55W spots - worth it?

[Tsa]

Hi Guys

Is it worth fitting these old school (non-led) type spots or do guys mostly just do it for the look. Is there any real improvement in visibility at night?

Ones I saw said 55W 12V H3.

Attached is an example.

[Mud Dog]

55W is the standard legal limit (actually I think it's 60W but one doesn't get a 60W element). That said, with any lamp 99% of it's effectiveness lies in the reflector and the positioning of the element in relation to that reflector.

Similar principles apply to LED lamps, but it's a static set up from the manufacturers and you don't have any issues like you possibly could with replacing H3 elements not seating properly or not seating in the exact place / shifting due to excessive tolerances in the manufacture of either the element or the lamp. LED's have some further advantages - firstly energy consumption is considerably less since they're more efficient. Secondly, the wattage of LED units is far less for the same / similar illuminating power, so legally you can fit lights that give a much greater light than the 55W incandescents and still be legal. I just wonder how long it will take for the authorities to catch on and change the legislation to a lumen limit rather than a wattage limit.

If one compares a good quality incandescent lamp against an ED lamp of similar illuminating power, you will find that the older incandescent type are way, way cheaper at this time - that may change a bit further down the line, but right now the older type are still a good option as long as you get quality lamps.

Hope that helps answer your question.

[Scott]

Richard I have a SFA and the lights are not that good but on my last trip to the northwest I found that the old spots really made a difference although there was 130 w globes in.They are a cheep way of getting extra light and if you break them you wont be that upset.

[Tsa]

Thanks guys, understood. At the moment I cant justify spending R1000's on a LED setup.
Was just wondering if the incandescents actually do make a difference on the standard 55W ones you buy in the shop.

@Scott: Agreed on not being too upset if one breakes a cheapie :)

[ThysdJ]

Richard by the look of the lenses on those lights they will give you a good "flood" of light illuminating to the sides and the front. That helps a lot already...

[Tsa]

Thanks Uncle. Going to give them a go.

[Mountain Man]

Hi Richard,

I have a set of IPF 900 Extreme Sport driving light with the special 65w IPF globes which they say compares in output to 100w standard globe. I am going to sell them, there is nothing wrong with them so if you want them I will take R3500.00 for them which includes the Polly carbonate lens protectors (Clear ones that you leave on when the light is on).

The new IPF 900 XS from 4x4 Megaworld are R6000.00 and that excludes the lens protector, and sometimes that price excludes the globes but I'm not sure these days.

PM me for a speedy response.

[Tsa]

Thanks Craig, but going to pass on them. Thanks

[Mountain Man]

Hi Richard, No problem at all.

[Donkey]

Experience has taught me to stick to the Hela brand. Yes they make a huge difference. LED's are expensive to justify how often I use my truck, also generally LED's are very bright white light but lack penetration, something you need off-road.