Go Brighter Part 2: Halogen vs LED

"i86hotdogs" (i86hotdogs) 08/21/2020 at 10:50 • Filed to: None

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In my journey to brightness, I now reach a fork in the road that is dividing me. Currently looking at a nice set of KC HiLiTES halogens, or a bargain set of Hella LEDs. Let’s look at the pros and cons:

KC HiLiTES #151 6in. Apollo Pro Spread Halogen-$144 (+$20 coupon)

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Pros

-Good reputation for quality products

-Bulbs easy to replace is burnt or broke

-Appealing to look at

-Grated protective covering

Cons

-Halogens are more susceptible to NVH

-Cost as much as the LED competitor in this comparison

-Higher current draw compared to LED

HELLA #358117171 ValueFit 500 LED-$139

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Pros

-Good reputation for quality products

-LED more resistant to NVH than halogen

-Less current draw than halogen

-Less expensive

Cons

-If the LEDs break, they’re broke

-Protective covers have to be removed by hand

-Don’t project as well as halogen spread

I’m probably overthinking it, but the current draw is the factor I am most concerned with. I am not sure how much that will affect performance when on the RX course. It may be minuscule. I also have to factor in the cost and quantity of bulbs if I go halogen.

Thoughts? Have a better suggestion? $150 or less would be ideal, unless there is a deal of a lifetime somewhere.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > i86hotdogs 08/21/2020 at 11:04

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Do the halogens have to be 100W? My 55W ones are plenty bright...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TWD5KU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

i86hotdogs > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 08/21/2020 at 11:22

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They don’t have to, this was the closest output compared to the Hella LED in the article. 

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > i86hotdogs 08/21/2020 at 11:50

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The 55W halogens will probably be dimmer but from my experience with them, they are as good as my high beams on the Mini.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > i86hotdogs 08/21/2020 at 11:56

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I vote the KC’s for the sole reason that you can get the smiley face covers for them.

i86hotdogs > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI 08/21/2020 at 11:57

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That’s a great point :)

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > i86hotdogs 08/21/2020 at 12:52

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Does this mean the $40 light bar I bought on sale at Amazon is going to suck?

I’m literally installing it today for a night rally cross on Labor Day.

i86hotdogs > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 08/21/2020 at 13:27

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Probably not, I don’t like the look of light bars, so I never looked in to one.

Where are you mounting your bar?

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > i86hotdogs 08/21/2020 at 13:32

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They sneak out from time to time.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > i86hotdogs 08/21/2020 at 14:19

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Haven’t finished the install yet. It blocks my view a little bit, so I’ll have to drive around some to see if it’s too annoying.