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Morimoto LED XB Headlight review

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by MESO, Apr 3, 2019.

  1. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:09 AM
    #1
    MESO

    MESO [OP] Major Modder Vendor

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    First, thanks to @TRSAndrew for the opportunity to test and review these bad boys.:hattip:
    Second, this is a general review. I've only had them in for 1 night so I am giving my first hand impressions.
    [​IMG]

    The Goods:
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]



    Everything is plug and play
    LOW beam, HIGH beam, And Side marker connectors
    [​IMG]

    The Turn/DRL harness is nice. It has an adapter harness to plug into OEM LED DRL vehicles(TRD,SPORT,PRO,etc)
    But if you have a base model(SR/SR5) just remove it and you will have your regular 3pin connector for Turn/DRL/GND
    [​IMG]

    If you don't care for the sequential style turn signal, this is a bypass jumper to go back to standard flashing
    [​IMG]

    Out with the old, in with the new
    [​IMG]
    OLD VS NEW
    [​IMG]


    INSTALLED
    [​IMG]

    DRL
    [​IMG]

    TURN
    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    NIGHT PICS

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    (I am on an uneven surface)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Here is my unbiased opinion;

    Build quality- 9/10 Molds are clean, plastic looks high quality. Better than ANZO/SPYDER almost OEM grade plastic.
    Fitment- 9/10. Everything lined up pretty well. Tiny gap near the hood/grill..but nothing major.
    Installation-10/10. Everything was PnP. The pigtail DRL/turn adapter will be nice for users with non OEM-LED DRL. The bypass connector for Sequential turns is a benefit as well
    Performance- I'll have to break this down into a few sections;
    DRL: 10/10. Great output. Awesome intensity, even with the slightly smoked DRL lens. Great attention to detail on the lens design with the optic design to diffuse the light.
    TURN: 10/10. Same as above. Would have liked a little more amber, I'd say they are more borderline of "PC AMBER".. but awesome nonetheless.
    LOW BEAM: 7/10 Step is a little too drastic for my taste(reminds me of the D2S 4.0's) I would have liked a more subtle step like 5.0, or RX's. NO COLOR band:( While the cutoff is very sharp and clean.. it lacks that nice color flicker. Not a deal breaker..but I'm so used to it. After talking with Andrew.. they might tune the projector for a little more color in final production units.
    HIGH BEAM: 8/10 Decent. Very concentrated, but it works.

    Overall, these are the best "over the counter" drop in lights I have seen. You cannot compare them to retrofits as that's a different class.

    I'll update when I get to play around with them more.. but these should pacify everyone waiting for them!
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2019
  2. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:22 AM
    #2
    Invid

    Invid Well-Known Member

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    Nice initial review, thank you.
     
    MESO[OP] likes this.
  3. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:25 AM
    #3
    WiscoPat

    WiscoPat One does not simply purchase a Ridgeline

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    Thanks for the review! Interested to see how/if your impressions change with some time on the clock, especially in terms of projection. Regardless, looks like a great product.

    Edit: Also a reminder of how GOTDAMN sexy your build is dude.
     
    strongrob likes this.
  4. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:27 AM
    #4
    morcheez26

    morcheez26 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks @meso for the review ... super anxious now .. and ill just have to imagine them on my truck as i stare at it from this treadmill :D

    92BA53A9-7FD1-4B7A-96C7-B378165BBF43.jpg
     
    jq1604 likes this.
  5. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:28 AM
    #5
    rukness

    rukness Well-Known Member

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  6. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:31 AM
    #6
    MESO

    MESO [OP] Major Modder Vendor

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    Parker315, strongrob, MatDSG and 6 others like this.
  7. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:32 AM
    #7
    Huha

    Huha Well-Known Member

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    Arm rest organizer, dash cam, popnlock, anytime backup cam
    Can you can test to see if it blinds drivers in front of you as if high beams were turned on instead. I want to get these headlights sometime in the future, but that's my only major concern.
     
  8. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:33 AM
    #8
    MESO

    MESO [OP] Major Modder Vendor

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    If leveled correctly they should NOT blind oncoming traffic. There are actually 3 adjustments;
    HIGH BEAM
    LOWBEAM CUTOFF(Veritcal)
    LOWBEAM STEPOVER(horizontal)
     
    Inferno__Taco, SandyTaco4x4 and Invid like this.
  9. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:40 AM
    #9
    FlamingTacoBro

    FlamingTacoBro Taco Junkie

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    How much do these cost? and where do I order?
     
  10. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:40 AM
    #10
    Huha

    Huha Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. So all the bulbs are included as well?
     
  11. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:42 AM
    #11
    MESO

    MESO [OP] Major Modder Vendor

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    MSRP is around $1200 IIRC?
    From Andrews post, they will be shipping around June time frame
    Yes. Since this light is 100% LED is is NOT user serviceable. And NO lights can be changed.
     
  12. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:42 AM
    #12
    Invid

    Invid Well-Known Member

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  13. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:43 AM
    #13
    fiftyxp

    fiftyxp Well-Known Member

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    1200 dollars. Crazy imo. I want them though, my only concern is longevity and how long they'd last. 1200 is by no means cheap.
     
  14. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:44 AM
    #14
    Anchovy

    Anchovy Rule #1: Never take me seriously

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    Really want these now
     
  15. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:46 AM
    #15
    MESO

    MESO [OP] Major Modder Vendor

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    For some.. yes. Others.. not really. Just depends on your dedication level to modding.
    To put in perspective, I spent $1200 on a single BUSTED up BMW I8 laser headlight ..just to rip it apart and anazlize the guts.:goingcrazy:
     
  16. Apr 3, 2019 at 9:49 AM
    #16
    FlamingTacoBro

    FlamingTacoBro Taco Junkie

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  17. Apr 3, 2019 at 10:01 AM
    #17
    sandiegohasthebesttacos

    sandiegohasthebesttacos Well-Known Member

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    is it possible to mod DRL's to amber instead of white?
     
  18. Apr 3, 2019 at 10:04 AM
    #18
    Yann

    Yann Well-Known Member

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    @mesojdm could you make an adapter to go from SR/SR5 to LED daytime running lights? The reverse of what comes with these headlights .
     
  19. Apr 3, 2019 at 10:11 AM
    #19
    TRSAndrew

    TRSAndrew Well-Known Member Vendor

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    It's doable, just a bit complex. Basically you'd need to give it a turn signal function as a DRL, and have the DRL effectively cut out when you use the turn signal (so it's off when the truck tells it to turn the blinker light ON).
     
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  20. Apr 3, 2019 at 10:15 AM
    #20
    TRSAndrew

    TRSAndrew Well-Known Member Vendor

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    Crazy for some sure, but it's designed to be the best of the aftermarket and better performance than stock (including the new reflector LED headlights), without any upgrades or modifications needed.
     
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