Should You Replace Your Halogen Lights with LEDs?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
  • LASFIT sent me some LED replacement headlights to test and review. Here are my impressions and conclusions. WERE MY HEADLIGHTS AIMED TOO HIGH IN THIS VIDEO? Maybe. I gave it another go after adjusting my headlights down:
    • LED vs Halogen Review,...
    If your patience is tested by me attempting to be thorough, here's how to skip past stuff:
    Brief Unboxing: 0:39
    Quick Installation Overview: 2:12
    LED vs Halogen brightness tests: 5:12
    LED vs Halogen glare to oncoming drivers: 7:28
    More about installing LEDs in halogen reflectors: 10:01
    Final review/conclusions: 16:23
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ความคิดเห็น • 697

  • @VKSgtSLaughter
    @VKSgtSLaughter 4 ปีที่แล้ว +301

    Thank you for such a thorough and thoughtful review. It's rare to see someone who is considerate of other drivers and everyone's s safety. You're a good man.

    • @marksedwick7468
      @marksedwick7468 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I has so much to say. It has consumed me. Thank you for doing the right thing. I get migraines because they are so bright. I've been trying sunglasses over my prescription glasses. So bright yet people forget to turn them on and see just fine in the city.

  • @VPB1970
    @VPB1970 4 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    I have to congratulate you! This video, your video, is a perfect example of what a test should be! This is a responsible review, made by intelligent people, thought of with good sense and consideration for other people, and the safety of others. Your video (and you) deserve my 5 stars review! Sincere congratulations!

  • @thetinpin
    @thetinpin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    You nailed this! I work at an auto parts store and try to explain why LED lights in halogen reflectors are a really bad idea because the light scatter pattern isn't safe for other drivers... Unfortunately, it seems that most of the people I talk to _simply don't care what their headlights do to other peoples vision!_
    This is disheartening, to say the least.

    • @wundo9372
      @wundo9372 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yea that “I don’t care” attitude has really increased immensely with this new generation, it’s truly unfortunate

    • @BaldKiwi117
      @BaldKiwi117 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@wundo9372blame the ones who raised them

    • @robin3
      @robin3 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      driving my older model Ford for 2yrs with unsafe lighting. tried buffing the lens, replacing the Halogen bulb with the brightest best i could find with little success.
      in my city i am constantly being blinded from the front & rear view with full beam LEDs.
      i recently found LED replacements for my Halogen bulbs and it has made such a difference. now that i can safely drive at night i have zero empathy for those full beamers who blind me.

  • @Pallidus_Rider
    @Pallidus_Rider 4 ปีที่แล้ว +114

    Seems like everyone always compaes/reviews LED bulbs from driver perspective and not from the viewpoint of oncoming traffic or how it looks from behind you.
    Glad to see this perspective in video. No one seems to care about the other drivers on the road.👍

    • @flare78x31
      @flare78x31 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      People waste money going out and partying, out to eat, buying coffee instead of making it at home, buying lunch for work instead of packing it. Anyone who owns a car can at some point can afford to spend $35-70 to replace theirs but don't. I had a 2016 altima with the stock led and when i passed other led cars we could both see just fine. It's a dirt cheap safety upgrade and if they don't want to do it them F**k'em.

    • @Pallidus_Rider
      @Pallidus_Rider 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@flare78x31 😕

    • @yeahnoway111
      @yeahnoway111 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@flare78x31 yeeeeahh well just get good LEDs that are not oversized and dont make a mess of a light pattern

    •  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@flare78x31 Blinding other drivers with LED bulbs is neither safe or a upgrade....

    • @tjadventures
      @tjadventures 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’ve got led H4 replacements installed on my 04 Forester xt and they are a huge difference. Because of this glaring issue I made sure to get a LED shape and design as close as possible to the filament of the original H4 halogen light and I also went with a lower output than what everyone is advertising. I checked with a lux meter on a stand for both of the lights and the leds actually have less percentage of light outside of the correct light shape than the halogens. I also drove behind some friends just to see what they thought and it doesn’t seem to bother them. Bottom line, some LEDs can be good some not, IMO it’s really important to get a led that physically is as close as possible to the replacement halogen filament and also it’s ok to not go for super bright light output.

  • @amritparmar7347
    @amritparmar7347 4 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    for canada, halogen bulbs are good they keep the headlights warm and helps to keep away snow around headlights.

