If you go from looking at so called cheap Chinese lights to a HLG at twice the cost, then you are not challenged budget wise. You just need to look up local light suppliers and buy the one that fits what you want to spend. Yes do the compare warranty and features thing, but then buy what makes you feel comfortable. Everybody has an opinion on what light is best, but you have to sleep at night with the purchase. I went down the same road as you earlier this year. I ended up with a 40"x40" along with a Nextlight Core $380 for the light and $170 for the tent. Since the tent only had holes for ducting I had to spend extra for 6" flanges and take offs then reducers cause my fan was a 4" inline. Then when I looked for a 2x2 everyone had to order it and even then it cost $140! I eventually went to Amazon on prime day and bought a 2x2 for $50 and Sunraise QB2000 for $98. Luckily I had a gift card for $115 so I basically paid forty something bucks with tax. Both lights can support the tent size they are in with no problems and I'm happy. My cheap $50 tent is built practically the same as my $200+ when finished tent except it had better zippers that don't feel like they will break. The Chinese cheapy also has double pull string sleeves that accept any size ducting without having to buy extra flanges, and the poles are the same thickness. Lights are ever changing and the HLG650R is good light, but its about to start showing its age. Don't get me wrong, but I sense a change in the force! Lol. To me it appears that longer wider lights with bars are the next wave. They give a more even coverage than a smaller light focuses in the center of the tent. So with that said, compare lights by coverage and not price. Now your comparing a HLG 650R to a Spiderfarmer SE7000 and a Mars Hydro FC6500. The Spiderfarmer is at the back of the pack, and Mars Hydro is the the leader spec wise. Mars Hydro is also $300 cheaper, 5 year warranty. I mean no disrespect to people who like HLG, but compare the two, then if you still want HLG cause its American local, consider the Scorpion Rspec at $900. You can't go wrong with any of these lights in a 4x4 and all can be switched to a larger tent in the future.