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Ultimate Lightbar/Pod Thread!

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by Tundra2, Apr 27, 2021.

  1. Apr 27, 2021 at 4:16 AM
    #1
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    Howdy Y'all.

    The reason I wanted to make this thread is I'm a HUGE fan of Lightbars, and pods. I live in deer country, and they help keep me safe. I just love'em too. I'm hoping that this will be a helpful place to talk about them. Look at them, and give somebody else ideas, or suggestions on them going forward.

    Things I want to see in this thread.​
    • Post up some pics of where you've got your lights mounted.
    • What you use them for.
    • Pics of the output.
    • Where you got them. (ATTACH links if applicable.)
    • Your honest opinions on them.
    • Brands.
    • Water repellency.
    • Specs. Amp usage, wattage, etc. (If you know them. It's OK if you don't.)
    • Were they supposed to be a "Flood" light, but really strike you as a "Spot" light? Tell your story here!
    • Pleased?
    • Displeased?
    Things I don't want to see in this tread.​
    • Official vendors on the forum coming in here, and saying "Our lights are the best. Choose us." I'm not saying that I don't want to do business with you, or dissuade business from you. I just want some honest opinions, and pictures of output.
    • Hate. If somebody likes a brand you don't, Good for them. Be nice to each other. This forum is an amazing place. Let's keep it that way.
    • ANY plug'n'play led headlights/fog lights/taillights. Save that for a thread in your specific generation.
    Mods, I skimmed the first 10 pages of the lighting section. I didn't see a thread for comparing brands, outputs, flood, spot beams, etc. If a similar thread has been created, please move this into there.

     
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2022
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  2. Apr 27, 2021 at 4:42 AM
    #2
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    I'm in. :popcorn:

    I've been close to pulling the trigger on these Caliraised 27w side projecting pods but would love some real world feedback first. I've seen a couple people running them on here but haven't stumbled on any reviews yet. Illuminating big game on highway shoulders and offroad visibility is the goal.
    TIA :cheers:
    Screenshot_20210427-042644_Chrome.jpg
     
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  3. Apr 27, 2021 at 4:50 AM
    #3
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    Now, I've had good success out of Nilight from Amazon, and one No-Name brand.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Pictured here are these two lights.



    The 21" bar has been phenomenal. It was advertised as a "flood" light, but looks much more "spot" light-ish to me.

    The pods are pretty good too, but I feel like there are better options out there than these. They were advertised as a "Combo" light. I think they are more "Flood" than a mixture of both.
    Every light that I order always gets additional water proofing because it's cheap, and easy.
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2021
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  4. Apr 27, 2021 at 5:02 AM
    #4
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    Same here. I originally was going to put amber side shooters on my ditch lights, but tie the amber into the turn signals. I've never seen that done, and thought it would be cool. I couldn't find any lights that I liked enough to pull the trigger on.

    Maybe this thread will provide some feedback for that. :)
     
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  5. Apr 27, 2021 at 5:07 AM
    #5
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    That would be sweet tied in to the turns.

    Bighorn sheep hang out on the highway here occasionally, I really don't want to smack one of those with my truck. o_O
     
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  6. Apr 27, 2021 at 5:09 AM
    #6
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    You see all my deer videos I upload. :rofl: I need to make a playlist on youboob of all of them together. :oops: Maybe later on.
     
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  7. Apr 27, 2021 at 5:13 AM
    #7
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    Lol, you guys got em thick down there.
     
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  8. Apr 27, 2021 at 6:30 AM
    #8
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    I don't have a lightbar but I'm happy with my Baja Designs pods.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    • What you use them for- I don't get to use them often but I use them when I'm not going to blind other drivers.
    • Where you got them- eBay
    • Your honest opinions on them-very impressed. They seem to be exception quality and good output.
    • Brand- Baja Design item # 557813 Driving/combo-3,150 lumens
    • Water repellency-good so far "MoistureBlock™ – Waterproof, Rain Proof, Submersible"
    • Specs- Wattage/Amps: 26W / 2A LED Life Expectancy: 49,930 Hours
    • Were they supposed to be a "Flood" light, but really strike you as a "Spot" light? Tell your story here!- They are supposed to be a combo- The Driving/Combo pattern is equipped with both Driving (42°) and spot (9°) optics to provide you with a smooth blend of light for both near field applications and distance (Lighting Zone 3)
    The only negative I can think of would be the cost. These are not cheap. I plan on buying a 2nd set to mount on my bumper but I'll go with the Wide Cornering Option.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #8
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  9. Apr 27, 2021 at 6:58 AM
    #9
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    I remember getting hit in the eyeball with these when we were wiring these up. I think I played off my partial blindess rather well.

