"Best" usually amount to public opinion on matters like these. I don't know that anyone other than an actual ballast manufacturer has posted anything actual scientific showing the real differences. The real issues I would look for is compatibility. I have heard Lumatek ballasts sometimes have compatibility with Hortilux bulbs. I think there are many other incompatibility issues, but these just happen to be 2 popular items people have tried to mix with varied success. I personally use a knock off Lumatek E-ballast for the dimmable capability, and switchable magnetics, and they seem to work fine. I do use a Hortilux MH bulb in my dimmable e-ballast with no issues. No noticable difference in Lumen output or bulb life, however I've never had a really accurate light meter either.
If you want to use an e-ballast, I don't beleive that Lumateks are priced that much differently than similar e-ballasts, so it couldn't hurt to use the bigger name brand in my opinion. In regards to bulbs, Hortilux is the most popular and often argued to be the best. The do however cost 3-5x as much as some other bulbs that supposedly output the same lumens. I personally use Hortilux bulbs because I can rationalize to myself $100 price difference over 9 months is reasonable to pay even for the CHANCE that it might produce better than a cheaper alternative. These price references are based on the 1000w I use.
