Earthmate EP2357AE 23-Watt Spiral CFL Full Spectrum Bulb, 6 Pack

First, I would give this bulb 5 stars if the description was correct, and will happily change my rating if that is fixed! The problem is that these are not "super mini" bulbs. Earthmate does make a 2700K super mini bulb that is 4.6" long, but the only 23W full-spectrum bulb they list, at 5" long, is this one. (The actual model number for this bulb is E2357AE on their website, which matches the individual units of the 6-pack.)These bulbs are fairly pricey compared to the average 23 watt full-spectrum bulb, and I paid the extra money partially based on the assumption that these would be smaller.Now, on to actually reviewing the product! The bulbs are average sized, and should fit in most lamps and fixtures; however, I did have one fixture where they were just a bit too long to fit. The brightness and coloration are excellent; they seem to put out a bit more light than other 23W full-spectrum bulbs I have. The CRI is 88; not the highest around but very good. The light is extremely close to my ALZO bulbs, which are still my favorite full-spectrum bulbs (other than the fact that they're huge and don't fit in most things!) The bulbs turn on to a fairly decent brightness and fully warm up very quickly. I've noticed zero buzzing or flickering.Overall, I'd say these are the best 23W full-spectrum bulbs I've tried that are "normal" sized, which is the only thing that kept me from just returning the 5-pack despite the size issue. (Yes, 5-pack, since one of my bulbs was DOA. Amazon was nice enough to offer a partial refund for that bulb, which I decided was better than shipping all six bulbs back and forth.) They're also a bit expensive as noted; the price would be more in line if they were actually smaller as claimed.(I did contact Amazon with links to the manufacturer's information in hopes that they fix the description and/or stock actual "super mini" bulbs, assuming Earthmate actually makes them in a full-spectrum version! I would love to have this product in a smaller version, if it exists...)Sep 7 edit: Down to 4 working bulbs after having these bulbs in for 4 days. :( The one that just died was in a fixture paired with another of the same... I'm going to give them another couple weeks and see if any more die before I decide whether to return them or have them all replaced. It's possible it was shipping damage since the outer box arrived crushed (though the product box was fine), so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.Oct 4 edit: I had the bulbs replaced a couple weeks ago. Whoever packed them wasn't too bright, since he or she just stuck a FedEx label on the product box without any extra packaging! Not cool for shipping light bulbs, Amazon. Only 4 bulbs arrived working, certainly due to shipping damage this time. Fortunately Amazon told me to do whatever with the first shipment rather than return it, so I have 8 working bulbs now, which I can't complain about since no more have died since then. (Of course, they're still not "super mini" as listed, so my review remains at 2 stars instead of 5.)

These lights have exceptionally good light output. I bought the 30 Watt version and they were too bright when I used them in a light fixture with 5 lamp sockets. These are still rather bright in the same 5 socket light fixture, but acceptable. The light output will become a little less with time. When compared to an incandescent bulb, these appear to be pure white and the standard bulb a weak yellow glow by comparison. Once you adapt to these full spectrum bulbs, you cannot go back to standard incandescent bulbs. Now I am replacing incandescent bulbs in all areas of my new house except in areas of low usage or places the bulbs will not fit. These bulbs will fit in most fixtures, however. I am replacing the fixture in my garage to put some 45 Watt full spectrum bulbs into a cluster light fixture. I live in the Houston, Texas area so cold weather is not normally a problem. Fluorescent bulbs often are weak in light output in cold weather until they warm up after a few minutes. When warm, they work fine. I have not tried this particular bulb series in a cold soak environment yet. The payoff should come this summer when electric bills are at their peak. These bulbs are very efficient and produce a lot less heat than incandescent bulbs. I look forward to the day that LED bulbs become affordable and brighter, but for now, this is the way to go. Definitely avoid the so called warm white fluorescent bulbs in the stores. Order only full spectrum CFL bulbs or those rated 51K or 55K or anything in the 5000 to 6000 Kelvin light spectrum. I would avoid the bulbs in the 6000 Kelvin range. They probably have too much of a blue shift. The 51K or 5100 Kelvin bulbs are perfect. Then it is just a matter of selecting the wattage you want. For multiple bulb fixtures, these 23 Watt bulbs are perfect. For single bulb fixtures, you probably want a higher power bulb than these. I am using a 45 Watt 51K fluorescent bulb over my breakfast nook and it is just right. These full spectrum bulbs are great for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) people like me. I get winter depression when it is cloudy and bleak for a long time. Normally Houston has plenty of sunshine, but this winter has been unusually cold. Well, at least I am not in the frozen north. This is quite a switch for me because I just moved from the San Francisco area.

These bulbs make my room (painted blue) look absolutely vivid and beautiful, specially compared to my previous 27K CFL lightbulbs.I have ALZO 55K lightbulbs, love it so decided to change all my 27K CFL lightbulbs to 55K in my first floor. ALZO bulbs are way too big to fit most of my light fixtures. These ones are perfect size.I like to comment is the Amazon's service. Amazon sent me the package, the first shipment was wrong items, 27K bulbs. I returned and asked for replacement. Amazon shipped me the right one but with two broken light bulbs. I was not happy but not mad since this is the only issue I ever had with Amazon in my last few years. I bought all from Amazon unless it does not carry.Amazon shipped me the replacement with no charge. The person even opened the package to make sure no broken light bulbs, then wrapped an extra protection layer before putting into a already very good packaging box.I will buy more when I replace my another light fixture next month.Updated.I have changed the rating to 3 from 5. One of the six bulbs just burned out after only 2 months usage.