Boards get a little hot in the middle while bars do not have this issue. This is because there is much more airflow in bars, so it gets less heated. With less heat, that also means you can get the lights closer to your canopy. Boards are usually 2ft or so to canopy, bars can go closer. In the end, depends on it space and what you're trying to get out of it. Just know that boards get a little bit warmer than bars -- consider that with the environment you're growing in.