Current Professional Lighting MVR175/VBU/MEDPA High Intensity Discharge Quartz Metal Halide Light Bulb, BD17 (6 pack)

It is not easy to compare the performance of various brands of these bulbs, at least not easy if they light up the first time. All of these bulbs grow dim over a long period of time, so objective comparison between brands is not easy. So, precisely for this reason I believe in the wisdom of buying GE or Sylvania brand bulbs in order to have some assurance of real quality control that these big name brands most likely imply. These old-line corporations have the history, resources, and experience to do it right - assuming they choose to. And they have a reputation to protect. It isn't so easy to have that same confidence about the no-name bulbs from Asia. The GE and Sylvania bulbs might be from the same Chinese factories, but production is probably done to more careful standards, with appropriate testing of sample product. The no-name bulbs might well be bulbs that didn't pass GE inspection standards.All that being said, I give only four stars because one of the six bulbs that arrived in my shipment did not work. It would not ignite at all. But after only one email to the vendor, they replied in less than 24 hours that they would credit me a refund for 1/6 of my purchase price. That was a good solution to me, as the sixth bulb was a spare anyway. It was the resolution that I asked for, as I would prefer that they not waste shipping by inefficiently sending me one replacement bulb. I would also rather receive a bulb that doesn't work at all than receive one that doesn't make its rated life light output.Be sure to test every bulb for correct operation within the first 30-days after receipt of your shipment in case you need to ask for a refund for a bad bulb.

I'm using this light with a 400W switchable digital ballast which allows me to use both MH and HPS lights in order to accommodate my plants in the different stages of their life cycles.This light works as advertised and gives out a warm glow which emulates the later (flowering) stages for plants akin to later summer/fall.One word of note. In order to get the most life out of any of these bulbs (MH/HPS) be sure to wear rubber nitrile gloves whenever handling these lights. Never touch them barehanded as the oils in your hand will significantly reduce the overall life of the bulb.

Bulbs are bright, great product & quantity for the price

I bought this bulb to replace a 30-year old high powered blacklight spot light appliance. I had to rewire the apparatus and was a little nervous the bulb would not work. When I powered on the device the bulb started the warm up process, from my understanding takes up to 5-minutes before reaching full brightness, and it has been working flawlessly. I would buy bulb again with out any hesitation.

I was using a similar GE for veg and flower with great results, but they stopped making that version. So opted for these as they appeared really close and they have not disappointed me in the slightest and seem just as good as the older ones. And for the price I don't think they can be beat.

A quality HID lamp. I have used several brands, and the GE stands out in my opinion. 12 hours on, 12 hours off - day after day without detectable dimming for at least 6-7 months.

Worked great

good price, works as expected.