    • @zachknee9858
      @zachknee9858 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Osram night breaker laser hid bulbs in a g5r projector on 45watts would get you that warm color and the best output there is.

    • @TopiasSalakka
      @TopiasSalakka 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      So are HIDs, i installed some in my car and it defogs and defrosts the glass pretty fast.

    • @zachknee9858
      @zachknee9858 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Blind Squid halogens are your best option unless you go with hid projectors. Also you can upgrade your halogens to brighter bulbs example 9006 to 9012HIR.

    • @zachknee9858
      @zachknee9858 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Holden Burke I misread the OP. Yes. Hids are warm in temperature and will defrost just as well as halogens.

    • @MKylander
      @MKylander 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@zachknee9858 They definitely don't, they have the same issue as with LEDs, just not as bad. At least in my experience in arctic temperatures.
      LEDs are superb to both in many ways, if only the heat they produced could be conducted to the lens. Because they do produce it, around 75% of their total power. Or the lenses would have auxiliar heating, similar to heated windscreens.

  • @RazrThinblade
    @RazrThinblade 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Just watching this because of my own experiences with Lasfit Leds. I was running them for almost a year in my 2014 sentra. Brilliant light output, love how wide they are. But I couldn't stand the amount of cars that flashed me. Especially a few nights ago I decided to do a highway run after a long time not going on the highway. Now keep in mind, my car has a full led conversion for both the low and high beams. But I found myself struggling at highway speeds to see ahead, I feel as if the leds get washed out with less things to reflect off. I could see a bright spot clearly, but I just wanted a further extension of light. Going back to my halogens has shown me that the they spread the light evenly with the reflector unlike the leds. The leds have a very distinct bright spot, which I think affects your depth perception, as your eyes tend to focus on the area with the most light.

  • @ronman33
    @ronman33 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video! When I bought my 03 Santa Fe I was thinking LED would be the way to go, and luckily asked a friend for his recommendations. He pretty much told me everything you discovered and demonstrated in this video and talked me out of it. I hate being blinded by LED headlights, so I'm glad I'm not part of that problem myself.

  • @tomenglish77591
    @tomenglish77591 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you for your honest and thoughtful review. I came across your channel when checking out the Forester as a new vehicle for my partner. Your thoughtful videos assured me the Forester is a good choice and as of last Thursday evening she is now driving a 2020 Forester and loving it. The quality of your videos compelled me to subscribe and enjoy many of your videos over the past weeks. Your good work is appreciated.

    • @ALNSMOVERLAND
      @ALNSMOVERLAND 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That's a solid choice ! You have a lucky partner ahaha

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you! Congrats on the new Forester and thanks for watching!

  • @aksoni2206
    @aksoni2206 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for taking your time and educating us. I hope this video creates a difference and urges people to think about other drivers when installing certain equipment in their vehicle.
    Thanks again for spending the time on this video.

  • @tommy5271
    @tommy5271 4 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    There is something really relaxing about your content, so easy to watch!

  • @stefankocic7593
    @stefankocic7593 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The main problem at night is the blinding lights from each angle. Respectful review ! Thanks man, it should help people divert from buying LED to blinde other people when not design to have them in first place...

  • @JamesOKeefe-US
    @JamesOKeefe-US ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't want to seem lame because the content was great but the camera angles and story were really well done. It was really nice to watch while also providing great info. Just wanted to mention it, as you obviously took care in setting them up. Thanks!

  • @robertsumairsingh1050
    @robertsumairsingh1050 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Hats off to you sir! Congratulations on making the first excellent comprehensive video answering almost any and all questions I may have ever had in installing LEDs in my 2021 Honda CRV Special Edition. Guessing by the projector housing for low beams I could use H11 LEDs, and just brighter white bulbs (whiter halogens) for the high beams. Thanks so much!

  • @lgetz1
    @lgetz1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Very insightful, through, and most importantly unbiased and honest review of your observations. Blinding oncoming traffic is something you don't want to do. Most people don't give a hoot, glad you are considerate to fellow drivers. There are other options in LED headlights such as Diode Dynamics SL1, Morimoto Two Stoke 2.0, that have been tested and have a light output pattern similar to stock headlights.

