Kayla Young
People have been getting tanned by the sun, well, since there have been people! There are many benefits to tanning in the sun, and of course significant risks as well.
Many of us spend months and months in wintery cold darkness and have no ability to get a tan in the sun during this time. In these cases, we sun worshippers are forced to get our tan artificially, in a UV tanning bed or tanning booth.
Tanning Beds increase your risk of skin cancer. Know your risks.
Over time, the bulbs on these beds will start to fail, and you’ll need to get replacements. This article looks at the Best Tanning Bed Bulbs available. We also include a buyer’s guide to ensure you’re getting bulbs that are sized properly for your bed.
Let’s start with the Best Tanning Bed Bulbs available, the Wolff Bronzing Sun Plus.
Contents
Best Tanning Bed Bulbs
1. Wolff Bronzing Sun Plus F71 Bronzing
Key Points at a Glance
- Bi-pin with a unique blend of UVA and UBA phosphors (Bronzing Bulbs)
- Quantity Available: 8-32 Bulbs
- 100 Watt power with 800 hours of service life for reflector styles and 1000 for non-reflector styles
- Immediate color with superior darkening power
- Extremely efficient at giving a long-lasting bronze tan
- Provides a gentle, warm temperature and desirable delayed tan
- Tested for safety
- Assurance of Quality Guaranteed
Dimensions
- The dimensions of Wolff Bronzing Sun plus are 69 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches.
- The length is 71″. It has two pins on each end to lock into the tanning bed.
The Details
When it comes to tanning bulbs, the Wolff Bronzing Sun plus tanning lamp is the best for those who are looking for bronzing bulbs. It has a superior wattage system and works both in UVA and UVB. The 100W lamp features a unique blend of UVB and UVA phosphors that produce immediate color.
This configuration mimics real sunlight as closely as possible, provides full-spectrum light, increases Vitamin D production, etc.
With 800 hours of service life and exceptional darkening power, the Wolff Bronzing Sun plus lamp comes at a super-affordable price.
The F71 is a bi-pin tanning lamp that guarantees quality and safety. The size of the lamps is compatible with most tanning beds. The radiation is just perfect – neither too harsh nor too weak.
Easy to handle and lock into the tanning bed with a smart design, these replacement bulbs come in a pack of 24, though they are available in other quantities as well.
These are bronzing bulbs and are designed for pushing your tan to the next level. But they’re designed for people who already have some tan on their skin.
Bronzing bulbs are typically compatible with regular tanning beds, but always check your bed for compatibility.
- Wolff Brand 1000 hour tanning lamps
2. Wolff Dark Tan II Plus F73 HO 100 W Tanning Lamp Bronzing
Key Points at a Glance
- Bronzing Bulbs with great balance of UVA and UVB
- 20-minute power for long-lasting results
- Quantity Available: 8-32 bulbs
- 100 W with 800 hours of service life and F73 end-fitting
- Replaces Wolff Bellarium SA1-10-100W
- RDC Style bulbs
- Lightweight, easy to install, and available with 16 bulbs
Dimensions
- The product dimensions of Wolff Dark Tan II Plus bronzing bulbs are 73 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches.
The Details
Our runner-up pick is the Wolff Dark Tan II bronzing bulb with RDC ends. It provides an excellent, warm temperature for a long-lasting tan. With a service life of 800 hours, these bulbs produce a great tan in 15-20 minute sessions.
It can easily replace Dark Tan, Sunmaster, and Diamond Sun, but as always, confirm compatibility with your bed.
These high-output bronzing lamps are slightly longer in size than Wolff Bronzing Sun Plus and offer better coverage.
Available in a variety of quantities, the product promises a long-lasting luscious tan.
It’s a lightweight and easy-to-install lamp that packs a lot of punch. Customers have praised this bulb for producing a beautiful bronze tan that lasts for days on end. The packaging is well-covered and the bulbs are always in pristine condition.
Available in 100W, the bulbs have quite simple features; however, it stands out for delivering promising results. A 20-minute bronzer that also delivers enhanced UVB for immediate results, Wolff Dark Tan II Plus Bronzing bulb is truly one of the best bulbs out there.
If your bed uses RDC bulb ends, these bulbs are an outstanding choice.
