LED lightbars / Light Strips

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

Hey everyone, these LED lightbars that have been going for 3 years or so now seem like they are here to stay.
As a manufacturer of these bars, I would really like to hear feedback from everyone that has them as to what they think of the bar/s they have bought and used for a while. What are the best and worst things about them TO YOU. If you could do ANY modification or change any part or parts, what would you do? Kind of like a wish list of your idea (from experience) of the 'perfect' LED light bar? These suggestions will be used as input for the next generation that are in design.
Really appreciate any and all feedback.
Cheers,
Jus.

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

Jus. It seems the secure type brackets aren't made to fit the ARB bar. They are either side (size)of it.

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

Thanks MidLife. Would heavy duty mounts from the bottom of the light be better? Something like a pair of mounts that could slide along inside a recess so they can be adjusted to fit different hole centres? How about the actual mounting brackets themselves, would 5mm 316 stainless be considered tough enough for the 4wd market do you think?

[Shangus Find all posts View Profile Close Shangus]

One thing I'd like to see is more choice of colour options, like hid kits. Generally there 6000k+ but option for 4300k or 5000k would be great. I think the LEDs are more efficient at the higher colour temps(pls correct me if I'm wrong) so u get more bang for buck. I'd be happy with a slight loss in lumens for a more usable light....hmmm maybe u could make a 10 row 50in bar with 500000lm as well. Just think your very own portable lighthouse

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

Thanks MidLife. Would heavy duty mounts from the bottom of the light be better? Something like a pair of mounts that could slide along inside a recess so they can be adjusted to fit different hole centres? How about the actual mounting brackets themselves, would 5mm 316 stainless be considered tough enough for the 4wd market do you think?

Oh dear, no idea. I just want something that looks cool and does a great job. Drawing would help my small mind

[cfryback Find all posts View Profile Close cfryback]

I read another PP member just used UHF aerial mounts upsidedown for his lightbar on the bullbar. Little dab of Locktite and they would never move!

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

Oh dear, no idea. I just want something that looks cool and does a great job. Drawing would help my small mind

I'll see if I can either steal a CAD drawing of the new brackets or take a cheeky snapshot when they land on my desk.

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

I read another PP member just used UHF aerial mounts upsidedown for his lightbar on the bullbar. Little dab of Locktite and they would never move!

That would work too I think. Maybe for the smaller (read lighter) LED lights though and only for general 4wding? I'd think that say a long/continouse trip with lots of corrigations on the track might be an issue later on in life? Also those around the bar type brackets are very convenient but do scratch the metalwork....

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

One thing I'd like to see is more choice of colour options, like hid kits. Generally there 6000k+ but option for 4300k or 5000k would be great. I think the LEDs are more efficient at the higher colour temps(pls correct me if I'm wrong) so u get more bang for buck. I'd be happy with a slight loss in lumens for a more usable light....hmmm maybe u could make a 10 row 50in bar with 500000lm as well. Just think your very own portable lighthouse

Interesting - colour options is something that no-one really mentions in the LED market, but as you say everyone talks about in the HID market.
The whiter (higher temp) the LEDs are the more perceived light there is to your eye and therefore the light looks like it is brighter. This is why some LED users show off their lights saying the 'outshine' HIDs but in reality the lumens hitting the ground are less.

Portable Lighthouse.... another interesting concept. Would have to put a disclaimer on the box saying you're not allowed to use it within 1km of the ocean!!!

[Joshy Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joshy]

That would work too I think. Maybe for the smaller (read lighter) LED lights though and only for general 4wding? I'd think that say a long/continouse trip with lots of corrigations on the track might be an issue later on in life? Also those around the bar type brackets are very convenient but do scratch the metalwork....

I've got a 24inch bar mounted on GME uhf brackets. It hasn't seen too many corrugations yet and probably wont for a while yet unfortunately. I agree that it would be good to see better mounting options out there. Overall I'm happy with the bar (it was just a cheapo ebay one) and it throws a great spread.

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

I've got a 24inch bar mounted on GME uhf brackets. It hasn't seen too many corrugations yet and probably wont for a while yet unfortunately. I agree that it would be good to see better mounting options out there. Overall I'm happy with the bar (it was just a cheapo ebay one) and it throws a great spread.

Those UHF brackets are pretty good I agree, and for this use they would suit brilliantly.
The mounts are being deliberately 'over engineered' so that these units can be used on every type of vehicle from the bitumen loving BMW X5 all the way through to custom made rock-hoppers and up to mining/agricultural machines. All with the same mounting hardware.

