ANY advantage to a pulse start ballast?

[runway1]

Is there any advantage at all to pulse start ballasts? I bought dual 175W MH and the vendor suggested to upgrade to the pulse start because I'd have a wider choice of bulbs.

Is this true?TIA[/u]

[reefrunner69]

Is there any advantage at all to pulse start ballasts?

Sure is, some bulbs won't light without one

[runway1]

I understand that. Given the bulb works, any advantages? E.g. lifespan, heat, color quality, etc. TIA.

[reefrunner69]

Not that I am aware of, to my knowledge it just starts the lamp different. As noted though some lamps (which you might want) requre one.

[captivereefs]

I would stick with pulse start as this is what most MH bulbs require to fire and a probe start bulb on a pulse start ballst is going to shorten the lifespan of the bulb.