3. Wolff System Wolff Dark Tan II F71-T12 Tanning Bed Bulbs Tanning
Key Points at a Glance
- Higher UVB radiation for immediate tanning (non-bronzing bulbs)
- F71 Bi-pin end fitting with 100-watt bulbs
- Great for starting a new tan
- Better face coverage with a superior bronze tan
- Compatible tanning beds include SunMaster, SunQuest Wolff, SunVision
- Quanitity Available: 16 bulbs
- Great value for a lower price
Dimensions
- The dimensions of Wolff Dark Tan II are 69.4 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches. It comes with a package of 16 bulbs.
The Details
Our favorite standard tanning bulbs are The Wolff Dark Tan II. What makes these bed bulbs unique are their higher UVB rays for a relatively short tanning session.
They are not bronzing bulbs, they’re standard tanning bulbs. Standard bulbs are excellent for those just starting the tanning process, while bronzing bulbs will take an already-tan person to the next level.
Standard bulbs are excellent for those just starting the tanning process, while bronzing bulbs will take an already-tan person to the next level.
It works well on almost all the tanning beds that use reflector lamps like ESB, SunVision, Solar Storm, SunQuest Wolff, Alpha Sun, and Sunsource.
Like our top choice, these bulbs feature Bi-Pin ends.
The bulbs promise better face coverage and an unrivaled dark, golden tan in just a few minutes. It comes in a pack of 16 lamps for quick replacement.
Note that some customers find the bulbs to be too hot. Be careful with these, especially if you have sensitive skin.
They’re easy to install and come in nice, lightweight packaging. Promising a long-lasting tan, these bulbs are great for starting up a tan.
- Great bulb for a home tanning bed
- No hassle shipping insurance
- F71 Bi-pin end fitting, 100 watt bulbs
- Higher UVB for shorter tanning sessions
4. 24 NIB Wolff Diamond Sun Tanning Bed Bulbs F71 100 Watt Bi Pin Tanning
Key Points at a Glance
- Bi pin sun-tanning bed bulbs that can be easily locked in
- Standard bulbs are ideal for first-time users
- Quantity Available: 24 bulbs
- Gentle and economical phosphor blends for a gradual, long-lasting tan
- Available in 80 watt and 100 watt lamps at 1000 hours of service life
- Easy to install and well-packaged
- Manufactured under strict quality control
Dimensions
- The dimensions of the NIB Wolff Diamond Sun Tanning bulbs are 69.4 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches.
The Details
With tanning bulbs, there’s always a risk of burning your skin. Since the bulbs radiate both UVA and UVB rays, the skin may turn red— but gradually it will tan.
However, the Wolff Diamond Sun Tanning Bed Bulbs are specially designed with gentle phosphor blends that help emit just the right amount of UV radiation for a beautiful tan. These bulbs are standard tanning bed lamps, and are excellent for those starting from scratch and working to get color on their skin.
They’re easy to install with 80-100 watt lamps at 1000 hours of service – depending on your preference. The wattage system is ideal for first-time users who want to ease into the tanning experience without burning their skin.
Remember, the goal is to get tan, not burned!
It’s a cost-effective lamp that produces a gradual, long-lasting tan. Make sure your tanning bed supports the F71, bi-pin end-fitting.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Economical phosphor blends.
- Long lasting tans and a cost efficient...
- 20 minute session times.
- 1000 hours expected service life.
5. Brilliance Supreme Bronzer F71T12 8.5% 100W Bipin Tanning Bulbs Bronzing
No products found.Key Points at a Glance
- Reflector bronzer with superior staying power
- Gets the job done in under 10 minutes
- Quantity Available: 6-32 bulbs
- 100 W with a rated service life of 1000 hours
- Ideal for experienced users who want quick bronzing results
- High-quality phosphor blends with a special gas mixture for a long-lasting bronze
- Extremely high UVB lamps with ample amounts of UVA radiation
- Available in HO and VHO types
Dimensions
- The weight of the product is 1 pound.
- The color is blue and the shape of the lamp is tubular.
The Details
No products found.The Brilliance Supreme Bronzer is tailor-made for experienced users who like to tan regularly and use advanced tanning lotions.
Their skin is used to the radiation and can quickly develop a warm, bronze tan. These supreme tanning bulbs do the job in just 8-10 minutes with a rated service life of 1000 hours.
Accompanied by extremely high UVB lamps that radiate an ample amount of UVA, these bulbs are perfect for enthusiastic users who want a deepen their tan in a shorter time.
Using only the highest quality phosphor blends with a special gas mixture and giving better results than other bulbs, these bronzing lamps are a dream come true for advanced users.
