what should i look for in a 1000w ballast? (vertical grow)

hey guys, i'm about to pick up a 1000w ballast and i have a few questions.

i'll be mounting the bulb vertically without a reflector, do all ballasts come with sockets or do you typically have to buy them separately?

what sort of price should i expect?

what brands do you guys recommend and why?

I say get a hydrofarm ballast setup and make sure its also switchable to metal halide. Expect to pay about $500.00 after all is said and done.

I would only spend 200 max on a ballast. you can get them TONS of places online for under 200. Sun systmes makes one that is super cheap and hella reliable.

http://www.pchydro.com/ballasts-1000-watt-ballast-c-5_6_8

look at the sun system that is $172.00. also i say FUCK switchable ballasts. just get an HPS.

agreed switchable is a pain in the ass plants veg just fine under hps