HIDs versus OEM headlights

[AngryBird]

That's odd because DDM says their slim ballasts "fires" faster than the Raptor ballasts. Not sure what that means but maybe some with better knowledge can tell us. https://www.ddmtuning.com/support/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=35&nav=0,2

---------- Post added at 02:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:22 PM ----------

Angry, do you mind taking a second and checking out my HID output video to see if you think they're brighter than your 35W? I honestly think my 55W kit is actually 35W.

Ford Raptor HID - YouTube

Humvee its so hard to tell from a camera. They do look brighter to me but who knows what your cameras auto light leveling is doing to it.

Think of the start time (firing) as the delay between when you flip the switch on and when you first see light coming out the front. The light is Dim at first and then goes to full brightness over some period of time (10-60 sec depending on bulb temperature). So I have no doubt it may "fire" faster but the warm-up time (from switch on to full brightness) is a lot longer with the slimline ballasts in my experience. If I hadn't traded the FJ for the Raptor I'd make a video and show ya. Don't suppose you are in New Mexico I could meet up with you so you could take a look.

If I did it again I would get the Raptor Ballasts as they are cheaper and now have the lifetime warranty. They also look like they will fit under the headlight just fine for mounting purposes.

 

[Humvee21]

Thanks, AngryBird. I knew it'd be hard to tell from camera, but I was hoping that the 40% claim would be so different that you could tell almost instantly. I sent DDM an email asking how I can confirm that they are indeed 55W ballasts.

And nope... not in NM. My loss... I appreciate your bit of insight and helpfulness, though.

 

[AngryBird]

Thanks, AngryBird. I knew it'd be hard to tell from camera, but I was hoping that the 40% claim would be so different that you could tell almost instantly. I sent DDM an email asking how I can confirm that they are indeed 55W ballasts.

And nope... not in NM. My loss... I appreciate your bit of insight and helpfulness, though.

They look pretty bright. I bet they sent you the right ones. Who knows though I didn't think they would send me wrong bulbs either.

 

[Humvee21]

They look pretty bright. I bet they sent you the right ones. Who knows though I didn't think they would send me wrong bulbs either.

Which is exactly why I am doubting their reliability.

I had had a 35W kit on my '04 Mercedes ML350 w/ stock projectors and they seem similarly bright. I cannot compare the two since the ML350 is sold, but from what I remember...

 

[AngryBird]

Which is exactly why I am doubting their reliability.

I had had a 35W kit on my '04 Mercedes ML350 w/ stock projectors and they seem similarly bright. I cannot compare the two since the ML350 is sold, but from what I remember...

Hmm. I can definitely tell the difference between the 55 watt on the FJ and the 35 on the Raptor. Its not subtle to say the least.

I'll try to take some pictures of my light pattern tonight and use the gauges as a reference light. Maybe we will be able to tell.

 

[Drewa]

The little autoparts store near me deals with a place called Bright Source, he said they ar top quality, and they have been good to me over the years. So I ordered a set of HID's from him, will be a week to come in, unless I pay extra shipping, but I am in no rush. They are 55 watt Hi/Lo beams in 6000 K color he said. I hope they are good, since I no nothing about Bright Source.

 

[AngryBird]

The little autoparts store near me deals with a place called Bright Source, he said they ar top quality, and they have been good to me over the years. So I ordered a set of HID's from him, will be a week to come in, unless I pay extra shipping, but I am in no rush. They are 55 watt Hi/Lo beams in 6000 K color he said. I hope they are good, since I no nothing about Bright Source.

Nice do you mind me asking what you paid for em? You should post some pictures and let us know what you think of them when you get em in.

 

[BlueSVT]

I will say that this 5000K 55-watt kit is the BRIGHTEST by far of any of the aftermarket HID kits I've installed on my vehicles, and I've done a lot! That includes cars that had projector lenses. I've always used 35-watt HID in the past.

I actually have my drivers side headlight out now... my ballast came loose when off roading on Saturday and must have knocked the crap out of the ballast and damaged it, it was just flopping around under the headlight inside the fender!

Funny thing though, I didn't even realize I had a headlight out until my buddy pointed it out at the gas station that night when I was filling up! The single light was so bright, I must not have gave it much thought...

 

[AngryBird]

Yeah DDM sells the screw down type mounting brackets for $4. Probably not a bad idea on the raptor. They are simple and you could make your own pretty easy though.

 

[Nick@Apollo-Optics]

I always used the adhesive and zip ties to hold my ballasts in place...both on my truck and on other vehicles. I'm surprised the 55watt HIDs are not blinding. Guess I'll have to step it up when I get the Raptor.