Review: Philips X-Treme Power Headlamps

[BigJ]

Philips X-treme Power Headlamps

I had bought these long before my Raptor showed up. I read a ton of complaints on other F150 boards regarding the stock headlights and how little light they throw. The Philips X-treme Power bulbs seemed to the be the bulb of choice (the Silverstar's were more popular, but the data proves they're actual light output less than stock and that their perceived improvement is nothing more than a trick of the eye).

I actually forgot I had them until tonight. I've been happy with the Raptor's headlights so it didn't even occur to me. Never the less, they were sitting on the shelf, so I figured what the hell.

Install as per the manual is straight forward and simple. The first side took me all of 10 minutes, and the second took half that. I took the following pics after installing just one side, in hopes of seeing the differences.







The pics show everything but the color change. There's a slighly whiter light coming from the Philips, as compared to the slightly browner of the Sylvania. The pics do show the improved pattern though, and I verified this effect on the road. I'd guess they're reaching maybe 10-15% further down range, and easily 15-20% to the sides.

All in all this was a worthy mod. I'm not sure I'd run right out and replace the stockers, but as they wear you might want to consider choosing the Philips over the Sylvanias.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Jason, thanks for your review.

Did you go with the Philips Xtreme Power bulbs (H13 / 9008)?

Here are the latest new ultra high performance headlight bulbs for you from Philips. The H13 / 9008 Xtreme Power bulbs give an enormous improvement in beam focus and formation. They put up to 80% more bright white light in the beam's hot spot so your beams reach out further down the road — wider, too, for easier seeing in turns and on curvy roads. They're made with the world's most precisely wound and accurately placed filament coil in a compact, AR-treated optical quartz envelope. Xenon, krypton, and other noble gases are included in the newly-reformulated fill gas. A discreet blue ring at the head of the bulb envelope gives you new-car style without sacrificing beam performance (as less advanced blue-glass bulbs make you do). And the anti-glare end cap is attractive platinum chrome rather than the ordinary dull black. Fully DOT-certified and ECE-approved for use in any headlamps that take H13 (9008) bulbs. For the best possible street-legal performance from your headlamps, get these Philips Xtreme Power bulbs — they are the finest in the world.

Source of quote: http://store.candlepower.com/bfcopoh1390p.html

 

[BigJ]

Yep those are the ones. Our headlight housings take the H13/9008 bulb; its a single bulb (one per side) that contains filaments for both low and high beams.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Bulbs.com sells the Philips for $36.98 for a pair

SKU: PA-9008XPS2
Ordering Code: 9008XPS2

http://www.bulbs.com/eSpec.aspx?ID=15032

 

[BentToast]

Looks interesting, and much cheaper than a light bar!

 

[Falcon]

CandlePower.com has them for $39.33 a pair. Enter "Summer" in the coupon block and get 10% off on shipping. Not free shipping, but close! <G>

http://store.candlepower.com/bfcopoh1390p.html

Falcon

 

[jesse]

Nice! way cool...does anybody have a writeup for a "how to" replace the stock bulbs for these phillips?

 

[BigJ]

No problem Jes. These drop in just like stock replacements. This from the 2010 F-150 Owners Guide, 1st Printing pgs 79-81

Replacing headlamp bulbs
1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the off position and open the hood.

2. Remove the pushpin that holds the air deflector/protective cover from the upper inboard corner of the lamp.


3. Loosen the three retaining bolts (two at top of lamp, one at lower inboard corner).


4. Once the three retaining bolts have been removed, slide the headlamp assembly forward, disconnecting the two snap attachments at the fender.

5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling rearward.

6. Remove the bulb and socket by turning it counterclockwise, then pull it straight out.


WARNING: Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.

Install the new bulb in reverse order.

 

[jesse]

after i posted, i had a gut feeling this wil be in the manual...as so did the air filter and so on...all great info! good to see there is nothing to it but a few bolts and a simple turn....this is on my to do list now of course lol Thanks BigJ!

 

[MagicMtnDan]

2. Remove the pushpin that holds the air deflector/protective cover from the upper inboard corner of the lamp.

This is perhaps the most "difficult" step in the process. You'll need a light touch when removing the pushpin (as I recall it was a screw that requires a light touch with the screwdriver). Perhaps someone else who has done this more recently can add their input here? Tim (XJRguy), can you comment?