Notices
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DashLynx

PIAA vs. KC vs. Hella vs. HID

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-13-2009, 07:30 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
SMOD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
PIAA vs. KC vs. Hella vs. HID

What does everyone prefer and why?

I want really strong lights and I don't mind paying around $100-$120 on 2 lights for my front bumper.

What would everyone suggest?

Thanks
Smod
Old 01-13-2009, 07:34 PM
  #2  
tc
Contributing Member
 
tc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 8,875
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Strong how? Not that it matters, because the answer is Lightforce.

I used to run PIAA and will never go back. Their poop-poor customer service, lack of availability of replacement parts, and need for replacement parts (glass lenses suck) drove me away forever.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=U_R2JLs0I5E
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=GrRv-WcFeNA

The beam pattern is exceptional, and customizable - they focus like a Maglite. Lens covers are available for further optimization and protection.
Old 01-13-2009, 07:36 PM
  #3  
Contributing Member
 
iamsuperbleeder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lake City, Fl
Posts: 12,248
Received 29 Likes on 24 Posts
I think it come's down to a name brand prefference... they'll all put out decent light, but you also get what you pay for. No matter which one though, if you wheel hard enough, chances are you'll break them in the end anyhow, so keep that in mind

very impressive though tc

Last edited by iamsuperbleeder; 01-13-2009 at 07:38 PM.
Old 01-13-2009, 07:40 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
toyota4x4907's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: middle of no where Alaska
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by tc
Strong how? Not that it matters, because the answer is Lightforce.

I used to run PIAA and will never go back. Their poop-poor customer service, lack of availability of replacement parts, and need for replacement parts (glass lenses suck) drove me away forever.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=U_R2JLs0I5E
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=GrRv-WcFeNA

The beam pattern is exceptional, and customizable - they focus like a Maglite. Lens covers are available for further optimization and protection.
Lightforce is the way to go. They ARE $250+ per pair, but I got mine for free . And I love the different colored lenses available. They are pretty dang bright, and 3/4 of the vehicles up here with aux lighting run Lightforce.
Old 01-13-2009, 07:44 PM
  #5  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
SMOD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
sweet. Those light force lights are so strong.

I'm def going to look into those.
Old 01-13-2009, 07:46 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
SMOD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Holy crap those are expensive.

What kind of light force lights do you run tc and toyot4x4?
Old 01-13-2009, 07:48 PM
  #7  
Registered User
 
TOYOTA 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: oregon
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
wow, those things can take a beating! my kc's are bright but they would have exploded on the first test! (the one where hes throwing them on the ground) lol.
Old 01-13-2009, 07:51 PM
  #8  
tc
Contributing Member
 
tc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 8,875
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
I have the 240's ... but I got them on sale for the price of the 170's... but if you think the "regular" ones are expensive, check out the HID's!

Check out www.sierraexpeditions.com for the best prices and great customer service.
Old 01-13-2009, 08:05 PM
  #9  
Contributing Member
 
Jay351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: maple ridge, British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 9,055
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 5 Posts
The lightforce lights are the best you can get. And their price reflects that.

I run hella 500's and im happy. They where under $80 a set, glass lense, ABS housing. Takes a beating and still works. Replacments are also easily available
Old 01-13-2009, 08:08 PM
  #10  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
SMOD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow. I would never spend 600$ on lights. lol. But I cant say much because I've never had these lights.

I really would like to get some but I only have $100 -120 to spend and I don't really even want to spend more than that.

Anyone have some for sale?
Old 01-13-2009, 08:13 PM
  #11  
Registered User
 
toyota4x4907's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: middle of no where Alaska
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by SMOD
Holy crap those are expensive.

What kind of light force lights do you run tc and toyot4x4?
170mm. I believe the lens width is like 6.6". They are the middle size. its $250 for a pair, not for each. Well, in that sight that TC posted, they are like $30 cheaper.
Old 01-13-2009, 08:21 PM
  #12  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
SMOD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yeah.. I found some for $207 online.

I have to think about this. I want to get one set of really good lights and these may be it. I have to think more though because $207 plus tax is a lot.

I'm kindda excited because I might want to get them! lol. We'll see
Old 01-13-2009, 08:22 PM
  #13  
Registered User
 
stagger_lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: So Cal
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
$300 for 240's is a deal. Hell $600 for the HIDs is a deal. If your ever saw those things at night...you know where the money goes. You will blind everything in your way and see for a mile at least. Buddy has 240 HIDs on his rhino, and they are almost too bright. You get what you pay for. Save your money for Light Force.

Dude you wont break them and you wont ever buy another pair of lights. Drop the hammer and buy em!

Last edited by stagger_lee; 01-13-2009 at 08:23 PM.
Old 01-13-2009, 08:26 PM
  #14  
Registered User
 
toyota4x4907's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: middle of no where Alaska
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by SMOD
Yeah.. I found some for $207 online.

I have to think about this. I want to get one set of really good lights and these may be it. I have to think more though because $207 plus tax is a lot.

I'm kindda excited because I might want to get them! lol. We'll see
$207+ tax+ at least 10' of wire+ switch+ relay. Unless they come with the wiring harness thats available. You can buy it if it doesn't come with them, but I think its like $40 more.

Last edited by toyota4x4907; 01-13-2009 at 08:28 PM.
Old 01-13-2009, 08:37 PM
  #15  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
SMOD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ok. I can't commit but I'm seriously considering the 170's.

We'll see
Old 01-13-2009, 08:43 PM
  #16  
Registered User
 
Mic09dcsm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
My lights are exceptional, they're summit knock offs of the KC daylighter, for 18$ you get the housing and a 100 watt bulb, impressive output for the price.
Old 01-13-2009, 08:55 PM
  #17  
Contributing Member
 
slosurfer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Los Osos, CA (we can't agree on crap!)
Posts: 2,124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SMOD
Ok. I can't commit but I'm seriously considering the 170's.

We'll see
170's now and then convert them to HID later
Old 01-13-2009, 09:43 PM
  #18  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
space-junk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Wilton, CA
Posts: 5,527
Received 118 Likes on 67 Posts
+1 on the light forces...

check ebay... they have a couple HID kits for sale for around 300 dollars last time i checked...
Old 01-14-2009, 09:26 AM
  #19  
Registered User
 
JackMhigh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I prefer the H4 conversion with the cheap ebay 'euro dezign' bulbs. They last about a year and half to 2 years before they burn out and they are only around 15 bucks for new bulbs. They are freakin' sweet and provide an awesome look.
Old 01-14-2009, 12:41 PM
  #20  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
space-junk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Wilton, CA
Posts: 5,527
Received 118 Likes on 67 Posts
h4 conversion for what?? stock headlamps??


Quick Reply: PIAA vs. KC vs. Hella vs. HID



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:26 AM.