Customer Reviews

Evolution 20 Watt CF Full Spectrum Fluorescent Bulb

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These bulbs produce nice clean full-spectrum light. At first, the difference between the light of the conventional bulbs I replaced with these was strange. But I quickly became accustomed to it; it is much better for doing things in, whether it be brushing your teeth, using a computer or reading. But that wasn't my motivation for purchasing them. I wanted energy efficient bulbs which are long-lived. The bulbs give off much less heat than a regular one. I am able to use the equivalent of a 75 watt conventional bulb in lamps with paper covers. How much more energy efficient and long-lived they are, I do not know yet. They were recommended by Coop America for energy efficient lighting. So for now, I'm taking their word these truly are long-lived, energy efficient bulbs.

Consider this though, as should the distributor if they want to successfully retain customers. The bulb itself is very fragile compared to a conventional bulb. When screwing these ones in, you *must* do it carefully manipulating only the base. Otherwise the bulb will break. I ruined one bulb this way. Also these bulbs are not compatible with dimmer switches. I ruined another using it with a dimmer switch. The distributor sells some that are compatible with dimmer switches.

The main problem, which resulted in the ruin of two expensive bulbs, is these bulbs came arrived with no documentation. This led me to expect they could be handled and used like regular bulbs. As I've mentioned, they can't. As for not being compatible with dimming switches, there was a warning on the bases of the bulbs in lettering so small I didn't notice it until after I had ruined the bulb and looked at it more closely. These bulbs are relatively expensive. Although the seller kindly offered to replace the ruined bulbs with the implicit condition I retract my negative review, I felt ethically bound to refuse their offer. So here is the result. Hopefully the seller will learn from this, so they don't have to offer to replace bulbs.

I just got four of these things, and installed them in a few choice locations in my apartment. Lets just say that after 5 minutes, I've gone around and counted all of my other incandescent bulb holders, and will be replacing all of them with these!

These things are great. I love the full spectrum light - you'll immediately notice the difference. After just a few minutes, I now hate all my old standard incandescent lighting - the yellowish "hue" they give off doesn't hold a candle to the pure light that these full-spectrum compact fluorescents put out. And I should add that I'd been using "higher-end" GE Reveal incandescent bulbs .. but these full spectrum compact fluorescents put them to shame. Not to mention that they'll last 10x as long - I used to hate having to make sure I had a constant stock of GE Reveal bulbs, as they don't last very long at all.

And on top of all that, it feels good that I'm now entering the ranks of the countless eco-friendly, responsible citizens already out there who have already switched to more power-friendly lighting.

There are some caveats though to these bulbs - there's a big warning on them about not using them in totally enclosed recessed lighting fixtures, and they are also not for use with dimmer switches. When I installed them, I did so carefully, making sure I twisted them in from the base (which is large and easy to do).

Give these things a try. You won't be disappointed.

The trouble with fluourescent bulbs, which is never mentioned in the packaging, is that they are not designed for enclosed fixtures such as are commonly installed in many homes. So if you have a glass enclosure around the bulb, it will burn out way sooner due to the higher operating temperatures in such an environment. It should be illegal to sell these without a plain warning to that effect. However, if used properly, these are really great bulbs and will last a long time.

Very power efficient. Helps prevent Winter SADS in Alaska. Improves mood during long Winter darkness. Recommend.

The nice thing about these bulbs is that you can use them to get more light in fixtures that say "DO NOT USE OVER 60 WATTS!". As long as they fit (and this can be an issue since they are a little bigger than a standard bulb), you can use them in these lower wattage fixtures and get more light for the area, since a 25 watt bulb is equal to 100 watts (I think that's right, something like that), these bulbs are great for getting more light in these lower watt fixtures.

Also, these bulbs put out a much more natural light, not the yellowish light of normal incandescents, and not the flickery light of regular flourescent tubes.

These have no visible flicker and instead of fatiguing the eyes like regular flourescent tubes do, these actually make you feel better because they don't flicker and replicate natural sunlight (minus the UV).

I don't know if they will last as long as they are supposed to, but even if they last half that long, they are worth it!

Highly recommended, and also this company ships them well packed, and I have heard that even if they break in shipping, the company will re-ship you new ones at no cost.

I bought this item in hopes of being more "green", but what a disappointment. The light given off by these bulbs is blue and cold. I would never use it indoors. Maybe it's suitable for a garage, attic or an underused basement space.

They work nice, and give a nice daylight balanced light for color sensitive applications.