What light to choose?

alright, so i have a guy who is selling a used, good condition, top of the line 400 watt HPS light from the late 80s, or for around the same price, i could get a modern budget light

what would you say is better? has HPS HID light technology improved significantly in recent years?

what would a good, high quality HPS 400 watt light with kit be worth if its around 20 years old? do they depreciate? what should i pay to buy something like this

Well, a budget one for me would be £50 - £60

If it's 20 years old, i personally wouldnt buy it, i'd rather spend the cash on something thats got all it's safety marks. OR, if he's not asking for alot i'd get it just to add to the collection. I'd pay no more than a tenner though.

hmm, its a hydrofarm, supposedly top of the line when it was made; have they gotten much safer in the intervening twenty years, or could i be secure knowing that if its in good condition and is a quality light then it is safe?

Well, im not sure how much they've come on in terms of safty OR output, but i'd assume a top of the line light should be safe and fine to use - just dont pay too much for it coz it IS very old.

ganjman said:

Well, im not sure how much they've come on in terms of safty OR output, but i'd assume a top of the line light should be safe and fine to use - just dont pay too much for it coz it IS very old.

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alright, heres a picture i got from the guy selling it, what would you guys say this is worth with ballast and fixtures and the like? its about 18 inches square, 400 watt

heres the pic, it needs to be cleaned obviously, but does it look serviceable for someone on a budget?