My experience with LED's is very limited to only using one on a family members UTV. For that application and speed it worked well. I dont know the brand name (Ridged maybe?) but the light output on a 30 inch bar was more then enough for driving around PC and Superstition. LED's make great light for their size and power, but I would say in any sort of race car, even our 5/1600 you will outrun the LED lights. If I was to consider a LED light bar for my race application, it would have to be integrated into my lighting set up which would still have HID's.
Nikal, You hit the nail on the head! LED lighting definitely has its place in offroad that is for sure, LEDs are good at laying down a very nice uniform pattern of evenly distributed light, this you cannot argue. However with a reflector behind an HID light you have a better ability to crop and focus light further. Currently LED lighting alone will not produce enough light for a 100 MPH+ car to make decisions and line choices at these speeds safely. The optimal light setup for most race cars would utilize LED stuff on the bumpers and down low along with wide cornering HIDs for peripheral lighting. Overhead I would utilize Large HID Spot lights to cover your distance for higher speeds.
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Who all makes LED light bars? and which ones are the best? and why? are they worth it? Thanks in advance.
As far as LED Lightbars are concerned, Rigid Industries IS the best, without question. Their product speaks for itself as far as quality, ease of installation and various configurations that are available. You can take a look on Youtube for videos that show how they compare; however I think anyone can argue almost any construction detail.
That being said, what sets Rigid apart (besides their "stuff), IMHO, is their ability to receive input from their customers (making their product even better) and their customer service. Even though my purchases are "small taters" in comparison to many, they made sure I was taken care of and received what I needed. Also, every time I have had a question (ridiculous or not) they took the time to answer all to my satisfaction. Having a company that "knows" their product, making recommendations based on my needs and being their AFTERWARDS to support their product speaks volumes.
jeff i have to say that RIGID builds a flat out awesome product they are working on bringing better products out all the time and Desert Guy is right the customer service is second to none if you need a few to try out let me know i will ship them to you to try them
Here is the new KC HiLite's lite bar. They are using all the highest quality components therefor you will pay more but get the superior product. I have seen these next to 4 different light bars and they do stand out. I would go to all the companies boths at Off Road Expo and do your own comparison and you will see why the KC Bar is the superior choice.
These comments will go on until LED lighting comes up with a standard that makes sense for long range effectiveness. There is no question that they saturate the terrain locally. LED's are also on the technology edge so it is still progressing while HID is/has leveled. I always considered LED's bright to look at but poor at throwing light. That is changing. There are compromises and tradeoffs. Amperage needs/savings, heat sink weight, aerodynamics, mounting, quality - distance of light and $$$. I also like the combination solution for now.
Baja Designs makes amazing products, cannot go wrong with them. Great customer service and quality is what makes us come back race after race, year after year.
But, any main stream company won't let you down.
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We have been racing with the Rigid LED roof bar since the 2006 MDR night race. We have added their bumper bar, fog lights and dust lights. I think these lights gives us a competitive advantage at night races.
Never had a problem with their products - electrically, optically or with dust inside the lens. Rigid sells a great product.
I ran across this thread, and noticed it being more of a sales pitch... than "what's best with good non-bias information BUT... none-the-less, I was just researching LED Light Bars.
I'm going to try some from overseas, that look JUST LIKE some of the listed components.
... yes, I know "looks" can be deceiving, and I know what makes a good LED... and light, so for the price... I'm ordering up some for my street ride. I'm prepared for the worst, so anything better will be a decent deal.
They are half the price of anything listed in the USA. Coincidence? No...
Of course, LED will never "throw" like an HID Pencil Beam, and most "fast guys" will outrun the LEDs. But, they are great for flood and up close lighting!!
... Enjoy!
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I want to run a 30 in. LED bar on the top visor of my class 5U car, mainly for space considerations. I also have a pair of Hella Optilux 4 in. HIDs on the front bumper for driving around town lights. Do you guys think my car will "outrun" a 30 in. LED bar? My max speed is 86MPH (on the road, with 100% traction). Also, if you do think it will outrun the LED bar, what 4 in. Pencil lights would you recommend for the center of my front bumper?
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