I can't speak to the quality of the bulb, although if I had a use for it, I would probably try it. HTG is a very reputable vendor. I have used them several times myself. Only one time did they mess up on an order and they made it right and then some very quickly. Another time they upgraded two light systems with the next higher quality ballasts and bulbs at no extra cost (about 250 usd) because the ones I ordered were not in stock.