What is the best headlight for the money?
- Thread starter AndyG
- Start date
I refuse to run plastic headlites - the H4 Hellas are "da bomb" and are GLASS. Like others here, I'm running the BeamTech LEDs in them, and I think they're fantastic - although one can certainly run conventional halogens in them as that's what they (Hella) were designed for.
Now its quite possible that some of the higher end plastic headlites are actually better than this setup - but compared to anything else I personally have experienced, its no contest whatsoever. I've been running Hella H4 conversions with halogens in the old Mercedes for 20+ years now, and need to figure out how to make the BeamTechs work on that car (back clearance issues).
OP
That's it in a nutshell, bright, stockish and led reliability..
I'm totally good with that look if my next selection bombs out.
Is anyone running the Q tech LEDs? Seem like those would be in your price range and look stock if you buy the stealth ones.
Must've done something wrong on install. They fit securely and very well. Not sure why a flatter lens is a downside, I think it looks much better.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
I don’t mind the flatter e-code lenses either. Actually, I don’t even notice it, but I do have some of those mesh 80’s style guards over mine. Reminds me of when I was a kid. : )
OP
Even the stealth I googled didn't look near stock up close ..so here's what I'm up to..
Got Hellas coming and some online glass version of the rampage and Beamtech LEDs and the adapter they said was needed...I like both looks so it will be fun to see how they both look on the Jeep...I do lean toward stock generally.
It seems the housing and led world gets down to this ...not all housings are compatible with LEDs as far as directing the light, good cut off and not overpowering oncoming cars.
The hella /led combo is a known, and the only place I'm out in left field is not.getting the exact Rampage housing because I couldn't cancel fast enough...but I know what to get if I these are junk, so I should be fine and can return reorder. Too many boxes showing up that don't say Etsy causes my wife concern.
Part of me doesn't want to go extremely high end for several reasons-
500+ plus for bulbs is territory I've never been to...hard to get my mind around it....of course having 30k in one of these and another one to sitting under a car cover for a hobby when I'm not working on my hobby probably isn't a sign of genius either.
I have 5 aux lights ...plus 2 driving lights if I need more than the lesser cost upgrade gives
Lastly, I really like the stock light...the TJ is too far out of production for some aftermarket lights to look right. It's like aftermarket wheels on a Corvette...it seldom works aesthetically.
My stock lights do the job, but like the 4.0, I don't want any less, and it isn't a good light tone. I've likely grown used to halogen and LEDs since my other vehicles are newer.
Halogen doesn't bother me as a category...I'm jus trying to limit my search, and going with popular opinion.
Thanks
I'm so glad my cheapo $40 LED driving lights are sooooo bright. Headlights are a non issue for me now. People high beam me with my headlights off.
p.s. My $50 Amazon cheapo headlights put out twice the light of the "dim candle power" stock ones.
p.s. My $50 Amazon cheapo headlights put out twice the light of the "dim candle power" stock ones.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
First, I went with the
HELLA 002395801 Vision Plus 165mm 12V High/Low Beam Halogen Conversion Headlamp Kit (H4 ECE)
with
Philips X-treme Vision +130% Headlight Bulbs (Pack of 2) (H4 60/55W)
and the Jeep Wrangler Relay’s that boost output.
They were phenomenal.
Then I had to cut my fenders due to folding one over, and put on the MCE fenders. That eliminated my side marker and turn signal. Rather than drill the grill, I decided to get a headlight that had an optional turn signal built into the headlamp. This one by Octane Lighting with the Philips X-Treme Vision +130% headlight bulbis just as good. I really like that they are a normal, very clear headlight, but the turn signal uses the outer halo. It’s the only time you see it. Pretty cool!
https://www.octanelighting.com/kit7...signal-he-pair-7705-and-4455-60w-clear-5.html
Last edited:
I have JW knock offs I bought off Amazon. They were great for 3 months, then one shit the bed.
I am now in the market for another set, but with so many out there it is a little confusing as to what is a good mid expense LED head lamp.
I believe just about every manufacturer uses Cree, so How can you screw up a bulb right? And.... they are probably all made in the same Chinese factory.
I am now in the market for another set, but with so many out there it is a little confusing as to what is a good mid expense LED head lamp.
I believe just about every manufacturer uses Cree, so How can you screw up a bulb right? And.... they are probably all made in the same Chinese factory.
OP
If those are anti-rock links ignore that.. I thought I saw some ball and socket type that another company makes. Totally ignore that.
Vtx531
TJ Addict
Ok, I can do that but what is your strategy for puddles of dirty water ON the road??Don’t take it off-road.
OP
I agree 100% and that is a great way to get it done... That just proves that a guy can be resourceful and make it happen.
As much as I love a TJ I could live without those turn signals in the front fenders.