Off Road Light Suggestions

keninsb · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 11:14 PM

I have an ARB Bull Bar that is BEGGING for some off road lights. I don't do a lot of off roading, so I don't want to spend a lot (plus the wife will divorce me if she sees one new mod on the Tundra). Does anyone have any suggestions? What lights are made well but reasonably priced?

Thanks,

Ken

mandzach · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 11:19 PM

i really like the Lightforce blitz 240's (not the HID's)
around $100 each and cool as heck-strong-durable (been saving up for a pair)

also you cant beat Hella's
my experience with KC is not so good- hope this helps

BlueRanger · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 12:01 AM

Totally recomend the lightforces, I had the 170 strikers on my ranger....wow, super bright. Plus you can turn them like a maglight and adjust the beam from fog to spot...and yuo can get different colored lenses to put on (ie yellow for fog), they just snap right on. Super durable, super bright, I definitly recomend them.

S-Man · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 12:08 AM

Why no KCs? I like the little smiley face light cover. I've wanted a set of those since i was a little boy.
4Wheel Parts (which i don't recomment buying from by the way) has some advertised for pretty cheap.
Pro Comp Lights, 8" Round 130 watt from $78 to $130, depending on black or chrome or stainless, or some 5" round 55 watt between $54-$92.
PIAA is wayyyy too proud of their lights. $400 for a set of yellow fogs? I don't think so.
Check around on the internet and find some for cheap.

dezert_rida · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keninsb

I have an ARB Bull Bar that is BEGGING for some off road lights. I don't do a lot of off roading, so I don't want to spend a lot (plus the wife will divorce me if she sees one new mod on the Tundra). Does anyone have any suggestions? What lights are made well but reasonably priced?

Thanks,

Ken

You can get a pair of Hella 500s with the wiring\switch\relay kit and covers for $70 at Pep Boys. They are good enough for what you do.

PagalDesi4Life · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueRanger

Totally recomend the lightforces, I had the 170 strikers on my ranger....wow, super bright. Plus you can turn them like a maglight and adjust the beam from fog to spot...and yuo can get different colored lenses to put on (ie yellow for fog), they just snap right on. Super durable, super bright, I definitly recomend them.

Have you tried the different color lenses? If so, which ones and how do you like them?

keninsb · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 04:53 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys, I really appreciate it. I have been checking out some Hella lights on line and have a question that I cannot seem to find an answer to. If you get a Hella light that comes with a 55w bulb, can you replace it with a 100w bulb? For example: Hella's site shows that they have two types of replacement bulbs made under the brand name "Optilux". The "XP" series is 55 watts and the "XB" series is 100 watts. They don't indicate that you cannot use the 100 watt bulbs in certain lamps, but they do note that the 100 watt bulbs are for "Off road use only". Would the 100 watt bulbs burn the lamp housing?

Thanks again for all the input.

Ken

dyogim · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 06:37 PM

Get the Hella 500 fogs. I liked the wide range it had especially going around corners. I also changed the 55W bulb to a 100W bulb with no problems. There was a slight difference in brightness. They have since been damaged from my accident. I recently bought the Hella 500 driving lights(pencil beam pattern), 55W, and they light up the road ahead really well. I plan to have a pair of both the driving and fog 500. Either set will cost between $60-$70, depending on where you get it. Good on and off-road lights that won't make you broke.

TMS2U · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004, 12:27 AM

Hella 500's or Hella Blackmagics

BlueRanger · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PagalDesi4Life

Have you tried the different color lenses? If so, which ones and how do you like them?

My buddy had a set of 240s on his rig, with 2 clear outers and a yellow in the middle.......hard to belive it was nighttime, when he turned them off I couldnt tell that his headlights were even on. Havent gotten to see the yellow lens in fog yet, so couldnt tell ya there...

Genthar · #11 (**permalink**) 10-10-2004, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PagalDesi4Life

Have you tried the different color lenses? If so, which ones and how do you like them?

I've got the clears, and the yellow diffraction lenses (the ones that force the light into a wide bar). And like BluerRanger said, when they're on, you can't tell if your headlights are on. When you first shut them off, it takes a while for your eyes to readjust to the dim light of the headlights...

Properly adjusted they cut through fog quite well, though they're not legal for on-road usage. I've tried them out when there was nobody around and they are amazing...

keninsb · #12 (**permalink**) 10-17-2004, 06:59 PM

OK, so I ordered some Hella 500 Driving lights. I couldn't find them locally (Pep Boys, etc) so ended up getting them on ebay for $50. I also ordered a set of Hella 100 watt bulbs to put in them for a little extra juice.
I found a cool site for the Hella lights with the best prices around:
http://www.ptcfactoryoutlet.com/
They sell "refurbished" lights as well as new ones. Not sure how the service is but will let you know (they are the same place that I purchased the lights from on ebay).
Thanks for all the suggestions and input.

Ken

jjc · #13 (**permalink**) 10-17-2004, 11:00 PM

I really like my PIAA's, but cheap they are definetly not - I believe mine were around $250 or so, but they work great and have held up well - they look as good as they did a few years ago!