However, be careful as the Bipin bulbs get super-hot quickly, which is why there’s a 10-minute restriction set.
Available in a variety of quantities, the product can easily replace Wolff Bronzing Sun Plus, Cosmolux Hi Tan, Mega Sun 8.5, Equator Sun, and Sundance 8.5.
No products found.
Tanning Bed Bulb Buyer’s Guide
Tanning bed bulbs are a necessity for those who have a tanning bed that has been running for a while. For users who are short on time or live in colder regions where the sun rarely shows up, indoor tanning with tanning bed bulbs is the best way to acquire a natural, golden tan.
Indoor tanning using tanning bulbs is ideal for those looking for gorgeous, luscious bronzed skin. Since tanning lamps also emit strong UVB radiation, it triggers the production of vitamin D3, which further enhances the absorption of phosphorous and calcium.
This can be aided with indoor tanning lotion.
Tanning bed bulbs may be needed for those who are treating a skin condition under the care of a doctor, but who can’t lay under the sun. The use of tanning facilities can treat skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, allergic dermatitis, and even psoriasis.
Even when natural sunlight isn’t available, tanning bed bulbs radiate the same UV radiation that can serve as photo-therapy for such users.
Risks of UV Tanning
Tanning bed use increases your risk of skin cancer, especially deadly melanoma, eye damage, etc. This is no joke. Understand your risks when you use a tanning bed, and get informed of the facts.
Spray tanning is safer than UV tanning, and tanning beds are, in our opinion, the worst way to get a tan.
That said, everything in life involves risk of some sort: driving a car, walking across the street, eating lunch. All have risk. Adults should be allowed to make their own decisions on tanning bed use, and we will not judge.
Everything in life involves risk of some sort: driving a car, walking across the street, eating lunch. All have risk. Adults should be allowed to make their own decisions on tanning bed use, and we will not judge.
Important Features to Consider
Many features must be considered before buying replacement tanning bulbs. In order to make sure the bulb is compatible with your tanning bed, you need to inspect its physical characteristics.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to changing tanning bulbs here. But here’s a quick breakdown:
Bi-pin Versus RDC
There are two basic types of tanning bulbs: RDC and Bi-pin.
Most of the bed bulbs mentioned here are bi-pin, which means they have two pins sticking out at the end.
Recessed Double Contact (RDC) is the same as bi-pin, however, they come with an adapter covering the two pins.
Bi-pin bulbs are usually the superior replacement choice as they are compatible with a large number of tanning beds.
The F Number – Bulb Length
You might have noticed the products having “F71” or “F73” attached to their name. This stands for ‘fluorescent”, which is primarily the length of the tanning lamp or bulb.
The most common sizes are F71, F73, and F72. The numbers correspond to their length in inches.
F71 will almost always be bi-pin and are the most common bulbs. The advantage with F71 is that you can buy adapters to convert them to F72 RDC bulbs or F73.
The T Number – Bulb Size
The T Number denotes the width of the bulb. The number is defined as eighths of an inch. For example, T12 is twelve-eighths of an inch, which is also the most common size.
The size of the bulbs influences the coverage and intensity of the UV radiation.
Power in Watts
Each bulb will have power in watts, and the standard power is 100 watts. The higher the wattage, the less time you will have to spend under the glow.
However, it’s important that the wattage power is optimal and not too high as it can end up burning your skin. F71 bulbs with 100w are usually high output and safe.
Length of Use
Keep in mind that tanning bed bulbs will begin to lose their efficiency about halfway through their usable life. They will keep glowing, but won’t produce as much tan.
It’s a good idea to keep a timer by your tanning bed. You may want to test the bulbs from time to time to ensure they’re in good shape.
Bronzing vs Tanning Bulbs
Bronzing lamps have a lower UVB rating, so they result in a slower but darker tan than standard bulbs do. If you’re starting out, use standard bulbs. Once you’ve established your tan, move onto a bronzing bed for darker color.
See our article on tanning beds and bronzing beds for more information.
How often should I change my tanning bed bulbs?
While standard lamps are rated for 1000 hours of service life, it’s best to change the lamps within the 600-700 range. 700 hours, for example, is equal to 2,100 tanning sessions of 20 minutes each.
This can amount to 6 years, provided that you use the tanning bed once per day. Hence, it’s best to change after the first 600-700 hours of usage for the best results.
What Happens if the Bulbs Break During Shipping?
If the bulbs break during shipping, reach out to the seller as soon as possible. The bulbs should be well packed, but clearly these are fragile objects. The seller should replace the damaged bulbs at no cost to you if you notify them in time.