  • @Kuasimodem
    @Kuasimodem 4 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    When you replace ANY headlight bulb. CHECK THE ALIGNMENT!!
    Yours are about 2 degrees higher than they should be.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I will admit I didn't know this was standard procedure. I suspect most people just put in new bulbs when they burn out. I have gone back, reset the height of my headlights, and retested the LEDs. Results here: th-cam.com/video/DmKrg3aZxfM/w-d-xo.html

    • @davidelliott5843
      @davidelliott5843 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      LEDs deliver the correct dip beam cut-off pattern but need to be set lower. Mine would not go low enough so had to go back to halogen.

  • @crslyrn
    @crslyrn 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Thanks for giving a honest review on the LASFIT brand LED lights & concerns that may come with the LED light conversion. Stay safe.

  • @matthewsponseller
    @matthewsponseller 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice thoughtful through review, Lasfit should have been pleased you did such a good review of their product, and provided your honest thoughts and concerns. I appreciate the review and your impressions of their functionality; great observations!

  • @JonDZ_Adventuring
    @JonDZ_Adventuring 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I appreciate the honesty Donald! I too received LASfit LED lights for review but you're absolutely right, the housing has to be designed for them. My Honda Passport came with full LED lighting with the exception of the high beams, and as you said in your video, high beam LED's make for a worthy replacement since they're only used in certain situations when no one is in front. I absolutely love my OEM LED low beams and fog lights, there's no scatter, just a straight line of light. With that said, I think it may be worth finding a nice LED headlight housing with a proper reflection pattern

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That makes perfect sense. I really wish I had known about this issue when LASFIT contacted me, I would've asked them to send me something other than a low beam replacement. Unfortunately my high beams use a different bulb. Too bad I can't make these fit into my Hellas which are woefully inadequate as offroad auxiliaries.

  • @TheProvinceOfRC
    @TheProvinceOfRC 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thanks for this great and fair review. Here in Germany it is not allowed to retrofit your halogens with aftermarket LED bulbs, because of all the reasons you mentioned. But I replaced all the indoor lights in my Forester SH with LEDs. It is legal and makes a big difference.

  • @swidahooverlanding2867
    @swidahooverlanding2867 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Thanks for being honest!
    Someone will send you a product because they want a honest opinion.
    Sometimes it hurts, but once people know you are honest, companies will want your backing if they think they are selling a good product. Think of it this way, you probably just got rid of 90 percent of junk to review! Good for you and good for honest/quality producers/products. George

  • @pepperjack26
    @pepperjack26 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the honest review. Your side by side (top over bottom) comparison was fantastic, very well done. Looks like Lasfit would be good for a "brights" option. I love light, LED everything! Purchased my H8/9/11 headlamps on headlight revolution's site w/lifetime warranty - they do have options. Great light, no one has flashed me in 30k miles. I drive with headlights on - day and night. Expensive, but you get what you pay for (unless you get free samples!)
    Yes, there are backup LEDs out there for us, and they are not expensive as they don't have to or need to meet any legal/considerate requirements. Inexpensive interior LED kits also out there. (SJ, 18')

  • @ARGINVENTOR
    @ARGINVENTOR 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thank you for being fair and saying the truth. Reflector housings were not designed for LEDs.

  • @garyg5000
    @garyg5000 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow, great in-depth discussion on the application of LED's in Halogen reflectors. Good points. Thanks!!!

  • @PS-fg3hp
    @PS-fg3hp 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    A sponsored review that's honest and fair and not all rosy? Rare. Thank you, I'm subscribing! (and if LASFIT still sends you another LED set to try in spite of your real review - I'm buying.)

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've had zero response from Lasfit. I don't think they make a high beam replacement for my car; I would have loved to try and hopefully give a positive review to some LED backup lights but I suspect they're done with me. :-)

  • @madcratebuilder
    @madcratebuilder 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great review with real world results. I installed LED's in my 17' Colorado and to adjust them down a bit. I see better and I'm not getting flashed by oncoming drivers.

    • @omgfoz
      @omgfoz 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      My daily is a 2016 Canyon (which was actually featured in one of his previous videos!) and that's exactly what I did. And did again after installing a leveling kit. The Chevy/ GMC projector housings do a much better job of creating a sharp cutoff versus these reflector housings.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have aimed my headlights down and tried it again:
      th-cam.com/video/DmKrg3aZxfM/w-d-xo.html

  • @ing-tangtawan
    @ing-tangtawan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative and honest review. Hope more people are considerate like you do.

