LED Light Bar Opinions

I did a quick search and didn't see a thread like this, which is what's prompting me to start one. I'm ready to add a 30" light bar to the front of my truck, and it's taking me forever to sort through all the different threads to get an idea of which bars people have used, the cost, and if they were impressed or not by the light output. I don't mind spending more for quality, but I do a LOT of highway driving and I know it's only a matter of time before a rock takes out the glass in front of a light bar, so I'm also considering cost for future replacements.

So...I figured I'm not the only one doing this and trying to decide which bar to go with.

For those of you that have already purchased one, could you please reply with the following:

1. Brand / Model (Link to website / Amazon would be REALLY nice!)
2. Cost
3. Impression - fit, light output, quality of build, etc.

 

sub'd

 

Cali Raised 4D. Very happy with the quality, stealth fit, and output:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/index.php?threads/376180/

 

sub'd

 

No daylight pics just yet but.
zroadz 40" curved
4 light ditch pods
TREX 20" grille

Not sure on pricing, but quality and finish is great.

 

There are a bunch on Amazon, search 30" light bars, also check the threads for more detailed info.
I experimented with a $38 30" 180w light bar and installed with 6 inch L brackets into the aluminum bumper with self tappers.
I installed the Light Bar recessed with a remote switch from OPT7, for simplicity. Took about an hour, only caveat is you have to trim the air dampers that feed of the front grill to the radiator about 4" to accommodate the L bracket install.

Pros: Easy install under $100
Cons: Cheap light bar, leaked, recessed mount not desirable for optimum light output.

I will go back and retro this install with a quality light bar from Cali Raised or another vendor and do a flush mount with a cab switch in the future, that's the way it should be.

 

Love mine nice light output

 

Xprite 30" LED Off Road Light Bar Flood/Spot Combo Beam, 180W LED Power

http://www.amazon.com/Xprite-180W-F...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

I've owned this one on Amazon for about a year now. It's at a high risk for getting cracked by a rock on the highway, but after 18,000 miles, it's still performing flawlessly and with no moisture either. Even if it does get broken, it's cheap to replace.

 

That's what actually started this thread - I've been searching on Amazon and can't really get a feel for how one light compares / functions against the others and there's a wide range of prices.

 

I bought a 30 inch single row off Amazon from eyourlife. it was $100, nice assembly, good price, bright. Customer service could use some help. Already had to crack it open twice to re seal it. Need to check it again after the torrential Texas rain we got. Bottom line, you get what you pay for.

 

hows the installation? and hows driving around with them. by the way great looking truck

 

thanks. Zroadz did all the install. They have studio pics on their website/IG Page. All the bracketry looked like a breeze to install. The roof bar uses the front rack mount hole, so no drilling, wiring runs through the mount itself into roof/headliner.

The have a patented deflector that attaches to the light itself. A few people with roof bars have commented how much quieter it is. I dont notice much, there is some wind noise but not bad. No louder than tires, except when really windy at 80mph.

images from zroadz
http://zroadz.com/index.php/product/front-roof-led-light-bar-mounting-kit_tacoma_2016/

 

Mine is on a Gen 2 but I have a 30" Rough Country Single Row in my bumper. Light output is a lot better compared to a "off-brand" model. I haven't seen alot of reviews for their lights but I have no complaints. I paid $229 for the light and they have brackets for '16. They have a whole kit on their website for $279.95.

http://www.roughcountry.com/toyota-tacoma-30in-led-bumper-kit-70621.html

 

I have also compared it to my friends Amazon light and there is a significant difference in brightness.

 

I'm running a 50" black oak LED dual row on relentless brackets. Crazy bright!

 

Just installed the cali raised 4d light bar and brackets. What a beating! Had to put the bar on and off 3 times. It sits a little crooked but not to bad. Took about 8 hours start to finish and my arms and hands are bleeding! The instructions suck! It would be nice if they at least told you which bolts to use on the bar. It came with 2 sizes with the bar, but the ones you need are in the box with the brackets AND THEY WERE TOO LONG! Ended up having to add some washers to get it tight, the bolts going through the brackets in to the bar would bottom out just before tight. So if you intend to do it, research the hell out of it! Do not attach the brackets to the bumper bolts just put them in place and then attach the bar to them. Also remove the brackets that the air dam is push pinned to. Trust me it was the only way I got it done with my big forearms. If I would have done it in the first place, I would not be bleeding and as sore. Took forever to get a call back for questions. That made for a longer install. Hope I never have to do it again!