Compact HPS -vs- Separate ballast & reflector

just wondering what the differences are between the compact hps systems with the ballast enclosed in the reflector & the regular systems with the ballast & refector separate

It seems like they are even a little cheaper

any input?

The remote ballast can be mounted in another room to cut down on heat. Also you can mount your light in a vented hood to cut down on the heat from it as well. What if you buy a 400 watter and then decide that you want to go up to a 600? Well you buy a new ballast and bulb and use the same cord set and vented hood and you are good to go. There are a lot of reason these are the ones that I came up with in about 30 seconds.

good stuff

You can buy an HPS security lamp from Lowes for $35 and extend the wires a bit to get the transformer out of the grow chamber. That also allows you to make your own reflector and mount the bulb horizontally.

Edit That is assuming your working a small grow. I havent seen large HPS for sale there.