shopping for new lights

Hiya, I havent had the net in awhile and have been reading up on some stuff...But my Lights are not going to last for much longer, so i was saving up some cash and looking at some new digital ballast. The one that ive been looking into was the Sun system 1000w digital fusion Texas Hydroponics :: Grow Lighting :: Digital/Electronic Lighting
Ive never used digitals before and was need some feedback on the quality.Im also growing in my attic so a air-cool lamp is a must! The price isnt really of concern, but the quality of the product is.I would rather pay a little more for a product that works and last!
Im looking for any feed back on the sun system lights or any you have used and depended on for your projects.
Thanks
Bob

these 1000w setups are really spiffy. i will be purchasing 6 of these soon. can't beat em.

ebay ebay ebay ebay.. oh yeah did i mention ebay

type in hydro and u will see a shit load of great deals on new and used 1000 watters... i love mine... good choice, and a digi will save on your elec bill.. good hunting....

I've been using Lumatek digital ballasts for about 3 years, zero failures, zero problems. However, I've only tried the 400 and 600 watt (120V) versions. I did have a 1000 watt Sunsystem light, but it was magnetic ballast.

I have noticed that magnetic ballasts are *much* more flickery-looking than digital ballasts. Magnetic ballasts pulse the light on/off much more slowly than digital ballasts do. You can see this with a camera. Take 10 pics of some plants under a magnetic ballast and odds are, several of them will look dark, because you caught the light in a 'down pulse', which (because it pulses slower) lasts longer and is more apt to show up in photos.

Another thing I noticed: digital ballasts require less power (for the same light intensity), and emit much less heat, which is a big factor for people like me who do cabinet grows and keep the ballast inside the cabinet. The lower operating power requirement also means lower electric bills, even if not by a ton. And digital ballasts are pretty much dead silent, whereas magnetic ballasts emit a very discernible hum.

All-in-all, I am totally completely sold on digital ballasts. I still have my magnetic 1k ballast (and reflector that came with it, a good one), but it's just an emergency spare now, can't imagine ever wanting to use it regularly again. Heck, I may just give it away to a friend.

As for ebay, I've heard too many horror stories about people getting ripped off on grow equipment for me to risk my money. But as long as it's you risking *your* money, well, that's your call. I personally wouldn't buy any grow equipment from ebay, when there are plenty of quality reputable hydro shops, online and off, but then again, I'm not much of a gambler.

i only use ebay to find actual grow stores (when purchasing expensive items-i just bought my new vegitation station on ebay), i have probably used ebay on approximately 100 different occasions & never once ripped off, but im sure it does exist.. but if ya take a look you will come across atleast 50 different actual stores selling grow lights, its a good place to get atleast a ballpark cost on a light..

I've heard that Texas Hydro likes to tip off cops, maybe somebody is full of shit? who knows.

well they're fkn idiots if they do, and will eventually be out of business

How is everyone today?
Growtech- i though the sun system looked pretty solid but couldnt find any reviews on it or anything.
Darknezz- I would love to go to a grow shop! but where i moved too the closest one is about 150+ miles and after making the trip it was tinny and outdated.
Reefcouple- Hell ive used ebay alot....just not for growing, bought a defective t3 turbo for my impulse just need to rebuild it for about 150$ and it worked perfectly! ballbearing turbos are intense!
Bongulator-eh didnt know the sun system was a magnetic ballast....but the Lumatek digital ballasts looks good, and with your reliability on it, that might be the way to go.yea my magnetic ballast is starting to get alot louder and light output is fading...
But thanks for the feedback!
Peace
Bob