Differences in ballasts?

Hey guys!
What's the significant advantages of one ballast over another? What should I be looking for?

Example:

$40.00 http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Bloom-Bright-430w-watt-Electronic-Ballast-240v-For-Grow-Light-Lumatek-400w-/261328215247?pt=US_Hydroponics&hash=item3cd8601ccf

vs

$130.00 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lumatek-400w-LK400-Electronic-Ballast-120v-240v-Dimmable-Super-Lumens-Switch-/200988212358?pt=US_Hydroponics&hash=item2ecbd4bc86

To me, it sounds like they both do the same job, the same way, just a different shell?

Much appreciated!

Iv been using a Lumatek ballast this year, different model from the one you posted, not had any probs with it. I would be wary of using a ballast as cheap as the first one. Not saying theres anything wrong with it but at that price it almost seems to good to be true.

I got 2 lumateks and 2 cheap electronic ballasts that came with a cheap reflector you can see the difference in the reflector between the good ones and cheap ones but you would need a light meter to tell the difference in ballasts. the lumateks have a 5 year warranty and the cheap ones where either 2 or 3 years but I've had them about 3 years. Not too sure about that cheap one but as long as it has a warranty it should last.

Actually I wouldn't grab that one says it comes with only the ballast no mention of power cord and its for a 240v so you won't be able to plug it into a normal outlet.

lol yeah id go with number 2
i was looking at this http://www.ebay.com/itm/200935324226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
but from what you guys are saying those lumatek's sound good, is there a better light brand to get (noticably better)
i want a rectangular/oval light pattern going to be used on a 4ft light track
also wanted to stick with mag ballast; I think the RF interference will be a problem (unless this isn't a problem nowadays?)

I would buy the one with the best warranty personally. As the saying goes you get what you pay for, and it sounds like you won't be getting much with a $40 ballast, except possibly some headaches.

i wouldn't go to cheap on anything electric, nothing below mid grade. some people sleep where they grow and fire scares the shit outta me.

Nizza said:

I think the RF interference will be a problem (unless this isn't a problem nowadays?)

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Its still a problem but only on the MW/AM radio so it could cause you & your neighbours an issue but i wouldn't have thought too many people listen to the radio that way nowadays.

sonicboomboy said:

Its still a problem but only on the MW/AM radio so it could cause you & your neighbours an issue but i wouldn't have thought too many people listen to the radio that way nowadays.

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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gavita-Pro-1000w-Grow-Light-digital-light-kit-1000-watt-kit-/111080761738?pt=UK_Baby_Baby_Feeding_Bottle_Warmers_Coolers_LE&hash=item19dcede98a

These GAVITA ballast and light sets are supposed to be the dogs bollocks (very good).
"The choice of Dutch professionals" and they don't mean prostitutes!

I have an old Lumii 600w
2 fairly new Maxibright 600w
and a nearly new Lumatek 1000w dimmable.

Everything about the Lumatek is quality.

...and I use it with a Power Plant Aero Wing ventilated reflector
(Or at least I will do - in about 10 days - when my ladies go from 18/6 under 600w of MH to 12/12 under 1000w of ventilated HPS).

I started this hobby to make cash - now I make cash to fund this hobby!
Should've stuck with Crack and Heroin - it's less habit forming.

Just buy a Solis Tek and call it a day, they are by far the best on the market right now. I had a cheap ipower ballast at first and switched to the Solis Tek right before flower and the quality is absolutely top notch. No comparison at all to the cheap Chinese ballasts. It's nice to have faith your ballast is going to function properly, I was scared I'd check on the girls and them be in the dark. Just holding the two ballasts in your hands is all you need to know about the quality, and the Solis Tek is passively cooled so no dust in your ballast.I also have heard they have a failure rate of less than 1%. Get one! Promise you won't regret it.

You generally get what you pay for. Unless your a thief anyway.

Whatever you do, please do NOT use electrical devices that are not ul, etl or ctl certified. Unless you are a pyromaniac with a death wish.

lumateck is top of the line.....I'd go with it if I were you

dannyboy602 said:

lumateck is top of the line.....I'd go with it if I were you

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I'll second that. I've got the Lumatek 400w which I use for veg because I can turn it down to 250w and then ramp up. I've had a few standard ballasts and from now on I'll just buy digital.

I like the dimmable ones too. very handy.