High Power fluorescent lamps like VHO 96”, Power Grooves and other Euro VHOs counterparts. All of them shows their aging signs and life and thats interesting to see. I also like Circlines, T12 and T5.

Here is my preference for fluorescent lighting

Fixtures:
 1. Louvered and parabolic fixtures
 2. Turret and shop light fixtures and strip lights
 3. Vapour proof fixtures
 
Lamps
3000k in the house and 4000k in the barn
All of the shop t8 fixtures are running Philips instant-fit led tubes during winter

Ballast:
1. F40T12 preheat
2. F32T8 instant start
3. F40T12 rapid start

Not really all that into fluorescents, but I do have a soft spot for BC cap tubes, I had a 5ft 80W one on my window sill when I was little 

For me, just your standard linear fluorescents, be it T12, T8, or T5.
(And I do love in particular oddball colors of lamps for their different/coolness factor)

For general use though, 3000k in living spaces, and 6500k as a 2nd option.

I'm only a fan of T12 tubes, I've never had much interest in T8s.
As far as color Im strictly daylight 6500K but I'm a huge fan of blue tubes for decorative purposes.
With ballasts I'll use magnetic and electronic.
Yeah I know electronic isn't popular around here but they do have some advantages.
Still in terms of reliability you just can't beat magnetic!
Magnetics from Advance seem to be pretty good but Universal Therm-O-Matics are the ones that will be around for the long haul.
As far as fixtures I really like those industrial fixtures that are basically strip lights with the rounded reflectors on both sides.
I prefer GE tubes but I definitely have a weakness for Westinghouse black enders.
I certainly like rapid starts but I always try to use slimlines as I feel that the spring loaded sockets are of much better construction.