Other Products We Looked At:
Wolff System GoldenBronze Maximum F71T12 100W Bi-pin Tanning Bulbs – Intense Bronze
Another great replacement product by Wolff system, the GoldenBronze Maximum F71T12 is perfect for users who want a gradual, darker tan. Delivering maximum bronze results, the lamps are sized F71T12 Bi-pin and are compatible with most tanning beds.
These can easily replace Dark Tan II Plus, Equator Sun, and Bronzing Sun Plus. This bulb didn’t make it to the top 5 because they’re slower and take a bit more time to show a visible difference.
Rated at a life of 1000 hours at 10-12 minutes each, the bulbs will last you for at least 6-7 years. Durable, lightweight, and easy to install, these bulbs are perfect for both first-timers and advanced tanners.
Key Points at a Glance
- Bi-pin F71T12 end fitting
- Available in a pack of 12 intense bulbs
- Rated at 1000 hours of service life with 100 W power at 10-12 minutes each
- Deliver the perfect blend of UVA and UVB
- Excellent bronzer for a gradual, darker tan
- Can replace Dark Tan II Plus, Equator Sun, Velocity Extreme, and Bronzing Sun Plus
X Power Twister Dual Face and Body Tanning Lamp Kit – F71T12 100 W – Bronzing Bulbs
No products found.The X Power Twister is for users who are looking for an all-round tanning kit. Sized perfectly at F71T12, this Bi-pin bronzing bulb is compatible with most tanning beds like Sunmaster and SunQuest Wolff. The kit includes 12 power dual twist lamps, rated at 1000+ hours of service life.
The lamps stand out for their large surface area, which allows the user to experience greater tanning power. The face lamps are fixed side by side to cover the neck and shoulders for a long-lasting, fast tan.
If you’re looking for a fast bronzer that delivers a darker tan, then this tanning kit is perfect for you.
Key Points at a Glance
- 12 power dual twist lamps with superior UVA and UVB radiation
- Greater surface area for excellent coverage for face, shoulders, neck as well as the entire body
- Super-fast bronzer that doesn’t take time to show results
- Rated at 1000+ hours of service life for 15-20 minutes
- F71T12 Bi-pin fitting that’s compatible with most tanning beds
No products found.
24 NIB Wolff Velocity Plus Tanning Bed Bulbs – F71-100W
24 NIB Wolff Velocity tanning bed bulbs offer great tanning results at an economical price. The main reason why these tanning bed bulbs stand out is that they’re 10% stronger than the standard Velocity tanning bulbs.
The superior rating is ideal for a dark tan in a short time, which makes it perfect for advanced tanners. It emits a greater percentage of UVB rays for darker and golden results without compromising on the UVA velocity.
All in all, this is a great product for users who live in colder regions.
Key Points at a Glance
- F71 bi-pin fitting with 100 watt power
- 1000 hours of expected service life
- Greater percentage of UVB rays for a darker tan
- 10% stronger than standard Velocity tanning bulb
- Free product guide included
Wolff Velocity Extreme F721 100W Bi Pin Tanning Lamp
Just like its name, this bi-pin tanning lamp is an extreme upgrade for ETS tanning beds. The Velocity Extreme offers a high potency of both UVA and UVB rays for short sessions. You can enjoy a nice, dark tan in just a few minutes.
The good thing about these tanning bulbs is that despite being F72, they are bi-pin, making them compatible with most tanning beds. For a faster, darker bronze tan, this product is excellent.
Key Points at a Glance
- F721 100W Bi-Pin fitting with 16 bulbs
- High potency of UVA and UVB rays for a faster, darker tan
- Extreme upgrade for ETS tanning beds
- Shorter sessions with a darker tan
Final Thoughts
This concludes our list of the best tanning bed bulbs. Of all the products we reviewed, our best pick has been Wolff Bronzing Sun Plus F71. It is compatible with most tanning beds, and it delivers an excellent bronze tan in a short time. Greatly loved by all the customers who have tried it, this tanning bulb has unmatched UVA and UVB radiation.
Our runner-up couldn’t have been anything but the Wolff Dark Tan II Plus that truly delivers what it promises. Even when it has a slightly lower service life, it is one of the fastest bronzing bulbs on this list.
And, lastly, our standard bulb pick is none other than Wolff System Dark tan II Tanning bed bulb. They offer such a beautiful tan at a very low price.
