basic Hella's vs basic KC's - which is better? (1 Viewer)

[JCruse]

I've been looking at modest price off road driving lights for night time beach travel lately and I've gotten advice both for and against Hella 500's - or the Hella's plus an HID conversion. But I remember that back in the day KC lights, with the yellow smiley face covers, were on 4X4 trucks everywhere. So I was wondering how one brand stacks up against the other today. Which one do you think is better and why?

 

[Duiser Offroad]

Sorry but, LED's are the future. Many advantages.

I've been looking at modest price off road driving lights for night time beach travel lately and I've gotten advice both for and against Hella 500's - or the Hella's plus an HID conversion. But I remember that back in the day KC lights, with the yellow smiley face covers, were on 4X4 trucks everywhere. So I was wondering how one brand stacks up against the other today. Which one do you think is better and why?

 

[Mark W]

The KCs, or similar (basic 6 inch driving/spot light) will put out a lot more light than the Hella 500s.

LEDs may be the future, but they are not yet the answer for long range lighting.

Mark...

 

[lugueto]

the KC lights youre referring to are the daylighters, and theyre still awesome lights. I had the 100W version and I can say Lightforce lights had nothing on them, they cost about half the price and were notably smaller, but still lit up pretty much the same distance and area..

I now have KC rally 800s which are pretty awesome as well but you cant go wrong with the daylighters. Theyre metal, deceivingly bright and have the iconic smiley face cover which is always kind of cool, gives it a retro look.

If you can, try the 130W version. Also, with those lights you have to be careful to use the covers when not using the lights, and staying way behind vehicles when the covers are off, the glass lens will break easily when hit.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Does anyone know the amp draw for these older halogen lights like the KC Daylighters?

 

[Mark W]

Does anyone know the amp draw for these older halogen lights like the KC Daylighters?

Divide the rated wattage by 12 volts.

Mark...

 

[cruiserpilot]

Thanks, J