Depends on the supplier.
You get some H-beam rods which are ligther than I-beam rods, but resitances from the I-beam is better.
But to break a H-beam rod is not easy, only saw it when you had some malfunction of the oil supply system.
For my Fiat Uno I bought X-beam rods (original Pauter) - expensive but years ago.
Nowadays I would buy cheaper rods (not the cheapest, checked rods from some dealers - which I can visit when something is strange

)
For me the I-beam, A-beam (is different to I!) or X-beam looking much cooler than H-beam

Price differences depends on the source! At the main stream brands (VAG, Opel etc.) I would buy them in a package together with pistons from some Tuner for a acceptable price, you know?!
Please ask you guy which cleaner he used.
I know cleaner which can clean the pistons easily, but the coating often is also "cleaned" after this.