the best off road lights EVER!!!
12-02-2011, 10:55 AM
#23
Originally Posted by Riptide
LEDs are getting better, but bang for buck (and performance) is still going to be HIDs. Even a cheap HID will outperform most halogen lights. But it really comes down to what you're using them for, and what your budget is. But personally I wouldn't touch a halogen light for anything other than a backup light - and even then I picked up a used Vision X LED on the cheap for this.
If you want long range (to reach way down the highway), find some HID spots. If you're looking for something wide with some distance, find a driving beam. If it's closer stuff for the trail... pretty much whatever.
Eagle Eye makes some affordable 50w HIDs. And I was impressed with their 35w ones, and would love to get my hands on one of these to test. Another brand is HIDx. It's a small 4" light, and pumps out a ton of light. You won't get the reach that the EE HIDs will, but it's a nice wide beam pattern.
Your best bet is to find someone who has some lights and personally see what they can do. I can rave about some lights all day long... but my opinion as to what a "great" light some light is, could be VERY different to what you're opinion is... And trust me, it can be an expensive habit to have...
I've done some reviews on the ones I've used (still haven't done anything on the LF ones). But the lights that still impressed me the most were the Eagle Eye 35w spots. They've since come out with a more compact light and 50w units, and I believe they now have a clear cover/rock guard. These will likely be the ones I look at when I outfit the new 2012.
If you want long range (to reach way down the highway), find some HID spots. If you're looking for something wide with some distance, find a driving beam. If it's closer stuff for the trail... pretty much whatever.
Eagle Eye makes some affordable 50w HIDs. And I was impressed with their 35w ones, and would love to get my hands on one of these to test. Another brand is HIDx. It's a small 4" light, and pumps out a ton of light. You won't get the reach that the EE HIDs will, but it's a nice wide beam pattern.
Your best bet is to find someone who has some lights and personally see what they can do. I can rave about some lights all day long... but my opinion as to what a "great" light some light is, could be VERY different to what you're opinion is... And trust me, it can be an expensive habit to have...
I've done some reviews on the ones I've used (still haven't done anything on the LF ones). But the lights that still impressed me the most were the Eagle Eye 35w spots. They've since come out with a more compact light and 50w units, and I believe they now have a clear cover/rock guard. These will likely be the ones I look at when I outfit the new 2012.
12-03-2011, 06:14 AM
#24
JK Super Freak
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Originally Posted by Work in Progress - JK
I like my KC slimline w/s mount lights, right price, easy to install, good instructions and if I break one; easy to replace.
<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=222487"/>
<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=222487"/>
12-03-2011, 09:00 AM
#25
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I just picked up 2 sets of Piaa 520's. Ion crystal fog for bumper and atp's on the windshield. Great quality and lifetime warranty. Will be putting on this weekend
12-03-2011, 10:59 AM
#26
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I like my KC slimline w/s mount lights, right price, easy to install, good instructions and if I break one; easy to replace.
Attachment 222487
Attachment 222487
12-03-2011, 11:15 AM
#27
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Originally Posted by greenenvey
no i dont have them!!
just wondered what light you have or have had that really impressed you ! i know there is alot of them to choose from but i want to hear from people that have used a few of the diffrent brands and one really stuck out as being the britest!
just wondered what light you have or have had that really impressed you ! i know there is alot of them to choose from but i want to hear from people that have used a few of the diffrent brands and one really stuck out as being the britest!
. Attachment 244876
12-03-2011, 01:17 PM
#28
Originally Posted by Riptide
Reliable as what? Other than 1 cheap set of ballasts I got from China, I've never had a light not turn on when I flicked the switch, and I've been using various HIDs for over 2 years, in extreme temps (+40c and -50c). As for the 'controlled light' that's all going to depend on the brand that you get, and how well they designed the reflector. It's the exact same as your RR LEDs. If they've done a good job on the reflector, then it'll put light where they want it. If they haven't, then it'll look like crap.
I'm not knocking LEDs, as they certainly have their place, and they're only getting better. But the OP asked about the brightest lights out there. That's still going to be HIDs.
What is Lumen?
Lumen is a unit of measuring the light output, brightness, of a source. Traditional halogen headlight produces 900 - 1100 lumens, while HID outfitted headlight outputs up to 2600 lumens. Depending on the ballast some HID may be less than 2600 lumens.
Rigid industries dually d2-2600+ lumens
Rigid industries 10" sr light bar 3200+ lumens
Rigid industries 50" sr light bar 18,000+ lumens
These are facts. As far as the cheap hid you are referring to what is the return policy 3 months after you bought them? Better yet 1 or 2 years down the road? Rigid is lifetime, no questions asked. Another common problem with hid is the warm up time & flickering. Anyone is welcome to check my facts, but led, if you can afford it, is the way to go
12-03-2011, 02:15 PM
#29
Originally Posted by Riptide
Fact's, opinions and some falsehoods... but whatever works right?
I added a bit more info for you (taken off of Riged's site).
HIDs go well beyond 2600 lumens. The cheap ones I've had for over 2 years now are 3200 lumens, and Vision X has HIDs that have 5000 lumens. And I'm sure if I keep looking I'll find more... The Rugged Ridge 4" HIDs that I've have had for over 2 years now (and have been in +40c, -50c (and worked well I might add)), and along every trail I've attempted.
You can stick a crazy bright light in a crappy reflector and be no better off (see HIDs in our stock reflectors). In an aftermarket HID light, there is zero flicker. You get that in the headlights due to the CanBus system and how it pulses power. I'm not talking headlights, I'm talking aftermarket lights. Yes there's a few seconds of warm up while they go from bright to very bright (my 75w HIDs are about 10-15 seconds from on to full brightness). LED wins hands down here.
Return policy is based on what brand you buy and where you buy them. If Rigid offers a lifetime warranty, good for them.
I think you're still missing the point here. I'm not knocking LEDs, or Rigid. I'm sure they make a great product. But to date HID is still cheaper and still puts out more light, and puts it out there further than an LED can. LED technology just isn't there yet, and you talking them up won't change that.
It's all dependent on what ones needs are... but you're taking this, and saying LEDs/Rigid wins hands down, they're the best, etc. And use them for everything. I'm just pointing out that this isn't true. What one wants/needs for lights is going to depend on what they want and need them to do. And LED isn't always the answer (neither is HID for that matter).