  • @VinDieselS70
    @VinDieselS70 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great review and very chilled one too. 👍 I've also concluded the same as you did and saw somewhere that to retrofit LEDs in a headlight not designed for LED is not recommended as seen in your video. However it is possible to retrofit LEDs in projector headlight as the light works different and the beam patters is shaped by a metal curtain between the bulb and the lens.
    I never tried LEDs as there's no space inside the housing for these (Volvo V50 with factory fit projector lens with H7 bild) soI recently got a pare of Osram Night breaker Laser H7 bulds and that made such a different compares to normal H7 bild. I also cleaned the projector lens itself which also made a difference 👍.
    Thank you for a great video.

  • @courijones1317
    @courijones1317 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow...great review! Even better humanbeing! I subscribed simply off of your ethics as a person...the world needs more kind and considerate people like you! Thanks for an awesome job.

  • @kaveee971
    @kaveee971 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's just so amazing to see a review where the reviewer isn't pretending. Thanks for your honesty. You might not get more LED lights sent your way but you will definitely sleep better at night ;)

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's funny, I actually had three or four other companies ask to send me LED headlamps after I made this video, but no way was I going down that road again, haha.

    • @kaveee971
      @kaveee971 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@softroadingthewest thumbs up! :D

  •  4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love your attitude towards other road users and thinking about the safety of all traffic around you. I wish more people would consider others as much as you did in this case.
    I plan to install those in my wife's Lexus CT. It is also running H11 bulbs, but unlike your Subie, it does not have an open reflector. It is equipped with a reflector lens and I think it should be far less disturbing for oncomming traffic. We will see.
    Thanks for this film!

  • @warsamewarsame6835
    @warsamewarsame6835 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the honest review. I wish many people could be respectful like you. Many thanks.

  • @keithosborne6585
    @keithosborne6585 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I thought this was a very thoughtful and fair review. If a manufacturer thinks twice about sending you a product to review, the consumer should automatically think twice about buying it.

  • @CarazyDiamond
    @CarazyDiamond 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good & interesting video here. I must say that you've really done long & arduous work here. Coincidently I also replaced the old and aging halogen in 2007 Ford Explorer with brand new LEDs. Yeah, 2 things that I noticed: 1 - I can see anything to everything. 2 - I do have the same fear just as you're saying that people might think that I've got the brights on but so far I haven't seen anyone flashing back at me. However just make things clearer my 2007 Ford Explorer also has the same umbrella in the light housing and likewise the light emission is actually reflected out on the road from the rear reflector wall, so this makes the bandwidth of light beam on the road quite even. Also, I have installed or replaced actually the halogen bulbs from the fog to the LEDs. So if any given time I have a fear that I'm a nuisance o the road with headlights on I switches on the Fogs only and have a comfortable field of vision.
    My second last point in this argument here is more important for me. My eyesight isn't good at all. after going with aftermarket LEDs I feel I am a more relaxed driver and can see much much better than before so the chances of me becoming a contributing factor of an accident on the road now considerably reduced. In my area almost every other car is brand new so either they're on HID or LED as OEM.
    So my last thought related to the last part: Almost all the new cars esp luxury cars they are now fitted with extremely high-end tech lighting system rather quite fancy in Audi so to speaks as they can project a movie on the road as well and any letter or word you can put in the program. These adaptive lightning systems are awfully expensive. That 2014 BMW i8 fancy Laser light system 1 - headlight cost incase of full replacement cost over $10000. Even though that example is one end of the extreme, however, newer the with the newest tech costing a lot more then some could easily catch up to them.

  • @tagetes1442
    @tagetes1442 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow. thoughtful review. I often had the same questions stirring around in my head as to improving my light output at the expense of oncoming traffic. Anyhow, thanks for the in depth review

  • @lenmystr
    @lenmystr 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the thorough thought put into this. I hadn't even considered some things. VERY helpful and made my decision easy!

  • @Bizija123
    @Bizija123 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    best led review I've seen thus far! I have a pair i need to put on my passat soon. I probably wont get flashed in florida everyone seems to drive huge trucks and suvs.

  • @billgriner3754
    @billgriner3754 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the honest review and being a considerate human being. Most people ( sadly ) realize that LEDs do produce more usable light and could care less about other drivers.
    LEDs seem to be hit or miss on longevity.

  • @mmmdef
    @mmmdef 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Well you just saved me $100. Appreciate the honest review.

  • @bradmaas6875
    @bradmaas6875 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The light output pattern is good, aiming them down and to the right just a touch should do the trick. Keep in mind the more weight in back, the higher the aim point of the headlights.