    These do look great with your set up, and appear super bright in your pics.

    If memory serves, these are pushing $200+?
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
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  10. Apr 27, 2021 at 6:59 AM
    #10
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    Yes. $215. Their brighter options are even more expensive.
     
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  11. Apr 27, 2021 at 7:03 AM
    #11
    Tundra2

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    While this is expensive, I would feel better buying these now that there is some real world review, and pictures available.

    I've never looked at Bajas website, so not sure if they have output pictures.

    Thanks for the feedback! :thumbsup:
     
  12. Apr 27, 2021 at 12:40 PM
    #12
    Sirfive

    Sirfive Master Procrastinator

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    Got my dad a lightbar for his buick. Maybe 18”ish with a little curve to it. I dont remember the brand, but it came from Amazon. Perfectly adequate. And the button was a piece you sticky tape to the dash, instead i left it loose so he could hold it and shut it off quick. Sorry about the bad pic. I havent mounted it to his q45 yet.27503412_10155954493795275_6768739713790_cb50e355974d512875290450c1a8c44f42e77b55.jpg

    my jeeps setup is a little more overkill. The bar and spots are traveller from tractor supply. 30”ish bar lights up the world, and the pods point a little out. I like to use the amber function as a 3 second warning. Dont shut your brights down in 3 seconds, ill burn your retinas. Pods are on the factory fog switch, bar is on another switch next to it on the dash, and my rear light is on a switch by my right knee.
    178601168_10159066398710275_304601623464_cd84102663678f4e2ae94195632269a4385dc6d6.jpg

    The titans setup are some beefy work lights, also traveller, and if id had gotten the same lights as on the jeep they would have fit in the lower grille opening, these didnt, so they’re mounted to 2x2 square tubing to the tow hook holes. The titans brights are still bright, so these are more for lighting up the side of the road. And they do great. Like daylight for the half mile in front of me. The switch is mounted on the steering column, and usually comforably within reach.
    179226576_10159066399775275_889449024656_dcd9edfc7aba9ab38f69f932ecf660698194e135.jpg

    I miss having the jeeps lightbar, the titans lights are a little low, so they dont work well through tall grass, and if dad wont let me cut into his infiniti ill have to get creative because theres no metal within reach of the grille. I might mount a 36” lightbar in the bumper hole on the tundra, or i might mount some big round KC style lights... dunno yet.
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2021
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  13. Apr 27, 2021 at 1:32 PM
    #13
    APalmTree

    APalmTree 4x4 SKEPTIC

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    1 or 2... I lost count
    l like it! I'm in because I want to upgrade my lightbar game at some point soon.

    So quick rundown of my current lights:
    Ditch lights - Rigid industries D2 pods, flood pattern
    Reverse lights - Rigid industries SRM flush mount, diffused pattern
    Lightbar - Nilite 30" dual row, Combo spot/flood pattern
    Headlights/Fog lights - Drop-in Sealight LED bulb replacements (my cut off is fine don't yell at me :p)

    IMG_1784.HEIC.jpg
    IMG_1866.jpg
    IMG_1496.HEIC.jpg

    My review of the Rigid lights is that they are great. Rigid has a good reputation and their lights don't disappoint. The Nilite bar is also incredibly bright but like @Tundra2 mentioned in his post their claim of a "combo" beam pattern is pretty weak. If you are rock crawling, you will have no issues with this light bar, but, if you are on a dark backcountry road traveling 50+ mph you can pretty easily outrun the "spot" of this bar. My high beam headlights clearly throw light much farther to my eye but I don't have any good output shots to back that up so just trust me :thumbsup:. The Rigid flood pods throw light exactly the same distance as the 30" light bar.

    I will second @Tundra2 endorsement of the VLED license plate lights (post was moved down so now I'm first but this started as a second). I installed one on my dad's 5th gen 4Runner (in the second picture, if you really zoom in.... just a little further... its there) and it puts off an amazing amount of light for such an easy install, and for those of you that know, the stock output of the 5th gen 4Runners is laughable. BUT!!! My Rigid backup lights blow you away no contest since I have put them side-by-side. The diffused pattern does a good job of avoiding throwing hot spots that would wipe out a camera and gives about half the distance of the flood beam pattern.

