Not trying to pick on anyone, but I saw the word reflector mentioned in the same sentence as CFL's...

Quote Originally Posted by ForgetClassC
So back to this bulb we are speaking of. If we take this bulb, and place it into an actual reflector, ...with efficient reflectors, and still have them very close, due to the fact that CFL light can not penetrate the canopy...
The 26w CFL's don't put-out enough lumens to be effective in a reflector or hood. The distance from bulb to reflector, added to the distance from that reflector surface to the plant...is too far for the light to travel and still be effective.

In my opinion, CFL's in reflectors are basically a waste of money and they trap heat. (which we have convienently placed close enough to burn the plants) What would you gain in reflected lumens at a bulb distance of 4 inches, when the bulb is an additional 2 inches from bulb? (hint: it's not even worth doing the math it would take to figure it out)
Higher wattage CFL's (and HID lighting) would benefit from the use of reflectors, but their effective light extends much further than the 26 watters.

Regardless of the reverse inverse double half-gainer with a half-twist law...does anyone in here doubt that a 26w CFL is ineffecient and ineffective at 12 inches? How about 8 inches? I'd rather add another bulb or two, and not worry about it.