  • @danhohman
    @danhohman 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for your honest review of this product and your explanation in general of why LED bulbs aren’t right in halogen housings. I really wanted this to be a positive review because my wife’s Chevy Traverse low beams are awful. I was hopeful that this would be the fix!

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      If the headlamps don't have projectors, I think simple upgraded halogen bulbs are worth a shot. Not very expensive, maintain the beam pattern, and they did make a noticeable difference for me.

  • @ASTMA193
    @ASTMA193 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. A really honest review and very helpful. Thank you for this.

  • @rundllx3228
    @rundllx3228 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    In germany its illegal to fit those to your car bacause led headlights need to self adjust instantly, like when youre going over a bump it instantly needs to react. And even then they sometimes blind others. Very thoughtful, honest and informative video, keep it up!

  • @davidwebster7624
    @davidwebster7624 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for your honest review. I was considering these bulbs for my 2017 Tucson but was concerned about blinding oncoming traffic. After all I hate other people that put these darn bulbs in their POS cars and blind me. I don’t want to be one of ‘those’ people. I think I’ll look into other options.
    Thank you.

  • @aryanzijlstra6649
    @aryanzijlstra6649 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the good review. I've seen a few reviews for other type of LED's but didn't realize at any time that the housing reflector needs to be different for LED compared to regular or halogen lights.
    As I am going to replace my two front headlight assemblies anyway I looked for LED headlight assembly for my make and model car. I found some that cost a bit more than the regular assemblies, however, the work with LED AND they look much cooler.

  • @jlautomotive6349
    @jlautomotive6349 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very thorough analysis… First off even “factory” vehicles with “factory” LEDs are blinding to on coming traffic… LEDs are just brighter and throw more light to the point that even designed by a manufacturer it still produces more light. Technology is coming in the way of the headlights being able to shut off the drivers side as another vehicle passes but we’re years away, plus we’re years behind what Great Britain has vs what we’re allowed here…
    Great video, just feel personally that I care more about what I can see vs what others see with me coming but I live in a country setting so my daily “light issues” vary greatly…
    Keep up the great work!

  • @maverickb9465
    @maverickb9465 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good video with awesome details. I'm retaining my stock headlights on my VW passat 👏🇨🇦

  • @rhawk2424
    @rhawk2424 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very well made video. You made up my mind, I'm good with my stock bulbs. I might just do the high beams, but the lows and fogs will stay halogen. Thank you, again, great video.

  • @john.a8334
    @john.a8334 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review. Hope more venders send you more free stuff for test. Love all your vlogs.

  • @drexldog
    @drexldog 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for being considerate and acknowledging that they are blinding other drivers. I've come across so many vehicles with "a-hole blue" (official colour) LEDs that were probably brighter than halogens on high beam. I'm sure there is some kind of app to measure lumen output 😁

  • @bogdandanailescu
    @bogdandanailescu 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    My car has LEDs from factory and I still get flashes because people think I drive with my high beam on. But I did appreciated your honest review. Keep it up!

  • @DaniTheDeer
    @DaniTheDeer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    An honest product review? Those are few and far between.
    I really enjoyed it! :D

  • @kevinnorwood7355
    @kevinnorwood7355 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    As always you have shot another great video!
    I have mixed feelings because of where we live. When my Forester passed away I bought a used VW Golf to drive back and forth to work. Someone took the original housing for the car out and replaced them with ones from a 337 GTI. With STOCK bulbs I have no need to upgrade my bulbs or even use my high beams. I do need some fog lights though.
    We live IN the mountains and I work second shift so I don’t leave work until after 10pm.
    It’s DARK here there are no street lights near us, lots of deer, dogs, and other critters.
    My wife works on the other side of the pass, and it’s even darker for her to drive at night.
    When I find the Subaru I want I plan to check into some aftermarket headlight housing “ if there is such a thing.” If not then going to definitely find a brighter bulb than my old Subaru had.
    I agree with you about the interior lights though they are terrible.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Replacing the entire housing is a whole other ball game and addresses the problem of the LED/Halogen reflector mismatch. Though even without going to that expense, for me simply stepping up from the cheapest halogen to an upgraded halogen made a visible difference while causing no glare issues. Thanks for watching!

