Downlights, downlights, downlights, which one to choose?! Here at Polar-Ray.com, we carry three manufacturers offering downlights: Cree, Halo and Sylvania. A downlight is just that, a light engineered to fit within a recessed lighting fixture (sometimes called a can or can light, high hat, or top hat) which directs the light down. To understand the specifics of a downlight, let's begin with a quick overview of the recessed lighting system.

Traditional recessed lighting solutions require three items: 1) a recessed can housing (the metal fixture which encases your bulb and provides for safe electrical connections), 2) a trim (the visible part of the fixture which rests against your ceiling thanks to tension clips attached to the housing body and which holds the baffle. The trim and baffle are often white but can also be decorative or reflective with anodized, black, specular finishes, etc) and finally 3) the bulb. Of course, one could easily replace this third component, the standard incandescent or halogen bulb, with an LED such as the CREE LRP-38. However, a more cost effective and streamlined process would be to consider using an LED downlight.

Typically, most of our LED downlights offer incorporated trim rings. This means that the entire lighting unit is one piece resulting in a very simple install: First install the housing (if not already in place), next screw in the LED Edison base or attach the Halo connector and insert the LED lamp into the housing. This makes for ease of install and saves a few extra dollars in trim expense. But not to worry, the CREE lines offer optional baffle and trim accents - here's to the freedom of creative design! I should note that our Halo 600 and CREE LR4 series both stand out from the crowd - these lines do require a trim (great for customization). And quite a few options exist to personalize the look. Today, however, I offer to compare some of our most popular models: The CREE CR6, Halo RL7 and Sylvania RT6....all very similar....so which one is best?

My first answer to this question: which do you prefer? And thus, I present the following chart to provide a direct comparison. From lumens to dimming capacity, we find a few subtle differences. Thus, depending on your application, one might prove "better" than another. All said and done, each of these models tested well within both user reviews and our own rigorous product analysis. The most apparent differences in these three lights will be found in color temperature (which do you prefer and which suits your overall room design?), dimming capability (if required), output, and trim appearance (do you prefer a smooth finish, any options, any textures?). If you still can't decide, don't forget about our thirty day return policy....and feel free to call, we are always happy to help.