DIY kit vs Premade

What are people's thoughts on this? Given the advancement now, with newer very good affordable fixtures out these days?

Is anyone leaning towards the DIY builds for cost? With the par led bulbs. Nano fixtures and lights like the kessil, and a few others to note.

In terms of the different companies, both Cree, bridgelux and Phillips seem to produce results with their bulbs. Cree has been the most efficient, is this still the case?

 

Cree is a little better then the others from what I hear. The kits from Rapid LED are only slightly less then a unti made by Boost Led. Just my thoughts. If you aren;t into customization then I am not sure why you wouldn't just go with Boost over DIY

 

I'm still considering DIY.

There are units available for about the same price, but most are only the chinese built ones. I believe the DIY end result will be higher quality components (and hopefully better finsh), will be able to get the specific mix of LEDs that I want, able to more easily alter the mix or replace elements down the line should the need/want arise.
although the chinese units arent visually extravagant, they do look very tidy compared to some DIYs. I have a feeling that to achieve a finish I'll be happy with the cost may blow out to something near the cost of some higher end lights, but I'm still liking the idea of the flexibility and knowing all the inner workings of my own light.