3rd Gen HID vs LED vs Halogen H11 projector headlights

Is there a point where there are diminishing returns in relation to brightness of low beams? Say someone was able to get ahold of 3 sets of OEM LED 4Runner or Tacoma headlights and wanted to combine them into one set of headlights. Cramming that many emitters into one small space would mean they would settle at a lower output due to higher heat I would assume (based on what I’ve seen in your threads), but would having that much theoretical output be detrimental to being able to see down the road or be beneficial? I apologize if this is too broad of a question or doesn’t make total sense. I’m thinking that having the area lit up being so bright that maybe seeing outside that would be comprised

 

I think packaging would be the hardest part. Getting the led emitters in a space that they could be utilized for anything other than additional heat would likely be the issue.

 

Yes, there is such a thing as too much light for low beam driving. You can only have so much light above the cut-off to not blind oncoming divers, so there are limits in how much uplight you can produce. If the difference from light below the cut off vs light above the cut off is too substantial by limiting that uplight, you will be blinded by your own low beams and only able to see what is under the illuminated low beam area. In other words you will not be able to see outside your low beam area above your cut off, because the low beam light intensity is too great. This is not uncommon in aftermarket HID retrofits or aftermarket LED headlights. Best headlights are about balance.

 

Per a thread on candlepowerforums, GM had unsuccessfuly tried to petition to not be forced to recall them, as the glare limit was only exceeded in one small area, because of the reflective finish inside the lamp. The "tape" seems like a practical solution to an otherwise expensive problem, given that the lamps are otherwise completely compliant.

 

Hey all, after messing with several bulb options I thought I’d share my experience.

Started out with wanting to replace my low beam Tungsram Xenon H11’s. Tried the new Osram H11 +200’s but was very disappointed, especially for $50. Wouldn’t recommend these at all. I also tried the Hella H9 2.0’s, they were ok but ultimately took Crashes input regarding the Phillips H9’s. I could tell a difference in color (Hellas being a little whiter) but the Phillips just seem to have more “punch” so I’m planning to stay with them in the low beam.

Now I’m just going back and forth on the high beams between the same two. I’m thinking so far I actually prefer the Hella H9 2.0 over the Phillips H9 there. The white light seems to pop a little more but I know I’m losing a little output so still not sure which one to choose.

Also messed w the fogs a little and am liking the Hella H11 +50’s so far. It’s a non coated bulb that seems solid. I had the Hella yellows prior and also tried the Phillips H11 but like these better and drive a lot in the western Oregon rain and fog.

Hopefully that helps out and saves someone some time and money!

 

https://issuu.com/visionx/docs/2022_vision_x_automotive-offroad_catalog

Anyone know anything about their lighting solutions? As usual the catalog has no real technical specifications. It's a Korean company but Denali Electronics just merged with them so wondering if anyone knows stuff..

 

Only suggestion would be to consider trying the Tungsram Platinums in the fogs instead of the Hella +50s, which will be a little higher performing. Really you shouldn't use fogs often, except for actual fog use, so if you're happy with the +50s it could be worth just leaving them.

What do you want to know? Vision X is a long time major lighting manufacture, they actually based not far from me just outside of Seattle. Note that it was not a merger, Vision X acquired twisted throttle/Denali. Vision X had already been manufacturing Denali's products on their behalf for a decade.
https://www.overlandexpo.com/compass/twisted-throttle-and-denali-electronics-join-vision-x-group/

Vision X is primarily in the off-road light space. They have limited Vision-X brand products designed for on-road use.

 

Anyone had a chance to check/test these out from depo? OEM looking LED.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13961601&cc=3446952&pt=10762

 

Definitely avoid. Several brands sell the same OEM style replica Chinese LED headlight for a fraction of the OEM price. They are all terrible. You'll note that all the aftermarket ones while looking similar at first actually have less emitters and less reflector buckets, they also have poor inconsistent output, poor pattern coverage, lack of good hot spot, and poor build quality. Another example of a product people buy to think they are saving a little money, but then end up having to replace them so they can actually see, spending even more money than if they didn't buy them in the first place.

Example here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...s-reflector-style.686238/page-3#post-24417054

If you are going to spend money on a headlight replacement, save for the OEM LEDs or do a bulb upgrade in the stock halogen units instead.

 

I am not surprised.
Think I'll just stick with my retrofitted halogen BHLM with MLED 2.0 projectors. Can't justify the near 3k Canadian for the OEM LED's.

 

@toledoupsguy You might need to sell the 2020 F150 and just get a 2021. Diode Dynamics just launched a new Elite Headlight line that sounds very impressive. So far for the JL/JT and 2021+ F150. This isn't to be confused with the imported Form headlights, these are by Diode Dynamics in the USA.



SEMA stream:

 

Any hope for taco love here?

 

I'd like to think so. The Tacoma crowd spends a lot of money in the aftermarket, for better or for worse. Toyota see that as well with their new Trail Hunter just announced at SEMA.

 

I'd love to see a set of headlights from DD for the tacoma.

 

Excuse my ignorance, but what is the point of the H11 to H9 harness? Is it simply to avoid cutting the tab on the H9 connector, or is it absolutely necessary to run H9's in the OEM projector housings?

 

It's not necessary to run H9s with the conversion harness. In fact it creates an additional failure point. The H11 to H9 harness enables you to use the original connectors that come with the car without having to trim the inner tabs that plug the bulb to the harness. Though I think @daveeasa can explain it better. All this grief can be avoided by removing the green cap from the H11 connector.

 

It was to avoid the inconvenience of trimming the bulb tab. However @daveeasa later discovered you can simply remove the green plug on the OEM harness and the bulbs will be plug and play. Less wiring is better for performance, so that or trimming the bulb is the preferred method.

 

Technically, @Puppypunter realized this one, I serve as more of a messenger.

I still trim the metal tabs for my H9’s on the Odyssey since there is minimal space for hands behind the bulbs.

 

Trimming the metal tabs does make install easier, especially in tight spaces.

 

Makes me feel like a quitter, though. That part bugs me.