The 921 LED Reverse Light Bulb Study

I have not test the XPRs, but have mentioned them in a few threads. Look promising. You can see they are very thermally limited by the difference in initial output vs stable output (1600 vs 720 lumens) but they are designed to regulate output to not overheat and cause early failure unlike some LEDs. The updated HIR upgrade is 860 stable lumens, and being a halogen in a halogen reflector offers a better more uniform light pattern than replacement LEDs in a halogen reflector. The HIR info was updated with a later product in the HIR thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gy6-35-hir-921-reverse-light-upgrade-vs-high-power-leds.474996/

Many that use their reverse lights very briefly would likely appreciate the higher initial output of the XPRs, though they are also $90 vs $14.

 

Have you ever had a chance to test the MESO Customs Total Tail Stage 1 switchback bulbs? I'd be interested in seeing how they perform in comparison to the stock 921 bulbs.

 

I have tried several different types of LED bulbs in my RV and Kohree are the best so far. They are much brighter than the original incandescent bulbs, do not get hot, illuminate 360 degrees, and use very little electricity. The bulb's base is also very sturdy and easy to grasp, making it simple to mount and remove.

 

I have not tested the MESO tails.

Have a link to the bulbs you are referencing? For replacement LEDs to work well, they typically should get hot, otherwise that would mean they are low output LEDs.

 

Excellent reviews!

 

Will the MorimotoXB reverse fit the 1st gen plug and play?

 

In 921 yes, for 2001+. Doesn’t look like they are available for 1156. The XB is bright, but doesn’t light to the sides well which is a bit limiting for a reverse light. The newer X-VF model looks like it will do a better job with proximity illumination and is available in 1156 for earlier 1st Gens, though I have not tested them.

 

Ohhh ok,
These look pretty nice,

So are these are plug and play? For 1st gen, maybe I will try a set
1156: MORIMOTO X-VF

 

Yes those are plug and play for 1156. Again I have no measured data for them, but their design in principle should do much better for a reverse light than the xb model.

 

Just announced today for 1156:


The XPR is the one discussed in the other thread that was previously only available to the 921 reverse light Tacoma’s.

 

I just bought these,so will see

 

So I've had the HIR's in my Tacoma for quite some time and love them! I've put the HIR's in 2 other vehicles over the years now too with great results!

I noticed these came out a little while ago so I just ordered a pair of the 5k, I plan on putting them in our Subaru Ascent. I'll take some photos to compare when they come in. I don't have a lux meter unfortunatly to get any numbers, but you'll get an idea of how they look. My buddy has them on his 2020 Legacy and they are quite amazing!!!

They are rated at 1500 lumens per bulb. I know VLEDS doesn't specify that on their page, but LightWerkz and a couple other retailers show that it's rated 1500 lumens per bulb and not combined. This note is in the details tab - WARNING For reverse lights only. Installing this product in a constant on application like daytime running lights or parking lights will void your warranty. So clearly they are running on limit and likely will dim as it is ran longer for heat management. Obviously I don't know the rate of dimming and there are far too many conditional variables to make that concrete anyways.

https://www.vleds.com/shop-products/v6-triton/v6-triton-extreme-kit-w-921.html

 

Who spends $110 for a pair of 921 bulbs? I'm definitely in the wrong business.

 

The 35w Gy6.35bulbs were a total fail for my truck and melted the lens from the added heat.

Now my lens is distorted

The X-VF are so bright they are almost like a mini projector flood light

 

Wow, how long did you leave it in reverse? I have the same bulbs and no damage that I can see but then again I’m in reverse for 10-20 seconds max

 

Not very long, I bought those adapters for the sockets and thats probably why,
The new bulbs have very little heat coming odd them

 

Different strokes for different folks. Their V6 Triton Extreme signal and brake bulbs are $165 and the Diode Dynamics XPR are $45 EA. So if they are 2X the brightness for $20 more than the XPR then thats a good deal.

People spend money on far dumber things like video games, alcohol, $1000+ light bars on vehicles that never see dirt and many other non functional items. Hopefully these are as amazing as the price indicates! Don't get me wrong, the HIR bulb is an amazing upgrade! Especially considering the price!! I'm a nerd like many on these lighting threads and like trying out new stuff it's legit. VLEDS is a very legit company, there is NO signal or brake bulb out there that is brighter or provides better reflector light fill than VLEDS Tritons. Period. I'm guessing the reverse light is just as good of quality.

 

I agree 100 percent, each person wants something different,

My projector headlight bulbs cost 175.00 just for the bulbs because I want more!

 

Man sorry to hear that. I had tested them for something like 30 minutes of continuous use in reverse without issue. But if the adapters put the bulbs too close to the lens I could see that potentially being a problem for extended run time.

I have no doubt those X-VF are bright, though they don't look to do a very good job of uniform light distribution.

 

Well I have get new lens to get a correct footprint because the plastic is all warped and deformed now.
The way it is now the New bulb in more light a headlight And 3 times brighter or so it seems