LED lighting buzz marketing is one of the biggest smoke and mirrors sham out there.
There is no “best”, “better” etc. Purchase what’s going to work for you. Just because it’s more money, doesn’t mean jack shit in many cases. Just because a lighting fixture uses “Meanwell” power supply’s doesn’t make it better. Driver failures make up less than .05% of horticulture lighting.
Just because it’s 700W, won’t make it “better” in most cases. Especially in anything less than a 5X5’ area.
A lighting fixture with LM301B/H diodes and a true 500W, is going to generally perform up to 99% as well as any other fixture. You can find these now for under $450.00.
A light that can cover your area and maintain 750-950ppfd, is about the most anyone can use growing as hobbyists in reality. 75% of a healthy plant, will come from food and proper environment.
I grown perpetually for 4 years indoors, and harvest well over 10lbs per year with three 500W (100%) lighting fixtures. I’ve used many light fixtures and recorded data on everything involved in my grow cycles.
My current in-use three $369.00 (on sale) 500W lighting fixtures perform flawlessly every time.
My 4’X4’ photoperiod tent harvests always yield at least 1.5g/watt with 4 plants. No extra CO2 suppliment, no fancy UV addition etc.
As long as the dimensions, output, diodes desired, and price are in your favor……. Purchase the light. Hardly anyone growing at home needs to spend more than $500.00 on a single light fixture these days. 4-5 years ago. Sure…..
Here’s a current cam shot of this tent grow. These girls are always happy, on day 24 of flower (61 days from sprout), and I’m expecting between 26-30oz. They are 42-55” tall.