Another quick question for you though Joshy, and please don't take this as me being rude or arrogant. You say that the bar light you have 'throws a great spread' and you are happy with it - even being a 'cheapo ebay one'. Have you had a chance to compare side-by-side with any other types that your friends have or something? Just trying to see how far people investigate these products before deciding to buy. Is it limited to looking at them in a store (or online) or for the $$ spent do you want to see them actually working.... outside.... at night. Do many 4wd places offer that already?

Cheers for the info,
J.

[Joshy Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joshy]

Another quick question for you though Joshy, and please don't take this as me being rude or arrogant. You say that the bar light you have 'throws a great spread' and you are happy with it - even being a 'cheapo ebay one'. Have you had a chance to compare side-by-side with any other types that your friends have or something? Just trying to see how far people investigate these products before deciding to buy. Is it limited to looking at them in a store (or online) or for the $$ spent do you want to see them actually working.... outside.... at night. Do many 4wd places offer that already?

Nah no offense taken. I only paid $125 delivered for the bar. It does what I needed as I already spent up big on a pair of xgt hids spots, I just needed to fill in closer. I haven't compared it side by side to any other unit, and the only other bar I've seen at night is a tigerz11 bar and I think it was on par with mine. Also after talking to a few mates I was told the difference is minimal. Although I was warned the IP rating on cheap ones isn't always true and may need to be sealed.

I've seen Great White bars in a shop in town here, but during the day its hard to be impressed. When I was researching them there was 2 light bars that stood out. Halo light bars and Ridgid Industries. Both these retail at approx $650 (i think) for the same size bar. If it wasn't for money I would've gone for one of these but there was no way I could justify it on top of the xgts. It's also a lot easier to pinch the light bar where I have it so that was also taken into consideration.

Is there that much of a difference in bars to justify the extra $500? What is the difference? I believe certain companies get the pick of the chips, is that all?

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

Different retailers will put different selling margins on their products. Some go for low profit and high turnover whereas others go high profit margins.
LED bar lights have almost a saturated market - but it is mainly Chinese made lower quality stuff. Even a high price tag doesn't ensure a good product, but you would hope that the $650 light would have better internals/IP rating/warranty etc than a $125 light - but as you say is it worth the extra $500?
The LED components used do make a huge difference. You will hear and read lots of places saying they use CREE LEDs as if that makes their product better. The fact of the matter is that Cree do make very high quality LED components, but they are not cheap. Cree have many different variations/quality levels of product. Only the best of the best are given the 'A Grade' status and sold for the big $$. The next quality step down are B grade, then C grade etc tec. Whilst you might buy a lightbar with "Cree LEDs" in it they may also be factory seconds and/or lesser performing units. Have a look at companies that make top shelf stuff like Nordic Lights in Finland to see what a high end light manufacturer produces.
Could keep going except it is late and I am tired.
Cheers,
J.

[Joshy Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joshy]

I'd be very interested to compare a high quality light with my cheap Chinese one. Do they get better range? Is the colour of the light different? I've yet to know anyone that's actually compared them side by side. Can I ask what brand of lightbar you are involved with? I'd be more than happy to compare one of yours with my cheap one if you would like to send me one out.

[Jus10 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jus10]

I'd be very interested to compare a high quality light with my cheap Chinese one. Do they get better range? Is the colour of the light different? I've yet to know anyone that's actually compared them side by side. I'd be more than happy to compare one of yours with my cheap one if you would like to send me one out.

Range is one main factor, but performance when hot is just as critical. A lot of manufacturers will give a lumen rating that is measured in a controlled environment at 10 degrees Celsius for the first 5 seconds of operation. A much more accurate (and truthful) way of measuring is at 40 degrees C after the light has been running continuosly for 24-48 hours.
Comparing all the leading brands is usually left up to independent magazines (like what 4WD Action used to be before they started having an interest in selling them). We often take out a range of lights for testing range and lens patterns, but the IP/ingress, shock resistance, impact testing etc etc is carried out at the factory. If you ever come down this way give me some notice and you can come in and have a look at the stuff. If I can get the time we could also check some out at night in a nice quiet area not too far from here that is completely dark (no street lights) and no through traffic. I have quite often parked the Prado in the middle of the road and tested for 30mins+ without seeing any other vehicle.
Also sending you a pm.

Cheers,
J.