Driving lights, what you got?

hydrowill

hydrowill

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Joined
Oct 1, 2012
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201
Location
Melbourne
Hey everyone, I am deciding on some driving lights and the are so many options out there all across the price range.

I will be using them for highway driving so thinking of going two spots as the car already has 100w high beam globes that do a good job but lack distance.

Will eventually get a light bar to mount on my roof rack for night AWDing so no need to have the lights for slow speed work.

I have read lots of reviews however would like to know what you guys have/would recommend?
 
Will,
a common mistake with driving lights in my view is to fit either two spots or two spread beams. You want a spread beam to give good side vision for stray animals etc and a spot for distance.
In the past I have always fitted Cibie Super Oscars these are massive lights 220mm diameter which have a huge spread beam and spot and will light up the road like you wouldn't believe.
On my 2004 Forrester which my daughter seems to have hijacked I fitted the IPF 900XS, one spot and one spread beam. I can highly recommend these as well. These are a round light like the Cibie. IPF also make a 800XS which is a rectangular version.
I looked at Roo lights, these are a cheap copy of the Light Force. Light Force uses a filter system for spread or spot light. I really did think these were as good as claimed.
Stay away from cheap lights, they are generally a waste of money.
Trust this helps.
 
I've got Hella on mine. They're the "Comet 500's" & I'm very happy with them :raz:
Would I buy them again ? Yes.
But instead of getting 2x pencils, I'd probably go for 1x spot & 1x spread next time.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Cibie Oscar, the smaller ones, H4.

All pressed metal and powder coated. Electro chromed bevel and optically pure rather thick toughed glass.

They live behind thick polycarbonate clip on lenses and then foamed fronted pullover PVC covers.

Original 70's French made light bought for another car.

Exactly like these..

2cd8mqq.jpg


:)
 
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I also have an inline 12v capacitor to each spot light. This gives me the a non instant ON and the non instant OFF. You can see the lights power up or power off over 1/2 a second. The charge in the cap bleeds off quickly so there is no power surge to shock the filaments.

HID%20Warning%20Canceller(B%20style).jpg


Easy it on and easy it off. I have had the same 100W 'Piranha' bulbs for more then 15 years!

:)
 
Now that is a good idea, I have never seen that before. Good choice of light too. The Oscar is a 180mm diameter light. I had a pair I bought in the 70's which someone "borrowed" off my 4wd and didn't return ! At least they unplugged the cables.
 
My philosophy on lights is never pay more than you are prepared to lose through animal strike, theft etc. I've been happy with Narva, one each spot and spread. I use Hella for fogs.
 
I personally like a lot of spread on my road car lighting system as in most cases I am only travelling at a maximum of 110 kmh (usually under 100 kmh). Big throwing spot beams are fantastic but spotting the critters lurking in the wings is priceless. In saying that though a spot/spread or spread/spread set of Cibie Oscars would be my bang for buck choice.

The most important and often forgotten factor in good lights is good quality wiring. heavy gauge wire and earth points along with good relays and a sturdy mounting point can really improve just about any set of lights. I see a lot of people in my car club that spend mega bucks on driving lights and then just use the loom supplied and wonder why their lights are orange and dim.
 
Thanks guys I was pointing in the direction of the cibies as my old man has some super oscars n they are pretty good.

TBH now I am fairly confused on what beams I want to get :P
 
Although a huge fan of Cibies, I also agree with Kevin about not spending more than you're prepared to lose to animals, both the furry & sticky-fingered varieties! :(

I wouldnt go Halogen, IMO its old technology. I'd only go HID or LED, both are getting heaps cheaper.

I also dont see the benefit in seeing 600-700m down the road. I need to see the wildlife 50m from the side of the road, waiting to jump out at me. So spread beam x2 for me :biggrin:
 
I've lightforce 170 (halogen) , love them I've once focused down the road and one focused as a spread beam. Have to clarify though, got them as a 21st present few years ago got no idea what they cost.
 
Hi Will,
stick with what you know. Here is a link that may be useful. I have found European Auto Imports to be the cheapest in the past for Cibie.
https://www.eai.net.au/Fog_driving_lights.html

As you are used to Super Oscars you would be disappointed with something less. You can buy them as a kit with one driving and one spot beam. Alternatively go with the Oscar. Just make sure you have the clearance with your bull bar.
 
NachaLuva said:
I also dont see the benefit in seeing 600-700m down the road.
Click to expand...

Oh I have to disagree!!! I hated having to drive at speed at night always looking into that dark spot ahead hoping nothing was there! Now that distant blackness is lit up like DAY, no more guessing/hoping/stress.
 
Outbacks also have seperate High and low beam globes. Meaning you can pretty much straight swap a HID kit into the high beams leaving lows factory legal halogens.

I put a 55W HID kit in mine and it is awesome. Don't even need driving lights.
 
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