  • @thecma3
    @thecma3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This was one of the things I was most worried about when I installed one of the better-reviewed aftermarket LED drop-ins in my 2012 Forester. I installed the lights at night and parked where I could compare where the LED's shine on a fence against the original halogens. I actually found that, when correctly clocked, the LEDs gave a sharper cutoff at the top of the field and didn't shine noticably higher. Based on my short time in stage lighting, I've seen how much of an effect can be had on a projected beam by slightly moving the filament of a lamp, and projector headlights are no different.

  • @ALNSMOVERLAND
    @ALNSMOVERLAND 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm glad you went with the LED vs Halogen glare to oncoming drivers comparaison, because it was my main concern about this upgrade. I already had my own idea (that's why I never bought them) but you just comfirm that. Thanks !
    And just like you, I'm not a scientist but I always heard that yellowish lights are better for eyes fatigue during long drives than the bright white/blueish ones, even if you see better with them.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I didn't know that about the light color...that is interesting. I was actually thinking maybe the blue-ish light would help your brain stay more in an alert "daytime" mode but that thought was just a guess on my part. Thanks Jordan and bon voyage au sud!

  • @johncard007
    @johncard007 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great impartial review I've now decided upgrading is not a good idea. Thanks!

  • @del787b
    @del787b 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good review man. I was actually thinking of installing some on my Crosstrek but I guess I’ll just install them on my Fog lights I think that would be a better option

  • @istp1967
    @istp1967 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good unbiased review; and the free form jazz is great.

  • @quantass
    @quantass ปีที่แล้ว

    Brilliant, thorough review.

  • @olivervigilia6351
    @olivervigilia6351 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great comparison video and review.... when I converted my car's halogen to LEDs, I made sure to adjust the headlight height (there are screws on the back of the headlight housing... one for up and down adjustment and another one for left and right adjustment) .... just lower the height accordingly so as not to blind oncoming traffic... there are a lot of YT videos that give a tutorial on this.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I tried that. Here's the results: th-cam.com/video/DmKrg3aZxfM/w-d-xo.html

  • @stevefredericks2304
    @stevefredericks2304 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great review and you bring up the important point they reflector housings tend to throw LED lighting all over the place as opposed to projectors. I did install KED’s as high beams on my Outback, as you said they aren’t used with incoming cars and it does a great job illuminating back roads frequented by deer at night. I use slightly upgraded halogens for low beams

  • @sketcher68
    @sketcher68 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice to see both side of installing Led light,
    fed up of people installing them and blinding on coming traffic.
    I was thinking of installing some led bulbs but this video made up my mind,
    I should upgrade the lights an not just the bulbs.
    Thank you for sharing this video.
    Take care. R

  • @zahimiibrahim3602
    @zahimiibrahim3602 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for a thoughtful and nicely balanced review.

  • @DjCBlaq
    @DjCBlaq 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good review. Super informative

  • @ArkansasOffroad
    @ArkansasOffroad 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the review man, very thorough and honest. LASFIT sent me some of these as well for my wife's subaru crosstrek and she gets flashed every time she drives. They are very very bright.

  • @nazrizainudin3189
    @nazrizainudin3189 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Finally my doubts explained very well by you. No wonder after changing to LED on the reflector headlights, the lighting field and pattern totally unacceptable. I'm switching back to halogen. Tq.

  • @gabrielabate6020
    @gabrielabate6020 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    A very well made video, very informative. Thanks!

  • @Loyee2000
    @Loyee2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Agree with what you said and in many occasions I did experience myself. Well-done mate!

  • @jarredfedor4150
    @jarredfedor4150 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know you weren't looking for lights, but if you are interested in others.. Diode Dynamics has done a lot of research and have plug and play headlights that work with housings properly. They actually have quite a few options available for the forester including reverse lights. I ran into similar issues with other "cheaper" LED lights with the beams just being too wide and not very focused. I didn't have that issue on my crosstrek with the SL1 lights from diode. Anyway, give them a shot if you're in the market. Appreciate the honest review and tests you setup to confirm things.

  • @bruceyyyyy
    @bruceyyyyy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey, thanks.
    Looking forward to the fire truck video!

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      bruceyyyyy...what are you doing here? I *told* you not to watch my next video! 8^D

  • @NamJi
    @NamJi 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    It’s refreshing to see people review sponsored products “honestly”. I have a 18 Crosstrek with horrible halogens and I upgraded the stocks with diode dynamics leds and even though these are considered high quality and top notch, they also redirect lights scattered everywhere. I think the issue is the reflector housing which is not meant for the led lights.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, exactly, the halogen reflectors just don't seem to play nicely with the LEDs. Thanks for watching!

