[afcajun]

Like the title says, for off road lights to mount on my aftermarket bumper or on my future overhead light mounting apperatus (not sure what it will be yet) is it necessary to pay a fourtune for off road lights? Are they really that much better? I'm sorta leaning twoards KC's because they are priced in the middle of the expensive rediculasly priced ones and the obviously cheap ones. I'd like to hear the openions from you guys that have direct experience with different lights of different price ranges. I haven't researched lights too much yet just wanted to ask this question to determine a place to start my search. Thanks for any info.

 

[Dyingyak]

It depends on what your looking for, I've had Hella 500s, KC Daylighters, and now ProComp 150w lights. The only reason I like the ProComps is because I got them on such a good deal, buy one get one free, but they definately have the cheapest construction. I have had to paint them twice and I've had them a little over two years. The KCs were good but just didn't give out the light pattern I was looking for. Some time in the future I'm probably going to pick up a set of Lightforce 170 strikers. I am yet to read a single negative review about them and the features are awesome! Adjustable beam pattern, like a mag light, and the ability to change the filters for different colors and spreads.

http://www.lightforceusa.com/rmdl170.html

 

[mudferret]

I've got Hella 500's, and couldn't be happier with them, aside from me getting the driving lights instead of the fogs. There is still plenty of usable light however. And you can find complete kits, lights, covers, harness, relay, switch for 60 to 70 on line.

 

[96Toy]

I got a set of Lightforce 170's and got the yellow and blue filter lenses they work the best I like them alot.

 

[afcajun]

I got a set of Lightforce 170's and got the yellow and blue filter lenses they work the best I like them alot.

Have you used anything else besided these lightforce lights? Just wondering what you are comparing them too so i can know what they perform better than. And could you tell me why you liked them better? I looked at them a while back and remember them being stupid expensive but I'll check again...Seems like everyone on here loves them. Is there any sort of write up on the web that did an off road light comparison? Just wondering.

 

[hytenor]

Like the title says, for off road lights to mount on my aftermarket bumper or on my future overhead light mounting apperatus (not sure what it will be yet) is it necessary to pay a fourtune for off road lights? Are they really that much better? I'm sorta leaning twoards KC's because they are priced in the middle of the expensive rediculasly priced ones and the obviously cheap ones. I'd like to hear the openions from you guys that have direct experience with different lights of different price ranges. I haven't researched lights too much yet just wanted to ask this question to determine a place to start my search. Thanks for any info.

well, yes, there is quite a difference in the beam spreads of pricy vs cheap lights. The pricy ones tend to last longer too.
But, the KCs are a great bang for your buck and are nearly bullit proof. They give very good light output and are cheap enough that if you trash one on the trail you won't cry too much

Are the $1200/pr HID driving lights worth it? I don't see how, LOL

 

[Yeti]

Im not sure if all the KC's are like this but my buddy had some and the beam was like a square spot, I really didnt like it. The ones I have were from gi joes for cheap and they had a nice flat spread on the beam so it lit up all around and far out... I guess its just what you use them for and what you like.

I prefer the cheaper ones like a hella 500 because they look good and are cheap, I dont really have much experience with a really spendy set but if they use the same bulb then there cant be too much difference. In my oppinion the cheap ones get the light out there and if you want more throw in a higher wattage bulb, BAM solved.

 

[hytenor]

I dont really have much experience with a really spendy set but if they use the same bulb then there cant be too much difference. In my oppinion the cheap ones get the light out there and if you want more throw in a higher wattage bulb, BAM solved.

Oh, there's a difference, and a big one. having a brighter bulb won't do any good if the reflector is crap. Top quality (and pricy) reflectors channel all the bulb's output into a precise beam pattern where the cheaper units tend to lose a lot of usable light to poor dispersment and scatter. The better lights will also take a real beating of constant off-roading where the others will fall appart.

the question is do we really need a mile-long beam that lights up 10 lanes worth of ground for off-roading when going 5 mph anyway...probably not. And, when they break and if they are cheap enough you can buy a lot of replacements before you get to spending what the pricy ones cost.

If you do a lot of hi-speed desert racing or road rallys you'll need the better lights but most of us just don't need them.