GrowCNanswered grow question 3 years ago I would only consider the more modern, white style. If no other reason the plants look natural under the white light which makes it much easier to spot problems. Burple (the older style lights that produce a blinding alien purple/pink glow) make the plants look black.
When shopping look at the ACTUAL power consumed by the light. Many lights, especially the cheaper ones advertise crazy "equivalent" wattage number. I like to have at least 250 real watts per square meter if it's power is adjustable. Then you can adjust the power down as needed but you have the horsepower to crank it up during flower for big production.