    •  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      softroadingthewest google H9 swap. You’ll be much happier with H9 halogens over LED crap. Especially the garbage LEDs you tried out.

  • @dvonehrlich
    @dvonehrlich 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I appreciate an honest review, I sincerely hope that it is not your last.

  • @user-ff5yy6ci2u
    @user-ff5yy6ci2u 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for your honest review!

  • @monkeypig8379
    @monkeypig8379 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks! Great review. I can't tell you how tiring to one's eye when the person behind you are blaring their LED in your rear view mirror for miles and miles down a one-lane road. It's like constantly on high beam. Yes… Better for the driver. But not necessary for everyone else. Especially in the urban and even suburban environment. It's great for your off-roading. You need all the lights.

  • @karenwilson3268
    @karenwilson3268 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your honesty, It would be nice if this information fell into the right hands, thank you again

  • @youtuberwatcher1375
    @youtuberwatcher1375 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are such an educated and nice person. Thank you for you video. In my case I tried some cheap Chinese replacements with LEDs pointing in all directions. Long story short... They were a mess.

  • @s_solo
    @s_solo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great honest review!👍

  • @wakesake
    @wakesake 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very nice realistic review , Thank you and i have the exact same thoughts too

  • @philrobful
    @philrobful 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent and honest review which I found helpful

  • @petetherealrelentless6542
    @petetherealrelentless6542 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good review and video, thanks.

  • @Kaimas7
    @Kaimas7 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video. Thank you for being considerate about other drivers.
    I wonder why the manufacturers are making their led headlights so bright and luminous.
    They should have almost the same amount of lumens as halogen.
    Changing to led would still make sense. A nice white light + longetivity.

  • @josephlee8891
    @josephlee8891 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Was wowed by another video regarding these bulbs, and was thinking of pulling the trigger.
    Thank you for giving me the information I needed to make a better decision.
    I live in Jersey, and have been blinded constantly by people running leds in light housings designed for halogen.
    Certainly don’t want to be one of those jerks.

  • @akalinh
    @akalinh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really nice review! I pretty agree with what you say. That's a good idea and a good thing to talk about how these bulbs can blind other drivers.
    But, i got some precision about LED bulbs, from my personnal experience (and that's why i coment in english this time, for share with almost people who's see this video 😃). Blinding effect depending almost about which type of bulb you need to use.
    Maybe you already see that i got a daily DL650 Vstrom. Its reflectors headlight use H4 bulbs. I replaced OEM version by LED kit (no name). My goal was to be more visible during daytime. But i drive often during night with it (and i don't change bulbs 😆). I never get a lightcall (so, i think that mean i never blinded someone) with it. Why? Thanks to 2 thing:
    -H4 bulbs produce light only on the top in trafic light, no on the bottom. So, in reflector system, the bottom of the headlight is for light the top of the road. So, with only light on the top, we doesn't have light that come to high and can blind
    -I bought LED Bulbs with, approximately, have the 2 LED at the same emplacement that Halogen Filament
    So i think that blinding problem is only about H7, H1 and all bulbs that produce always light all around them.
    Maybe i'll try one day with the Foz (SF5 use H4 bulbs)... For the moment, i use premium bulbs and that make perfectly the job. And i guess, that's the best option for improve Halogen Headlight if you don't need to be more visible like a motobike! 👍

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In my opinion motorcycles are a whole other category and have a legitimate need for an extra bright light. Already, there's only one light rather than two, and that light is further away from the center line than the driver's side headlight of a car. I've never felt blinded by a motorcycle. Plus, daytime visibility to other drivers is a matter of life and death. I agree, upgraded halogen bulbs for the car makes the low beams largely adequate.

  • @mikedehart6927
    @mikedehart6927 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your candidness and honest opinion! Keep up the honest work!

  • @chrisd1828
    @chrisd1828 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the Honest review ; Blue light from the led headlights is also blinding the other drivers.
    For the same reason that phones now have blue light filters.
    It simply kills your night vision, which is why most overhead street lights especially in urban areas are not bluish / white in color.

  • @GPosner8
    @GPosner8 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was, by far, one of the most honest reviews I’ve ever seen. Amazing job. Thank you

  • @shortsprings
    @shortsprings 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Amazing comparison video. The wise (safety) choice is to stick with halogens. I wonder if LEDs would blindingly reflect lights in fog and snow. Thank you for putting this video together!

