I would have to say it is a preference thing. I have a medical grow that I just started and I'm using Pro-Mix Bx. This is a soilless mix that already comes stocked as a mix. There is a good amount of perlite and that is what I was looking for. My plants love it and it is pretty reasonable. I think I paid arond $40 us, and that was for 3.8 cubic feet. (Way more than I needed =)