Slim vs retrofit (with bulb adapter) can lighting, my quick review
Didn't see any real A/B comparisons while I was researching. Other than a guy who cut his existing non-hue led can adapter to fit a slim's hookup, so I knew the electrical hookup could easily be done as a mad Frankenstein experiment.
These are the 5/6 inch can lights:1200 lumen 15w for the slim on the left vs 1100 lumen 13w for the retrofit that uses the bulb socket adapter on the right.
Bugged me that the face designs are different. Started off with the retrofits then went with the slims. Slims MIGHT fit in your cans depending on the can. My can was just a millimeter or so too small, so I ended up having to remove the can. Kinda a pita but I had easy access in my attic. Also, the slims are just a hair narrower than the retros, so you have even less wiggle room to hide any ceiling imperfections that were under the trim of your existing can lights.
Was the change up to the slim for imo a cleaner look while it's off worth it? Oh heck no. Did it make any measurable difference in light scenes? Oh heck no. Was I glad I at least tried it out and satisfied my curiosity? You betcha!
Yes, I know the slims are kinda a downgrade, as a true recessed light is the best to avoid glare, but these are just for patio entertainment duty, so I was okay with experimenting.