Could be Sativa Dom. and have smaller buds but more trippy head high. The lights will have a factor for sure. I use CFL also, but a HPS would blow yo mind!

His could have better genetics, it was probably healthier than yours was most the time. A lot of things play factor. It's your first indoor plant, you had problems, many, so don't be too shocked if it doesn't produce or size up to your buddies.

Also when did he start flowering? When he switched the lights or when he saw flowers?