T5 HO Ballasts?

[cyber_ecco]

Hello,

Setting up DIY T5 HO lights in my canopy. I'm just wondering what kind of ballasts I should get. I am considering getting the Workhorse ballast or the Sylvania Osram ballasts with the soft start feature. From what I have read the Osram ballasts improve bulb life compared to the instant start Workhorse. Just wondering what you guys use and which do you recommend. I'm not sure if the Osram is worth the price difference. How much better is the Osram really? Thanks for any help.

 

[tatkinson]

Sort of a tough question. Not knowing exactly which two ballasts are being compared I, personally, would go with the Osram. The Osrams are generally more specific and run in tighter spec where the workhorses try to be all things to all people. If you think you may be changing bulb types/wattage later the workhorse may be a better bet since they tend to cover a wide set of applications. If this is going to be it and you want the ballast that is going to drive your particular application best I would go with a properly spec'd Osram.

If it was for some fixture in my garage I'd def save the coin and go with the workhorse but if I wanted the better ballast and my tubes to be run as close to spec as possible I'd go Osram. Not saying "oh my god don't touch the workhorse" I just think the Osram is a better ballast and is actually worth the money. Just my opinion.

 

[cyber_ecco]

Basically I need to drive 6 24" 24W bulbs. So I can either get 1 Workhorse 8 ballast or 3 2X24W Osram ballasts. Needless to say the price difference is almost 3X to go with the Osrams. I'm willing to spend the money if its really that much better, but if its just a preference thing and not really performance difference then I would rather save the $ and go with the Workhorse.

 

[Racing1]

I would go with the osram's. They will drive the bulbs closer to spec and give them longer life in the long run...

 

[mech]

where is a good place to get osram ballasts?