  • @eugene188
    @eugene188 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    yup. been blinded by lots of people, trucks, SUV, sedans that have lights that are too bright. it sucks when they pull up behind you. thanks for taking that into consideration!

  • @alocarioca
    @alocarioca 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm here because I'm researching videos about how to convert from halogen to led bulbs. After watching your video I'm not sure if I want to convert anymore.
    But I have an issue where my halogen bulbs are barely lasting me 90 to 120 days, and I'm getting sick and tired of the same bulb replacing routine. I understand that I drive a lot more miles per month than the average person, but this issue seems to be getting worst and even the best halogen bulbs aren't lasting.
    I'm a Lyft/Uber Driver here in the South West, and I can assure you the blinding effect has ridiculously increased in the last 3 years and consistently making it harder for me to do my job without having to strain my eyes "Charles Bronson" style so to avoid accidents several times during night driving, and my City is a small City compared to major cities such as Miami or Dallas where I've driven as well and the glare from oncoming traffic is just stupidly out of control on those major cities.
    I'm shocked that this hasn't become a National issue yet.
    But anyway, I like to thank you for your dedication on making such a detailed video. It helped me make a decision today.

  • @JohnAntikainen
    @JohnAntikainen 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Looking at getting some LED replacements for my '01 Subaru OB SUS.. along with the fogs. Need things a little brighter at night, for sure!

  • @2flyabove
    @2flyabove 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent review, analysis and commentary. Thank you.

  • @ArcticHawk2003
    @ArcticHawk2003 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the honest review. Living in a big city, they are a few cars who have converted to LED's & they are indeed quite blinding when they are on coming or in the rear mirrors. It is worse when one or both lights are pointing higher...

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I didn't realize it at the time, but my headlights were aimed on the high side (and one was completely whacked out). I have since adjusted my headlights and retested the LEDs. It seemed to improve the oncoming driver experience, although it didn't necessarily make everything better.
      New test here: th-cam.com/video/DmKrg3aZxfM/w-d-xo.html

    • @ArcticHawk2003
      @ArcticHawk2003 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@softroadingthewest Nice!!!

  • @johrob
    @johrob 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great review.

  • @timothyjamieson1282
    @timothyjamieson1282 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Most excellent review. Great that you looked at the glare problem from other drivers point of view. Here in New Zealand and many other countries it is illegal to fit LED or HID bulbs into halogen housings because of this. We do annual roadwork hybrid checks here and many have been caught out. It is legal to fit an entire LED or HID headlamp from another model in the same range. Ie Nissan Pathfinder here had factory HID lamps on their top model.

  • @bahlowwings
    @bahlowwings 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I have beamtech led from amazon in my 18 Forester with Reflector housing.
    Ive never been flashed or pulled over.
    Cut off is pretty clean for the most part. Theres a video showing beamtechs having a similiar beam to halogen bulb.

    • @AWH-qr3mb
      @AWH-qr3mb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      bahlowwings Beamtech in our Journey too. Cutoff isn’t perfect, but it’s adequate and they’re much less intense than other brands, we have never been flashed either. Of course I adjusted beam angle to compensate for the extra light output to match the halos. That helps too.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's clear that not LEDs are created equal. I did try lowering my headlight aim as many people suggested and retested the Lasfits, if you're curious:
      th-cam.com/video/DmKrg3aZxfM/w-d-xo.html

  • @dzhelildzhanaptilyazis
    @dzhelildzhanaptilyazis 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you, it's a great video and great test

  • @jeffreyroberts7438
    @jeffreyroberts7438 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review 👍🇬🇧

  • @tomz1220
    @tomz1220 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a 2017 Sonata with projector headlights. I decided to try LEDs everywhere on the car. I love the back up lights, plate lights, trunk, interior etc.. but the headlights are going back. Halogen lights just work better in halogen style housings. My leds were super bright, but had a strange focus, and no more hotspot which took away from how far they went out. I chose based off performance since the leds were definitely nicer looking.

  • @stephenlaurencesalen8979
    @stephenlaurencesalen8979 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I totally 100% agree with you! Very nice input

  • @hermanyeung4227
    @hermanyeung4227 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very helpful information

  • @daveloz1
    @daveloz1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this review il be sticking with halogen headlight bulbs as like you said I don't want to dazzle oncoming drivers risking a front collision.