Hi guys. I'm in the market to get some bulbs. I have bought some ikea ones in the past but the ones in Logan at the moment have been out of stock and they're apparently being replaced by new ones.
The ebay ones look good for customising options e.g. 12 or 15W, 45-60 Degree ones like this guy. So there's a view options to buy from AU for a relatively affordable price.
Thing is I'm not sure if you guys might be buying them from any other locations online or instore. Would appreciate any insights.
You can look at MyLED, they have a deal now which ends today. link: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/153609
Just be aware that if you are going to buy cheap, no-brandname-attached, China GU10's, that you really have to throw any quoted LED-lifespan figures out the proverbial window.
Those numbers will be completely irrelevant for any cheap GU10's that you buy.
Courtesy of the (considerable) heat generated in the whole unit, the cheap - internal - transformer components used in the GU10's are likely to fail way before the LED's numbers are up.
My guess is that you would be looking, realistically, at about 10,000hrs. Maybe 15K max. if you were (exceptionally) lucky in relation to the manufacturer of cheapies you bought.
The safest option is to get bulbs manufactured by well known companies such as Philips and Osram. Since these are mains voltage you can't take risks with potentially dodgy manufacturing. Also, unless tested indepedently I would take the makers' claims of brightness with a pinch of salt.
Have the Bunnimgs Click branded GU10s. They're not too bad. They're a bit dimmer than 50w halogens, but have a broad beam so don't have a bright patch of light. They're quite well priced too!
There's a thread on Whirlpool which rates LED globes - these ones had a good bang for buck rating.
they're pretty expensive.
you could try to get the free government ones, but they're probably too dim to be practical.
Still an option though.
I know chinese gadget websites sell them at pretty low prices, but they may not be good quality. (dealextreme, buyincoins, focalprice)
Personally I'm staying with halogen for mine.