Okay, I know there are tons of 7” headlight options for less than these, but this is “my thing.” I’m really into good lighting—it’s like a little treat for me.
A few years ago, after trying out lots of Amazon Special 7” LEDs, I decided to go with the Holly Retro Bright LEDs. I was so impressed by the positive reviews, the temperature I like, and how they looked. I’ve been using them for years, and honestly, I can’t find a good reason to replace them, except maybe because I’m bored… this was a scratch I needed to itch.
Since switching the Hella FF500 bumper-mounted fogs for the super bright KC Highlights Gravity 6” driving lights, I’ve been wanting to try the matching headlights. Finally, I took the plunge. Now that my wallet is a little lighter, I’ve decided to stick with the Holleys and return the KC’s.
Performance: I don’t see a huge difference in performance advantage. Honestly, I don’t think there’s any measurable advantage. I don’t like the pattern, either. There are hot spots all over the place. They’re brighter than the Holleys, but brightness isn't the end-all. If there’s any advantage, they might light up the pavement a little closer to the front of the Jeep, while the Holleys have a noticeable dead spot for the first 15-20 feet in front. Headlight Revolution did a shootout of the top 7” LEDs, and the KCs were rated lower than the Holleys, and now I agree.
Appearance: While they match the bumper-mounted driving lights, I really like the original, period-correct look of the Holley Retro Brights. They don’t look like LEDs until yturn them on. The KCs look cool and techy, but the Holley lens’s stealthy, original look is more cool.
Build quality: I think I already scratched the driver’s side lens on the KC. If I were going to keep them, I would add the Lamin-X, like I did with the Holleys and the KC driving lights. But, to be honest, the KC lens feels thinner, oddly cheaper, and more delicate than the Holley lenses. Plus, they were a pain to get seated in the buckets.
Longevity and serviceability: The Holley’s bulbs are easy to replace if they burn out, or if I’m feeling adventurous and want to switch colors (though I doubt I’ll ever do that). The KC bulbs, on the other hand, are sealed and can’t be serviced.
The Holley Retro Brights aren’t exactly a steal, coming in around $400 USD ($300 cheaper than the KC’s). In the end, I don’t think the KC’s $700 price tag is justified by their advantages. So, they’re boxed and heading back.
Carry on.
A few years ago, after trying out lots of Amazon Special 7” LEDs, I decided to go with the Holly Retro Bright LEDs. I was so impressed by the positive reviews, the temperature I like, and how they looked. I’ve been using them for years, and honestly, I can’t find a good reason to replace them, except maybe because I’m bored… this was a scratch I needed to itch.
Since switching the Hella FF500 bumper-mounted fogs for the super bright KC Highlights Gravity 6” driving lights, I’ve been wanting to try the matching headlights. Finally, I took the plunge. Now that my wallet is a little lighter, I’ve decided to stick with the Holleys and return the KC’s.
Performance: I don’t see a huge difference in performance advantage. Honestly, I don’t think there’s any measurable advantage. I don’t like the pattern, either. There are hot spots all over the place. They’re brighter than the Holleys, but brightness isn't the end-all. If there’s any advantage, they might light up the pavement a little closer to the front of the Jeep, while the Holleys have a noticeable dead spot for the first 15-20 feet in front. Headlight Revolution did a shootout of the top 7” LEDs, and the KCs were rated lower than the Holleys, and now I agree.
Appearance: While they match the bumper-mounted driving lights, I really like the original, period-correct look of the Holley Retro Brights. They don’t look like LEDs until yturn them on. The KCs look cool and techy, but the Holley lens’s stealthy, original look is more cool.
Build quality: I think I already scratched the driver’s side lens on the KC. If I were going to keep them, I would add the Lamin-X, like I did with the Holleys and the KC driving lights. But, to be honest, the KC lens feels thinner, oddly cheaper, and more delicate than the Holley lenses. Plus, they were a pain to get seated in the buckets.
Longevity and serviceability: The Holley’s bulbs are easy to replace if they burn out, or if I’m feeling adventurous and want to switch colors (though I doubt I’ll ever do that). The KC bulbs, on the other hand, are sealed and can’t be serviced.
The Holley Retro Brights aren’t exactly a steal, coming in around $400 USD ($300 cheaper than the KC’s). In the end, I don’t think the KC’s $700 price tag is justified by their advantages. So, they’re boxed and heading back.
Carry on.
