Ballast.asp

Both of these places have great customer service. Kind of a no brainer except for the die hard HTG fans.
 

KushXOJ

Well-Known Member
thanks for the post ive been thinking of getting an hid setup ...but i didnt want to spend too much so this works for me !! would rep u but im on my phone
 

Serapis

Well-Known Member
I simply clicked on the link that you provided.... the price on that link was $152.99.... why didn't you just link the cheaper provider?

And as for shipping, I did post that shipping was free.... did you even read the entire post or did you see I didn't agree with you and you rushed to respond? SHIPPING IS FREE, there ya go.... I'd rather pay the extra money and get a good ballast that will last for years and not prematurely blow my bulbs...

I think it's cool you are sharing deals you find, but how can you make claims of being better when you have never had one in your hands? That is a mystery to me.. Go cheap, and please come back in 2-3 months and let us know how your light system is doing. When you have actual hands on experience with that system, bulb and ballast, let us know. I'm guessing within 6 months all you'll have left that is useful is the cool tube knock off.

Good luck.

You have to click the new for 139.99 dude, try looking deeper then the surface. And i'm refering to the least expensive HPS Magnetic Ballast from HTG. Anything digital from them is going to cost AT LEAST 200 with shipping. Same with the link you posted.
US $189.95 then you add shipping and it's going to be WELL over 200 bucks.
 

Gastanker

Well-Known Member
I simply clicked on the link that you provided.... the price on that link was $152.99.... why didn't you just link the cheaper provider?

And as for shipping, I did post that shipping was free.... did you even read the entire post or did you see I didn't agree with you and you rushed to respond? SHIPPING IS FREE, there ya go.... I'd rather pay the extra money and get a good ballast that will last for years and not prematurely blow my bulbs...

I think it's cool you are sharing deals you find, but how can you make claims of being better when you have never had one in your hands? That is a mystery to me.. Go cheap, and please come back in 2-3 months and let us know how your light system is doing. When you have actual hands on experience with that system, bulb and ballast, let us know. I'm guessing within 6 months all you'll have left that is useful is the cool tube knock off.

Good luck.
Check alibaba. HTG items are just as cheap - found their whole digital lineup direct from china for less than half their price.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/381975374/400W_Digital_electronic_ballast.html

If you have an HTG and like it and it's just a cheap Chinese ballast than why would you think this other cheap ballast would be any worse? Ever used the one he ordered?
 

Serapis

Well-Known Member
Did you bother to share those concerns with HTG? My guess is no, because they offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied for 30 days.... they also warranty their name brand bulbs... who else does that?

Go look at HTG's feed back on eBay.... then read the feedback from the $139 guy on amazon,... seems they ship to the wrong address a lot and don't offer tracking and they can take up to 14 days to ship... hmm.... you get what you pay for.

I'll vouch HTGs customer service but I have one of their ballasts and it's a cheap piece of Chinese crap - most likely the exact same internals as the digital the OP linked to.

My HTG 1kW ballast gets EXTREMELY hot, far far hotter than my lumatek. It makes a LOUD buzzing noise, 5x lounder than my lumatek. The fan makes a racket and will randomly change speeds which causes it to bounce forward and backward on its cheap axle, can't compare to the lumatek as they don't have fans. My favorite part is the upper plate that is somewhat free floating due to cheap case design - there are no screw or nuts I can tighten to get it to stop rattling around other than just covering it in duct tape which ups the heat even more.

Oh, and I forgot about the IR interference and the sticker warning you that if you mount the ballast pointing the wrong way that the fan will fail and may cause a fire.

And I paid more for my HTG ballast than I would have for a lumatek at another distributor - that's what really get me. Cheap equipment for not that cheap.

1kW lumatek $299.00 http://www.urbansunshine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=233_244_251&products_id=17636
1kW Crappy HTG Digital Greenhouse $319.00 http://www.htgsupply.com/Product-Digital-Greenhouse-Dimmable-1000-watt-Ballast.asp

Both of these places have great customer service. Kind of a no brainer except for the die hard HTG fans.
 

Serapis

Well-Known Member
My ballast from HTG is not a cheap chinese unit and no, I've never used the lamp he posted, but neither has the poster; yet he claims the light is better..... think about that and get back to me....

Check alibaba. HTG items are just as cheap - found their whole digital lineup direct from china for less than half their price.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/381975374/400W_Digital_electronic_ballast.html

If you have an HTG and like it and it's just a cheap Chinese ballast than why would you think this other cheap ballast would be any worse? Ever used the one he ordered?
 

Gastanker

Well-Known Member
HTG would refund my money for their ballasts being loud as hell? It works, it's not broken, it's just cheap. If I thought they would refund my money I would have done that in an instant but I thought there had to be something broken with the unit. Thanks for the heads up.

What HTG ballast do you own?
 

Serapis

Well-Known Member
Call Toll Free: 1.866.710.GROW (4769) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST

I was wrong, you have 14 days from the time you receive the item to arrange a return if you are not happy.

My ballast came with a light system... it is a heavy white metal box with a swivel handle and rubber foot pads with an external igniter. I don't see a brand name other than an HTG sticker probably applied by the manufacturer. It may be from China, but it is heavy and far from cheap. Most of their light kits do come with the digital ballasts now.

HTG would refund my money for their ballasts being loud as hell? It works, it's not broken, it's just cheap. If I thought they would refund my money I would have done that in an instant but I thought there had to be something broken with the unit. Thanks for the heads up.

What HTG ballast do you own?
 

dajosh42069

Well-Known Member
Lights all hooked up, actually runs cooler then my CFL's. It runs great, the ballast is small, very small, and works like a charm.

I'm SURE the bulb is cheap, but the rest of it is good. And I don't need to own a piece of shit HTG to know that it's a piece of shit. I know that a lot of people swear by them, but I just don't see it. I've never found anything from them that I couldn't find better, and cheaper somewhere else.

On the HTG website, the CHEAPEST HPS with Digital ballast is more expensive then the one I got, and it's only 250W's, the 400's are closer to 300 bucks. I got mine ordered, and shipped complete for HALF that price.
Can't argue with results...

Nothing you've told me about HTG justified the paying twice as much for an inferior product.
Why would you buy a MH Conversion bulb when you can just use a NORMAL MH BULB???

I realize it's blasphemy to talk bad about the almighty HTGsupply, but I just don't find any of their products to be worth the prices they charge for them.
And as Gastanker said, Customer service is all well and good and all, but if it's just a badly made ballast or product, then being able to reach them isn't really all that useful...
 
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