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Lighting Guru's: Headlight Upgrade Questions

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Old Sep 5, 2017 | 07:23 AM
  #1  
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Default Lighting Guru's: Headlight Upgrade Questions

So I've read and read and read about this. I made the decision not to go with replacement LED lens/bulb combos for budget reasons as the most inexpensive quality units I could find (Trucklights) were about $150 each and can't compete with traditional bulb options at that price point.

So I've pretty much narrowed it down to four options and wanted the opinions of people who've been down this road and know more than me.


Daniel Stern Option
Lens Cibie H4 7" $79 x 2 = $158
H13 to H4 Pigtail Adapters $52.80 = $ 52.80
2 x Osram/Philips precision-focus, ultra high luminance 60/55w bulbs $19 x 2 = $ 38
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Total: $248.80


Rallylights Hella Upgrade Kit
Two Hella 7" E-Code Headlamps $214.25
H13 to H4 Pigtail Adapters INCLUDED
2 x SM6024JD - 60/55 Hella Xenon +30% Long Life $ 12.78
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Total: $227.03

Hella Headlamp Kit for Jeep Wrangler 2007->. Replaces H13 lamp with Hella E-Code H4 Headlamps SM6024J | Rally Lights




Bus Depot Option
Hella E-Code H4 Headlights - PAIR $ 79.95
Philips X-treme Vision +130% Headlight Bulbs (Pack of 2) (H4 60/55W) $ 21.00
KC HiLiTES (6307) H13 to H4 Headlight Conversion Cable - Pair $ 24.29
-------------------
Total: $125.24

Hella E-Code H4 Headlights - PAIR


Amazon Option
2 x Cibie 82440 Light Unit $ 45 x 2 = $ 90.00
Philips X-treme Vision +130% Headlight Bulbs (Pack of 2) (H4 60/55W) $ 21.00 = $ 21.00
KC HiLiTES (6307) H13 to H4 Headlight Conversion Cable - Pair $ 24.29 = $ 24.29
-------------------
Total: $135.29


If the Cibie's I can get off Amazon are the same Cibies Daniel Stern sells that seems to be the best option based on price/performance. Any thoughts?
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Old Sep 5, 2017 | 08:03 AM
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I have heard nothing but rave reviews on Daniel Stern lighting set up.

Not sure why the H13 to H4 are so much more tho.
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Old Sep 5, 2017 | 12:02 PM
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I have been looking at these options too rather than LED. My biggest thing is that if an LED goes out is that I would have to order a replacement rather than pick up a bulb at a parts store. It is interesting that amazon has the cibie although they may not be the same that Daniel stern is using.
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Old Sep 6, 2017 | 06:55 AM
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Originally Posted by tcodtj
I have been looking at these options too rather than LED. My biggest thing is that if an LED goes out is that I would have to order a replacement rather than pick up a bulb at a parts store. It is interesting that amazon has the cibie although they may not be the same that Daniel stern is using.

That's about the only thing that's kept me from just ordering them. When e-mailing Mr. Stern he's been... reluctant to give me a part number for the Cibies. I understand that, he's running a business. I wish he offered a Patreon donation option as I do want to pay him for his advice, but would prefer to order from someone who's store is more up to date technologically speaking.
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Old Sep 6, 2017 | 09:18 AM
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I'm pretty sure that he is way more technical on light than amazon.
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Old Sep 6, 2017 | 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by tcodtj
I'm pretty sure that he is way more technical on light than amazon.
Not Daniels lighting knowledge, his ordering system.
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Old Sep 6, 2017 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Skippman
Not Daniels lighting knowledge, his ordering system.
Oh ok that is true.Also with stern I do believe that he supplies a heavier harness.
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Old Sep 10, 2017 | 03:32 AM
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JW speaker or Truck lites if you live where it snows a lot. My JWs are the best mod I've done to my Jeep. Leds may burn out but the ones you're looking will definitely burn out. My two cents.
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Old Sep 10, 2017 | 06:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Horsebeater
JW speaker or Truck lites if you live where it snows a lot. My JWs are the best mod I've done to my Jeep. Leds may burn out but the ones you're looking will definitely burn out. My two cents.
I agree. I have had my trucklites since they first came out ~2012 and 100,000 miles and still as bright as the day I installed them. I have actually ran the same ones on 3 different vehicles. After 100,000 miles the lenses are still crystal clear which kind of surprised me.
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