Always hear talk about bulbs. Been doing an non-scientific test for several years. Done just for ME and sharing with you. It's only my opinion now. One goes through some bulbs over time. Also have that one hard to get to bulb on my house.
Bottom line way to many variables . The inconsistency's in products today.. ( Mexico , Indonesia , China...yes USA) fixtures , conditions , typical applications. One must read packaging back and front. Only front in large print years life the back small print (*) hours of use . Most of use 12hrs with a timer. Will never see all them years... A good porcelain fixture helps with the heat , Also good timer , surge protector all that helps the ARL.
I have a zoo med splash proof turtle bulb never turned off on my house with high quality porcelain socket still going three years. On/off kills bulbs ! Too bad better filaments not used , but that would take out the profit company's make on re sale bulbs. Smith Soane has a Thomas Edison bulb that still works ,never turned off. Yes very low wattage but works ! Must have been one with heavy filament before made cost effective?
HID's mercury vapor longest lasting but high cost 10,000-20,000 hrs.
Zoo med splash proof and halogen PAR30 about same life and cost 2500 hrs.
incandescent well cheapest 700-2000 hrs.
***ALSO found plug-ins last longer than screw-based***
Now cost I found almost the same over 3-4 years : one mercury vapor whereas several of other types. SORRY NO MIRICAL BULB !
Today only say shop around be careful reading. Different parts of country has very different prices. Internet shopping helps ! That is until technology gets better.
Anyone found out any thing more or less please let me / us know.