    IMG_1771.HEIC.jpg
    Ditch lights pointed straight forward and stock halogen high+low beam headlights.
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2021
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  14. Apr 27, 2021 at 4:32 PM
    #14
    Cummins3500

    Cummins3500 Never finishes.....

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    I had a set of Cali raised pods on a 2nd gen Tacoma. Mounted in the stock fog location. I had moisture issues with them about 3 months in. Another gripe was the plug and play adapters. They had to be re-spliced. Light output was good though. Can’t find any pictures and truck got totaled before I had a chance to warranty them
     
  15. Apr 27, 2021 at 7:09 PM
    #15
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    These are all looking great. Kinda jelly of a few of the setups.

    Thanks for sharing fellas! Maybe we can get some more traffic, and get some more reviews.
     
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  16. Apr 27, 2021 at 7:20 PM
    #16
    TucsonTundra1794

    TucsonTundra1794 ASCM #6-11 I'll buy if you're willing to ship

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    I can't wait to get my tundra all lit up. Here's my 4runner.

    Fogs: PIAA fogs with HID conversion and 55w ballast

    Ditch lights: (inner) Baja Designs squadron pros spot pattern (outer) rigid dulley SS in flood pattern

    Front bar: 32" curved bar from Amazon combo pattern

    Side bars: 10" Baja Designs S8 combo pattern

    Rear bar: 20" Baja Designs S8 combo pattern

    Since then I also have retrofitted headlights with 55w HIDs.

    All lights perform amazing and I was surprised how well the Amazon bar lasted. It's been 5 years and the lens is starting to crack but it's still working.

    20170224_230047.jpg

    20170224_230128.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2021
  17. Apr 28, 2021 at 3:48 AM
    #17
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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  18. Apr 28, 2021 at 3:49 AM
    #18
    Tundra2

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  19. Apr 28, 2021 at 3:52 AM
    #19
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    I realized this morning that my second post was way too much info in one post. Edited them into individual posts so I can create a list with links going forward on the first post.
     
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  20. Apr 28, 2021 at 4:21 AM
    #20
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    Nice work on the cleanup,
    @Professional Hand Model would be proud of your inner reflection and self-awareness for a more cohesive thread. :bowdown:
     
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  21. Apr 28, 2021 at 6:40 AM
    #21
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    :hattip:
    Well, it's a start anyways. I'll work on my lists till I yawn. Then it's lights out for me.
     
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  22. Apr 28, 2021 at 8:18 PM
    #22
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 [OP] Zoinked

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    I think everything has been added to the original post as of now.

    Let me know if I missed something. Editing sucks on mobile. :rofl:
     
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  23. Apr 28, 2021 at 9:59 PM
    #23
    Tundra2

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  24. Apr 29, 2021 at 6:32 AM
    #24
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    I'm liking the blackout idea. Keeping the chrome to a minimum.

    Anyone have any blacked out light bars to show off?
     
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  25. Apr 29, 2021 at 12:09 PM
    #25
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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  26. Apr 29, 2021 at 12:25 PM
    #26
    TheBlackPearl

    TheBlackPearl Newish member

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    Following this thread as I’m close to starting the hunt for some lights. I’m thinking of mounting them on the crossbar of the Yakima Overhaul I just installed...maybe a couple of 12” lights far enough apart where I can still utilize the rack.
     
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  27. May 2, 2021 at 7:52 PM
    #27
    Tundra2

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    I have these little Niwaker lights. They are advertised as a flood light. These 100% strike me as a driving light, or long rectangle spot light.

    Link

    Here's some shots I have of them touched off to a Milwaukee battery.

    About 100 feet to the bottom of the yard. Looks like they'd shoot farther if there weren't trees in the way.
    20210502_213811.jpg
    20210502_213819.jpg
    20210502_213830.jpg
    20210502_213819.jpg
    20210502_214040.jpg
    20210502_213903.jpg


    I was planning on mounting these under the truck for more reverse light, and tying them into a switch, but these are definitely too spot light for where I was gonna mount them.
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2021
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  28. May 2, 2021 at 9:12 PM
    #28
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    Those are cool little lights, good output for $30
     
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  29. May 2, 2021 at 9:42 PM
    #29
    Tundra2

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    Absolutely, just not what I ordered them for.

    I'll find a use for them. Maybe I'll stick em on the mule.
     
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  30. May 2, 2021 at 10:02 PM
    #30
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    Yeeeah :cool:
     
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